More of Him, More Like Him (Part 2)Sample

Desiring Him Over Human Relationships

Observation
1. What did God command the kings of Israel in Deuteronomy 17:16-17? What did Solomon do in 1 Kings 11:1-10? Why did he do it?

2. In what ways did his alliances and intermarriages with pagan nations affect his relationship with God (1 Kings 11: 4-8)?

3. Look up 1 Kings 9:6-9. Trace the extent of the effect of Solomon’s disobedience according to verses 7-9.

4. Solomon’s disobedience was to enlarge his influence and Israel’s borders. What, on the contrary, happened to the kingdom based on 1 Kings 11:11, 14, 23 and 26?

Reflection
1. In your life, how does your social circle (romance, business, politics, friends) influence your view and worship of God? Do they help you follow God? What relationships come to mind?

2. Regardless of marital status, how important is it for your spouse to also follow Jesus? For your social circle to follow Him?

3. Solomon, despite his relationship with the Lord, put his earthly relationships first. As a believer, how do you guard yourself from falling into the same mistake that caused Solomon’s fall?

4. Solomon had 700 wives, 300 concubines and numerous political allies. What does this tell us about finding satisfaction in human relationships? In whom is true satisfaction found? What can you do to improve the quality of time you devote to God?

Application
Prayer
Identify the main lesson you got from this study. Write a prayer to Jesus about it, expressing your desire to make Him first over any other relationship.