Study Questions for January 18, 2025
- Looking at Deuteronomy 17:14-20 and the guidelines God gave for Israel's kings (no multiplying horses, wives, or wealth; daily reading of the law), why do you think God set these specific boundaries? How did Solomon's life (as seen in 1 Kings 10:14-28 and 11:1-3) directly violate each one, and what does this reveal about the dangers of seeking security, status, or satisfaction in things other than God?
- In 1 Kings 3:10-14, God was pleased with Solomon's request for wisdom instead of wealth, long life, or victory over enemies—and then gave him riches and fame as well. Share a time when you (or someone you know) prioritized something virtuous over material gain. How does Solomon's early humility contrast with his later life, and what warning does this give us about how blessings can become distractions if not handled wisely?
- Solomon's incredible wealth and power (1 Kings 10:14-23, 26-28), including tons of gold, a lavish throne, and vast chariots/horses—yet Ecclesiastes 2:8-9 and 5:10-11 describe it all as "meaningless" and like "chasing the wind." What modern equivalents do people chase today (money, success, possessions, experiences) thinking they will bring fulfillment? How has your own pursuit of these things ever left you feeling empty? How does this understanding help us understand Jesus' request in the Lord's prayer: "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil?"
- Solomon's many foreign wives turned his heart away from the Lord (1 Kings 11:1-4), leading him to worship other gods despite knowing better. How do relationships, influences, or compromises in our lives have similar power to pull us away from wholehearted devotion to God? What practical steps can we take to guard our hearts, like the daily Scripture reading commanded in Deuteronomy 17:18-19?
- The antidote to emptiness—being "poor in spirit" (Matthew 5:3), treasuring a right relationship with God (Psalm 16:11), and learning contentment in Christ (Philippians 4:11-13). Reflecting on Solomon's journey from great wisdom to recognizing life's futility "under the sun," how does focusing on glorifying and enjoying God forever change our perspective on wealth, wisdom, and pleasures? What is one area of your life where you need to apply Paul's secret of contentment right now?
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Study Questions for January 5, 2025We Learn TogetherStaffing Changes This YearWeather Alert for This Sunday January 5Belong TogetherMembership MattersWeather Alert for Sunday January 12Study Questions for January 12, 2025Study Questions for January 19, 2025Worship TogetherCalling All Men (and help from ladies)Tax Info and 2 Core ValuesPray TogetherStudy Questions for January 26, 2025What a Response Thank YouStudy Questions for February 2, 2025Jesus Steps Forward
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Jesus Meets a Variety of ResponsesStudy Questions for February 9, 2025God Is at Work in our LivesNew Check-In ProcessBe a Sidekick - Make a Lasting DifferenceJesus and the Kingdom of GodStudy Questions for February 16, 2025New Check-In ProcessStudy Questions for February 23, 2025Jesus and His Power in MinistryThe Hardest Days - Prayer for the Millers in SpainJesus and the Process of DiscipleshipStudy Questions for March 2, 2025
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Magnify God's CareStudy Questions for June 8, 2025Waiting to Take the FieldPray for High School & Middle School CampsGod Is the Owner of EverythingStudy Questions for June 15, 2025Magnify God's LoveIt's a PrivilegeStudy Questions for June 22, 2025Magnify God's ForgivenessStudy Questions for June 29, 2025Magnify God's FaithfulnessThe Challenge of Freedom