1 Kings 1; 1 Chronicles 26-28; Romans 6
The story of Solomon's ascension to the throne is another illustration of the importance of striving to know God and serve Him in every generation. As seen from history and the book of Psalms, David sought God with all his heart. Therefore, when he sinned, he returned to Him, repented, and restored his fellowship with Him. Unfortunately, his children did not learn this lesson. We have already seen this in the stories of Amnon and Absalom. The same is evident in the story of Adonijah, who attempted to seize the throne.
Since the books of Chronicles are written from a priestly perspective, they contain detailed descriptions of many aspects of temple service and the overall organization of Israel's life. By David's time, this organization had reached a high level. Structures are created in every sphere, and the specific names of people serving in these structures are described.
1 Chronicles 26 describes the organization of maintaining order in the temple, from gatekeepers to custodians of temple treasures and scribes. People who were "able and diligent in the service" were chosen for these positions (1 Chronicles 26:8).
1 Chronicles 27 outlines the organization of Israel's military readiness. Twenty-four thousand men were on duty for a month; then another 24,000 replaced them. Additionally, leaders were appointed in each tribe (1 Chronicles 27:16-22) and overseers of the king's estates in various sectors (1 Chronicles 27:26-34).
1 Chronicles 28 describes the details of Solomon's appointment to the throne. In the presence of the people of Israel, David encourages them to be faithful in serving the Lord - "keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever" (1 Chronicles 28:8). Moreover, he urges them to do this wholeheartedly - "And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought" (1 Chronicles 28:9). Additionally, David encourages Solomon to "be strong and courageous" (1 Chronicles 28:20), understanding that he would face many challenges in his life and service.
Romans 6 addresses a natural question when encountering the doctrine of salvation by Christ's righteousness, imputed to the sinner by grace through faith. Would this lead to a lack of effort and a disregard for pleasing God? - "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?" Paul responds with a firm denial - "By no means!" The rest of the chapter explains why this is impossible and how it works.
The main reason for the impossibility of the saved living in sin is that Christ's righteousness is imputed to them only when they are united with Him by faith in His death and resurrection - "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4). For this fact to have a practical influence on our lives, it is necessary to: 1. Consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:11), 2. We should not let sin use the members of our bodies, but offer them to God as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13).
Since the books of Chronicles are written from a priestly perspective, they contain detailed descriptions of many aspects of temple service and the overall organization of Israel's life. By David's time, this organization had reached a high level. Structures are created in every sphere, and the specific names of people serving in these structures are described.
1 Chronicles 26 describes the organization of maintaining order in the temple, from gatekeepers to custodians of temple treasures and scribes. People who were "able and diligent in the service" were chosen for these positions (1 Chronicles 26:8).
1 Chronicles 27 outlines the organization of Israel's military readiness. Twenty-four thousand men were on duty for a month; then another 24,000 replaced them. Additionally, leaders were appointed in each tribe (1 Chronicles 27:16-22) and overseers of the king's estates in various sectors (1 Chronicles 27:26-34).
1 Chronicles 28 describes the details of Solomon's appointment to the throne. In the presence of the people of Israel, David encourages them to be faithful in serving the Lord - "keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever" (1 Chronicles 28:8). Moreover, he urges them to do this wholeheartedly - "And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought" (1 Chronicles 28:9). Additionally, David encourages Solomon to "be strong and courageous" (1 Chronicles 28:20), understanding that he would face many challenges in his life and service.
Romans 6 addresses a natural question when encountering the doctrine of salvation by Christ's righteousness, imputed to the sinner by grace through faith. Would this lead to a lack of effort and a disregard for pleasing God? - "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?" Paul responds with a firm denial - "By no means!" The rest of the chapter explains why this is impossible and how it works.
The main reason for the impossibility of the saved living in sin is that Christ's righteousness is imputed to them only when they are united with Him by faith in His death and resurrection - "We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life" (Romans 6:4). For this fact to have a practical influence on our lives, it is necessary to: 1. Consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:11), 2. We should not let sin use the members of our bodies, but offer them to God as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13).
Posted in Reading Bible Together