Becoming the Man God Intended
Pastor Chang Kim
1 Kings 2:1-4
When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, 3 and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
Introduction: Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there and to our heavenly Father up above.
Booker T. Washington said, “Few things help an individual more than to place responsibility upon him and to let him know that you trust him.”
I. A Father Fulfills His R vv1-2a
1 When David's time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth.
A word of significance is the word “command.”
“To go the way of all the earth” is a picturesque description of death.
II. A Father C His Son to Become a Man vv2b-3b
Be strong, and show yourself a man, 3 and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn
The words “show yourself a man” literally means to become a man. He needed to become a man who is obedient from the heart to the Word of God.
What the Lord requires in order that we walk in His ways is to keep His statutes, His commandments, His rules and His testimonies.
2 Timothy 3:16 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God[b] may be complete, equipped for every good work.
III. A Father Communicates Rewards for O vv3c-4
That you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, 4 that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’
The first blessing or benefit is personal and kingdom prosperity.
Joshua 1:8 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Second, obedience will ensure God’s ongoing fulfillment of the promise God made to David’s descendants.
Romans 1:3-4 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord
We are to walk before God by keeping His Word with zeal and resolution. When we do this, Christ will direct us as He leads our life, our families and our church in His service.
Conclusion
TO KNOW THE BLESSING THAT COMES FROM LIVING A LIFE IN THE WILL AND WORD OF GOD
John 17:4 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.
Father’s, may you renew your commitment, be resolute, to be a man of God so that you can help your children become man and woman of God.
Discussion Questions
What is David’s charge to Solomon and what is its importance?
Why are father’s role important?
What factor does obedience play in your relationship with God?