1 Kings #6: an exposition of 1 Kings 6:1-38. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, February 22, 2015.
Intro:
I’m not what you would call, “handy.” It really isn’t my fault, I had a mechanical bypass when I was a child. When I successfully change a light bulb it is a major accomplishment. Needless to say construction doesn’t interest me. I have a hard time relating to it. I cannot visualize it or understand what’s going on. They are building a huge house just outside the entrance to our neighborhood. It has been going on for some time now. As they were preparing the site and as they poured concrete I thought, “I think that’s pretty big but I can’t tell.” When the framing went up – I thought, “I guess it’s not as big as I thought.” Then the walls went up and the roof went on and I thought, “It’s huge!” All of that is to say as I read 1 kings chapter 6 it sounds like that temple was pretty big but I don’t know and to tell you the truth – I’m not that interested. Now you may be one of those who loves to look at blueprints and material lists – me, not so much. So I have to be honest I’m struggling with this study. But as I push on and try to figure out why the story is told in the way that it’s told, I’m enjoying it.
Our text this evening is found in 1 kings chapter 6.
We are going to fly over the whole chapter and take a general survey of the terrain.
In doing so I think we learn something worthwhile.
Text: 1 Kings 6:1-38
I want us to walk away this evening understanding that…
Thesis: The construction report found in 1 Kings 6, while accurately reflecting what was going on, more importantly points to the centrality of redemption, the majesty of God and the absolute necessity of humble obedience.
Do you remember the book that came out back in 1997 – The Bible Code?
The premise of the book was that there were hidden messages throughout the Bible.
Wonderful truths that could be known if you just knew how and where to look.
The problem of course is that if something is a code – what you read is, in reality, worthless.
That which is plain to see, understood by just reading is meaningless, it is a distraction.
I want to be careful because I do not want, in any way, to give the impression that I think there are hidden messages. I believe this book to be the very Word of God. I believe it to be inerrant and infallible. I also believe that it is to be read and accepted for what it says. I don’t think you have to look for hidden messages.
1 Kings 6 is a construction report.
That’s what it is.
It is the straightforward telling of the dimensions, decorations etc.
I also believe that the way it is told is important.
The author while relaying the story tells it is such a way to emphasize important truths.
I want to point to 3 of them.
- The date for temple construction serves to remind us of the importance and centrality of God’s redemptive work. (6:1)
- The detailed account of both the interior and exterior of the temple point to the splendor and majesty of our God. (6:2-10, 14-36)
- The parenthetic interruption of the description of the temple vividly calls our attention to what really matters. (6:11-13)
Conclusion:
God speaks to us about cubits and cherubim, store rooms and cedars but in such a way that we understand his redemption, see his splendor and feel our responsibility.