“Christianity is not so much what we are but what we can become” – Pst. Mitchell.
This bible study could've been called: "Supernatural Giftings" but that's not what it's about. Christianity has a transcendent dimension which means it’s possible that we can be greater than our own ability. In other words, in the supernatural dimension in Christianity, we can do far more than our natural ability. For example, Solomon built the first temple and excelled in every dimension of life but he was just a human being, challenged to greatness.
1) A desire to serve
I found out that Solomon had a
heart for God. I know this because he personally went up to see God in the most important high place 1 Kings 3:3-4 & 2 Chron 1:6-7.
That night God had appeared to Solomon in Gibeon (WAR ROOM) and said:‘What shall I give you? Now
I gave it some thought because if God came to me
and asked me what he could give me, I’m not sure what my response
would be. Many of us would probably say money, instead of a heart to do God's will. But Solomon’s statement showed he had the desire to help God’s people
in 1 Kings 3:9 & 2 Chronicles 1:10 - Give me wisdom and
knowledge, that he may lead God's people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?"
Solomon could've asked for anything but he wasn't thinking about his personal needs. He, like his dad David wanted to enlarge his whole being for God's will.
Solomon could've asked for anything but he wasn't thinking about his personal needs. He, like his dad David wanted to enlarge his whole being for God's will.
God was pleased
with Solomon’s answer because he gifted him with supernatural gifting
knowing that he wasn’t controlled by self-interest 2 Chron 1:10-12 - God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and
you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those
who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for
wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I
have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge
are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and
honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after
you shall have the like.”
So, it’s obvious this is an
important statement: God said: “because you
want to help my people I will gift you in all these things." Wauw! I wonder how many people who
call themselves Christians today are really selfless. Many of us are probably guilty in this area. We often serve
God in our own will and not in HIS will and we often do
things to get things in return or don't we? But the good thing is that we too can be used by God if we're willing to be selfless. The bible is filled with people who allowed themselves to be used by God.
2) Investing in God’s vision
Apostle Paul also allowed himself to be
used by God in Acts 9:6 - “ He was on his way when suddenly a
light from heaven came around him; he fell to the ground in astonishment
and said, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” And the Lord said, “rise and go into
the city, and you will be told what you must do.” Think about how from that
moment Paul began to make history. He wrote 16 books and took the gospel to the many
nations. I believe that's why many of us are saved today. As followers of Christ we need
to ask God what he wants us to do like Solomon and Paul did. We need
to think larger than our natural abilities. God had a vision for mankind and he's been investing in us from since the beginning of time. Now is the time for us to start investing in that vision.
2 Chron 2:1-2, 2:5, Solomon invested himself in
another man's vision/desire (David’s). David gave Solomon “the blueprints”
of the entire temple in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 - God said,” I
will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh
and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He
is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will
establish the throne of his kingdom forever."
Solomon from that moment was covered in God's grace. That's why he was largely gifted in every area of his life.
3) Allowing yourself to be used
My
conclusion is that the bible is filled with countless God giving supernatural
giftings like in my main text. God moves on
human beings and wants to dwell in a living glorious place. He wants to
gift us like Solomon and Paul but are we willing to put his will before our
own? There's no limit to how far we can go when we don’t care who gets the
credit. Solomon invested himself to
fulfill that the Lord's vision. Likewise, the kingdom of God needs to be our
priority, especially if we want to succeed in life. The
apostle Paul and Solomon were just men but it has shown us what God can do with human beings seeking enlargement for HIS
purpose. That is whats's captivating about this event.
Cross - references:
2 Chron 1:10-12, 1 Kings 10:23-24
Matthew 6:33 - “But seek you first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and then all these things shall be given to you.”
2 Chron 1:10-12, 1 Kings 10:23-24
Matthew 6:33 - “But seek you first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and then all these things shall be given to you.”
Ephesians 3:20-21- "God can do anything, far more than you could
ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by
pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit
deeply and gently within us. Glory to God in the church, glory to God
in Jesus, glory down all the generations, forever Amen"- MSG translation😍
Till the next bible study! XOXO, Niki
Till the next bible study! XOXO, Niki
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