Edgewood Bible Church

Main idea: The kingdom’s splendor and the temple’s beauty display the greatness and holiness of the God who dwells with his people.
1. The king’s house displays the splendor of the kingdom
2. The Lord’s furnishings display his majesty and the need for cleansing.
3. The completed work prepares for the presence of God.
 
Discussion Questions:
1. Solomon’s buildings were designed to serve the work of the king. What does the way we use our church building reveal about what we believe is important?
2. What do the beauty of the temple furnishings and the size of the bronze Sea teach us about both God’s majesty and his holiness?
3. Chapter 7 ends with the temple completed and ready for God’s presence. Why is God’s presence more important than the beauty or impressiveness of the building itself?

Main idea: The King establishes God's dwelling among his people, so that they might faithfully walk with him.
1. The House God Builds
2. The Walk God Requires
 
Discussion Questions:
1. Why is it significant that the temple begins with God’s desire to dwell with his people, rather than with Solomon’s ambition to build something impressive?
2. How should the reality that God dwells in us shape the way we live, worship, and relate to one another?
3. Where are you tempted to think that God’s presence with you depends on your performance?
4. How does the Bible’s movement from garden, to tabernacle, to temple, to Christ, to the church, to the new creation help you understand the story of Scripture?

Main Idea: When God's people are led by godly wisdom, they flourish.
1. Wisdom Given (3:1-15)
2. Wisdom Displayed (3:16-24)
3. Wisdom Enjoyed (4:1-34)
Discussion Questions
1. What stands out to you about the way God approaches Solomon before Solomon asks for anything? What does this teach us about God's grace?
2. Where are you currently tempted to trust your own wisdom rather than God's wisdom?
3. How can we enjoy God's good gifts - food, family, work, friendships, possessions, rest - without turning those gifts into the source of our ultimate happiness?
4. What is one specific way you can pursue wisdom from God this week?

Main idea: God establishes His kingdom by confronting the rival desires that compete with the King's rule.
1. Adonijah & Abiathar—The desire for power and pleasure that undermines the King
2. Joab—The desire for control that refuses to submit to the King
3. Shimei—The desire for possessions that disregards the King's Word
 
Discussion Questions
1. What are some ways we try to control people or circumstances without using physical force? How might anger, silence, manipulation, criticism, or intimidation become “weapons” for control?
2. The men in this passage knew who the king was, but they did not willingly submit to him. What is the difference between knowing about Jesus as King and actually submitting to Jesus as King?
3. What makes King Jesus different from Solomon and every other earthly king?

Main idea: God will provide for us the King we need.
1. We want to choose our own king2. God provides His chosen King3. God's king must rule under God's Word
Discussion Questions:1. Where are you most tempted to sit on the throne of your own life? What does trying to rule ourselves look like in everyday life?2. What is the significance of the fact that Solomon's kingship was God's decision before it was David's decision? What does this teach us about God's sovereignty over His purposes?3.  “You don't need a better effort. You need a better King.” What is the difference between trying harder to be a good Christian and actually trusting Christ as your righteousness?

Big Idea: Take hold of a truly rich life and invest in what lasts.1. Treasure God and Grow Rich in Good Works   (v.17-19)2. Guard Your Deposit and Avoid Counterfeit Knowledge   (v.20-21) 
 
Discussion Questions:1. What resource, possession, or relationships am I tempted to treat as my security?2. Do I measure people by wealth, appearance, education, work, or lifestyle?3. Where is God calling me to become richer in good works, generosity, and sharing?4. What counterfeit knowledge or empty noise must I avoid so I can guard the gospel?5. Am I resting in the truth that I my lose my grip on this call, but God will never lose his grip on me?

Text:  1 Timothy 6:3-16
Big Idea: Fight the good fight of faith with contentment and devotion to Christ. 1. Be content with God’s provision (v.3-10) 2. Fight the good fight of faith (v.11-16) 
Discussion questions: 1. What words are you being most shaped by, are they Christ’s sound words? 2. What desires in your life might be producing restlessness, envy, conflict, or suspicion? 3. How might you better steward God’s resources in your life, living as if your processions are actually his?4. Are you living as if Christ’s return is certain? How can you better take hold of the eternal life to which you have been called? 

Text: 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2
Theological Theme: Caring for the vulnerable
Anthropological Theme: Compassion

Text: 1 Timothy 4:6-16
Big Idea: Persist in growing in devotion to God through discipline 1. Watch your diet: receive the nourishment of the word (v.6) 2. Watch your exercise: grow in godliness through discipline (v.7-10) 3. Watch your life and doctrine: use your gifts and share in your progress (v.11-16)
Discussion Questions
1. What is helping nourish your devotion to God, and what may be distracting you from him?2. Which spiritual discipline; Scripture, prayer, worship, service, or stewardship; do you most need to practice?3. In which area do you most need to grow as an example: speech, conduct, love, faith, or purity?4. How does setting your hope on the living God help you persist when spiritual growth feels difficult or slow?

Text: 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Theological Theme: The mystery of the gospel
Anthropological Theme: Purpose