Photos Roger Leroux (Alberta Canada)
Facilitator: Stephen Weller
1,092 words, 6 minutes read time
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Walking in Integrity, Boldness, and Trust
Old Testament Reading
1 Kings 2:1–3:2 — David’s Final Charge and Solomon’s Kingdom Established
Overview:
As David’s life drew to a close, he charged Solomon to remain faithful to the Lord by walking in His ways and obeying His commandments. David also instructed Solomon regarding unfinished matters involving Joab, Shimei, and the house of Saul. After David’s death, Solomon firmly established his kingdom by dealing wisely and justly with those who threatened the stability of Israel. Although Solomon loved the Lord and walked according to the instructions of his father, the people were still sacrificing at the high places because the temple had not yet been built.
Theological Themes:
• Faithfulness to God’s covenant brings blessing.
• God establishes righteous leadership according to His purposes.
• Obedience is the foundation of lasting success.
Key Verse:
1 Kings 2:3 – “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.”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- Why was David’s final instruction centered on obedience to God?
Answer:
David understood that the success of Israel’s king did not ultimately depend upon military strength or political skill, but upon faithfulness to God. Obedience would bring God’s blessing and establish Solomon’s reign according to the Lord’s covenant promises. - Why did Solomon act against Joab, Adonijah, and Shimei?
Answer:
Each had demonstrated rebellion or posed a continuing threat to the kingdom. Solomon’s actions secured peace and justice, fulfilling David’s instructions and strengthening the nation under God’s appointed king. - What does Solomon’s early devotion teach believers today?
Answer:
Solomon began his reign with a genuine love for the Lord and a desire to follow Him. Believers are reminded that a strong spiritual foundation begins with a heart committed to God’s Word and His ways.
New Testament Reading
Acts 5:1–42 — Purity in the Church and Bold Witness
Overview:
Ananias and Sapphira attempted to deceive the apostles and the Holy Spirit by pretending to give the full proceeds from the sale of their property. God judged them immediately, producing great reverence among the believers. Meanwhile, the apostles continued performing many signs and wonders, and many people came to faith in Christ. After being arrested and miraculously released from prison by an angel, they returned to preaching in the temple. Though the Jewish council ordered them to stop, Peter declared that they must obey God rather than men. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus and continued proclaiming the gospel daily.
Theological Themes:
• God desires holiness and integrity among His people.
• Believers are called to obey God above human authority.
• The gospel advances despite opposition and persecution.
Key Verse:
Acts 5:29 – “But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- Why was the sin of Ananias and Sapphira judged so severely?
Answer:
Their sin was not withholding part of the money but deliberately lying to God and seeking honor through hypocrisy. At the beginning of the church age, God demonstrated the seriousness of holiness and truth within His people. - What gave the apostles courage to continue preaching?
Answer:
They were convinced that Jesus had risen from the dead and that they had been commissioned by God Himself. The power of the Holy Spirit enabled them to stand firm despite threats and suffering. - What does it mean to obey God rather than men?
Answer:
Christians should respect earthly authorities, but when human commands directly conflict with God’s will, believers must remain faithful to the Lord, trusting Him with the consequences.
Psalms Reading
Psalm 125:1–5 — The Security of Those Who Trust the Lord
Overview:
This psalm compares those who trust in the Lord to Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but stands forever. Just as the mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds His people with His protecting presence. The psalm assures believers that wickedness will not ultimately prevail over the righteous and concludes with a prayer for God’s goodness toward those who walk uprightly while warning of judgment upon those who turn aside into evil.
Theological Themes:
• God’s protection surrounds His people.
• Trust in the Lord provides lasting security.
• God blesses the upright and judges evil.
Key Verse:
Psalm 125:1 – “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- What does the comparison to Mount Zion teach about faith?
Answer:
Mount Zion symbolizes permanence and stability. Those who place their trust in God have a secure foundation that cannot ultimately be shaken by the trials of life. - How does God surround His people?
Answer:
God’s presence, care, and sovereign protection are constantly with His people. Though difficulties come, believers are never abandoned by the Lord. - Why does the psalm end with both blessing and warning?
Answer:
God’s justice includes both rewarding faithfulness and judging persistent wickedness. The psalm encourages believers to remain steadfast in righteousness.
Proverbs Reading
Proverbs 16:25 — The Danger of Human Wisdom
Overview:
This proverb warns that human judgment can be deceptive. A course of action may appear wise, reasonable, or attractive, yet if it is contrary to God’s truth, it ultimately leads to destruction. The verse reminds believers to seek God’s wisdom rather than relying solely upon their own understanding.
Theological Themes:
• Human understanding is limited.
• God’s wisdom must guide our decisions.
• The path of sin ultimately leads to death.
Key Verse:
Proverbs 16:25 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
Discussion Questions with Answers:
- Why can something seem right but actually be wrong?
Answer:
Human reasoning is affected by sin and limited understanding. Without God’s guidance, people can easily mistake what is convenient or desirable for what is truly right. - How can believers avoid following the wrong path?
Answer:
By measuring every decision against God’s Word, seeking His wisdom through prayer, and listening to godly counsel rather than trusting feelings alone. - How does this proverb connect with the other readings today?
Answer:
David instructed Solomon to walk in God’s ways, the apostles chose obedience to God over human commands, and Psalm 125 calls believers to trust the Lord completely. Together, these passages teach that true security and blessing come from following God’s wisdom rather than our own.
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