Many sins have a connection in one way or another with marriage – anger, abuse, adultery, jealousy, and others. It is the most important earthly relationship. A husband (or wife) who is not right can be the worse catastrophe this side of hell. On the other hand, a husband or wife who is right can be a little slice of heaven here on earth! A Christian spouse can help us more than any other single thing we can do to get to heaven. Let’s study Solomon’s example and its results. HIS FIRST STEP (1 Kings 11:1-3): James tells us about the growth of sin (1:14). Many sins begin with misplaced love. Love of self; love of money; love of prestige. The last one seems to have been Solomon’s problem (temptation). Solomon’s decision was motivated by love of prestige or even love of peace. We might expect Solomon to have done better, be wiser than this. Solomon was blessed in a very unique way by God – with wisdom and insight. Solomon prayed for his people and spoke fervently about forgiveness from God for the sins of the people. It is possible that Solomon tried to take advantage of the grace of God.
THE NEXT TEMPTATIONS BRING SIN – 11:4-8: Because Solomon was “madly in love”, he allowed his wives to lead him away from God. This apostasy began in the heart and afterward, Solomon gave himself to idolatry – the most horrible sin for any believer in God! And, it didn’t happy over night, but gradually… Solomon, being influenced by his pagan wives, turned his heart to other gods – to gods of wood, gold, and silver. He knew that these gods did not speak to him; they had not appeared to him as the true God had done. But, regardless, he gave himself to idolatry. But God could not leave things alone… GOD’S ATTITUDE TOWARD SOLOMON – 11:9-10: We see that what God does begins in His “heart”. That is, we have a view into the mind of God and if we realize what God thinks about our sins, it is possible that we would sin less! The historian here tells us that it was very significant that God appeared to Solomon twice. In the first place, it shows us that “to whom much is given, much shall be required.” Solomon had a greater responsibility to remain faithful. In the second place, it is observed that just because God appears to people, it is not a guarantee that man will remain faithful. SOLOMON’S PUNISHMENT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES – 11:11-13: The first part of the punishment is that God will tear the kingdom away from Solomon and would give it to his servant. The reason Solomon married these wives – protection of his kingdom – would come to naught – God would destroy Solomon’s kingdom. We should learn from Solomon’s mistake and keep our heart right with God and fulfill His commandments.
see now acquisition de viagra Enjoy longer and stronger orgasms making your sexual experience sensational. It is its high effectiveness that makes it buy viagra massively demanded all over the globe. Online pharmacies offer http://www.unica-web.com/documents/reglannex2012.pdf cialis 10 mg, cialis, Meridia, Propecia, Retin-A, etc. generic viagra Acquire in the end bearings on your own cure name.
–Paul Holland
