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Parting Advice. Background. King David was old (1 Chron. 23:1) and passing from life; he had some “last words” (23:27) He wanted to give instructions for the physical building and operation of the temple (1 Chron. 22-29). Background.
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Background • King David was old (1 Chron. 23:1) and passing from life; he had some “last words” (23:27) • He wanted to give instructions for the physical building and operation of the temple (1 Chron. 22-29)
Background • Along the way, he also wanted to give spiritual advice (charge) to the people in general and his son in particular • 1 Chron. 22:6-19; 28:1-10, 20; 29:18-19)
Know Him (28:9) • “Know thou the God of thy father…” • There is a difference between knowing God (experience) and knowing about God (information) – Jn. 8:55; Tit. 1:16
Know Him (28:9) • Do we really know (experience) God (Jn. 17:3)? • Experience our Bible, experience obedience, experience prayer, experience worship; experience peace and joy
Know Him (28:9) • “the God of thy father…” • We must first be living the advice we are giving to others; live by our own advice
Serve Him (28:9) • “serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind” • Service (obedience) to God is necessary, not just the outward action of building a physical temple (29:18-19)
Serve Him (28:9) • A “perfect heart” means obedience to God that is complete and unified; no part being left out (2 Chron. 25:2) • A “willing mind” means obedience from zeal, desire, and love; not because one is being forced to
Serve Him (28:9) • All your heart (Deut. 11:13; Josh. 22:5) • Cleave unto him (Deut. 13:4) • In sincerity and truth (Josh. 24:14) • Only (1 Sam. 7:3)
Serve Him (28:9) • One consent (Zeph. 3:9) • Without fear (Lk. 1:74) • Day and night forever (Rev. 7:15; 22:3)
Serve Him (28:9) • “for Jehovah searches … understands” • His mind knows all (Acts 1:24) • His word knows all (Heb. 4:13) • His Son knows all (Jn. 2:25; Rev. 2:23)
Seek Him (28:9) • “seek him, he will be found of thee” • Active pursuit of God, not just casual or accidental service • The same advice that Azariah gave to Asa (2 Chron. 15:2)
Seek Him (28:9) • A right relationship with God is conditional (note the two “if” statements) • Solomon forsook the Lord at the end of his life (1 K. 11:1-11)
Be Strong (28:10) • “Be strong and do it” • Strength will be needed to accomplish God’s task for your life; “be strong” is mentioned many times in scripture: Israel, Joshua, Daniel, and Zerubbabel
Be Strong (28:10) • “Be strong” – strength (1 Cor. 16:13; Eph. 6:10) • “And do it” – action (Mt. 7:21, 24; Lk. 6:46; Jas. 1:24-25)
David’s Parting Advice to Solomon • Know him • Serve him • Seek him • Be strong in him