Text: 2 Chronicles 2:4-9
As Solomon made plans to build the temple, he explained what he planned to do, why he planned to do it, and what he needed to complete the work. We do not worship in the temple today, nor must we worship in a building as elaborate as the temple. But there are principles that apply to our service to the Lord today in the church.
He Was Building for the Lord (v. 4)
- This was “for the name of the Lord” – this was a place for “His name to dwell” (Deuteronomy 12:11); God “does not dwell in temples made with hands” (Acts 17:24); His throne is in heaven (Isaiah 66:1); this made Him different from the “gods” of the other nations
- This was dedicated to Him – this word means to be consecrated / set apart; in the church, we must be wholly devoted to the Lord’s work (cf. 1 Timothy 5:16)
- This was to do what God had instructed them to do – what was “required forever in Israel“; we are not to do whatever we think will please Him (Matthew 7:21-23); do what He has said (John 4:24)
He Acknowledged God’s Greatness (v. 5)
- Greater than all the gods – proven throughout Israel’s history (Exodus 18:9-11; Joshua 2:8-11; 1 Samuel 5:1-7); Solomon said this to the king of Tyre who had his own “gods” that he worshiped, yet his statement was not ugly or antagonistic; we must be willing to matter-of-factly state the truth about the Lord (1 Peter 3:15)
- Because God is great, the house he would build would be great – does not mean that we need the nicest, fanciest, or most expensive building in which to worship; remember, the church is the people (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23); must be holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:27)
He Expressed His Humility (v. 6)
- “Who am I…” – an expression of humility before God (cf. Exodus 3:11; 1 Chronicles 17:16) – this is the attitude that all should have (Psalm 8:3-4; James 4:10)
- Building the house of the Lord was not to elevate Solomon – we do not serve the Lord to receive the praise of men (Matthew 23:5-7; 2 Corinthians 4:5)
He Insisted it Be Done Well (v. 7-9)
- Solomon’s plan for the temple included the best of what could be used – best materials (v. 7); best craftsmen (v. 7); abundance of materials (v. 9); no expense would be spared (v. 10)
- As we serve today in the church, we must insist that His work be done well – make this a priority (Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 10:25); give our best effort (Ecclesiastes 9:10; Romans 12:1); be willing to sacrifice (2 Corinthians 8:1-5; Mark 12:41-44)
Conclusion
- When Solomon made plans to build the temple, he was very clear about why he was doing it
- It was to honor God – therefore, it was worth all of the effort and expense it would take to do it right
- We need to have the same attitude today as we serve the Lord in the church
- Everything we do needs to be to honor Him – He is worthy of our best efforts to serve Him
