SERIES SUMMARY
The Bible is the story of God as King and becoming King in Jesus. And we are his image bearers, created for royal reflection. But we don’t live in a monarchy, so “kingship” and “royalty” can feel like foreign ideas to us. Yet, we’re still called to recognize and submit to God as King. In the Old Testament, it was God’s desire for a king to reign over his people as a reminder of these things. Specifically, God promised David a son who would reign forever, and we see glimpses of this promised king in Solomon. Through his story, we’re reminded that there should be a royal wisdom that defines us as God’s kingdom of priests, the church. But ultimately, Solomon failed in his royal reflection. So, the question is, what does Solomon’s story teach us about ourselves and God? How can the life of Solomon be instructive to us as God’s people today? And most importantly, how does King Solomon (a son of David) point us to King Jesus (the son of David)?
PASSAGE GUIDE
The account of Solomon’s temple construction in 1 Kings 6 reminds us that the dwelling place of God’s presence isn’t merely about architecture but about response. The temple followed the pattern of the tabernacle but on a grander scale, situated on the threshing floor David had purchased. Its structure and orientation—entrance, sanctuary, and Holy of Holies—reflected both continuity with Israel’s history and uniqueness in setting apart a place for God. The temple was a visible, elevated sign of God’s holiness, not just a royal chapel but the central symbol of God’s presence among His people. This teaches us that our response to God’s presence must involve reverence, recognition of His holiness, and acknowledgment that He dwells among us in both continuity and newness.
The narrative also emphasizes the human effort, detail, and craftsmanship that went into the building, much of it shaped by traditions from surrounding cultures. Stones were carefully prepared off-site so that no iron tool would disturb the holiness of the space during construction. Side rooms and treasuries provided functional space for offerings and priestly work, yet all served the singular purpose of protecting and honoring the Most Holy Place. In this, we see that our response to God’s presence involves intentional preparation, quiet reverence, and a willingness to order the details of our lives in such a way that everything points toward honoring His holiness.
In the middle of the building description, we must not forget that God’s presence does not rest in wood, stone, or gold but in His covenant faithfulness. God would dwell with His people only if they continued to walk in His ways and keep His commands. This was the heart of the temple’s significance—the presence of the living God dwelling with His people, not because of the splendor of a building, but because of His covenant mercy. We must remember that God’s presence is not secured by external achievement but by His faithfulness and love.
Finally, the temple’s beauty—the cedar, gold overlay, and carefully partitioned inner sanctuary—points to both the majesty and mystery of God’s presence. The Holy of Holies was hidden, inaccessible to all but the high priest, reminding Israel that God’s presence is both near and transcendent. For us, Christ has opened the way into the true Holy of Holies, yet the reverence remains. The temple narrative challenges us to respond to God’s presence not casually but with awe, devotion, and gratitude, orienting our whole lives as living temples where His Spirit dwells.
*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.
SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS
Remember, these are “suggested” questions. You do not have to go through every single one of them. You do not need to listen to both sermons at both campuses to participate in the discussion.
OPENING PRAYER
Ask the Lord to open your heart to His presence, to remind you of His holiness. Give thanks to him for his indwelling presence and covenant faithfulness.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What did the Spirit bring out to you as you listened to the sermon or read the text?
- Why do you think the author spends so much detail describing the temple’s structure and beauty? What does this reveal about God’s presence?
- How does the continuity between the tabernacle and the temple show God’s unchanging desire to dwell with His people?
- Why is it significant that the temple was built on David’s purchased threshing floor rather than an existing Canaanite site?
- How do the side rooms, treasuries, and priestly functions highlight the centrality of worship in Israel’s life?
- How does this challenge us to think beyond “external” religion and consider our response to God and His love for us?
- How does the Holy of Holies being hidden and restricted remind us of the mystery of God’s holiness? How does Jesus change this for us?
- In what ways does the temple foreshadow Christ and the Church as the dwelling place of God’s Spirit?
- How can the beauty and detail of the temple inspire us to honor God in the ordinary details of our lives?
- How can remembering God’s covenant promise—that He will never leave or forsake us—encourage you to walk faithfully in His presence this week?
Life with Jesus: What practical rhythms help you live as though your body and life are now a temple of the Holy Spirit?
Life in Community: Be intentional about how you shape your gatherings: minimize distractions, cultivate awe, and remind one another that God’s presence is the focus.
Life on Mission: Just as the temple drew nations to witness God’s glory, open your homes and tables so others can encounter His presence through welcome, listening, and care.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father, we thank You for meeting us in this time and for reminding us of Your desire to dwell with Your people. As the temple was set apart for Your presence, set apart our lives to honor You. Help us as we carry Your presence into our homes, our work, and our relationships. Keep us faithful to Your Word, confident in Your promises, and full of reverence and joy in walking with You. Amen.