How can we apply the obedience principle from 1 Kings 6:11 today? Foundational Verse “Then the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying:” (1 Kings 6:11) Hearing Comes Before Doing • Solomon was in the middle of a vast construction project, yet God paused the work to speak. • The first step in obedience today is the same: stop and listen. – Daily Scripture intake (Psalm 1:2) – A quiet heart ready to receive (Luke 10:39) Obedience Unlocks the Promise “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in My statutes and execute My ordinances and keep all My commandments by walking in them, then I will establish My word with you, which I spoke to David your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake My people Israel.” (1 Kings 6:12-13) • God’s presence and blessing were linked to obedience, not to the stones and cedar. • Today He still ties fellowship to obedience (John 14:21-23; 1 John 2:3-5). We Are Now the Temple • “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16) • The construction site has moved from Jerusalem’s mount to our hearts. The same obedience principle governs this living temple. Practical Ways to Walk in Obedience Today 1. Daily alignment • Start the day under Scripture’s authority—read, meditate, and submit (Joshua 1:8). 2. Prompt response • Act on conviction immediately (James 1:22). Delayed obedience easily morphs into disobedience. 3. Moral purity • Guard eyes and thoughts (Job 31:1; Matthew 5:28). 4. Truthful speech • Let “yes” mean yes (Matthew 5:37). Refuse gossip (Ephesians 4:29). 5. Financial integrity • Give firstfruits (Proverbs 3:9-10). Avoid dishonest gain (Ephesians 4:28). 6. Relational forgiveness • Release offenses as Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). 7. Active service • Use your gifts in the body of Christ (1 Peter 4:10-11). 8. Public witness • Confess Christ openly (Romans 10:9-10) and live so others see your good works (Matthew 5:16). Motivations That Sustain Obedience • Love for the Lord who first loved us (John 14:15). • Gratitude for grace already received (Titus 2:11-12). • Desire for uninterrupted fellowship and power (John 15:10-11). • Anticipation of eternal reward (2 Corinthians 5:9-10). Warnings Against Neglecting Obedience • “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Religious activity cannot substitute. • Fruitless branches are cut off (John 15:6). Ongoing disobedience forfeits usefulness and joy. Living the Principle • God is still speaking through His Word. • Our hearts are His present-day temple. • Obedience remains the pathway to His manifest presence and fulfilled promises. Walk in what He says, and He will dwell with you. |
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