Origin Story: A Game of Thrones - Week One

Origin Story – Week OneThis is the third consecutive year that we’ve worked through the Bible, five books at a time.  As we read the stories and learn about the history written in the Old Testament, we learn truths that we can apply to our own lives. In week one, we’ll examine:Why we’re doing this series.The history found in 1 Kings.Some relevant lessons to learn from 1 Kings.A few words to parents.Why are we doing this series?You can’t really appreciate the New Covenant that Jesus ushered in unless you understand the harshness of the Old Testament Law that we’ve been saved from.The history of 1 Kings is filled with stories of the rise and fall of the kings of Israel.     1 Kings 1:5-6  David’s home and children were falling apart despite all his success as a leader of Israel.1 Kings 2:1-4  David gave Solomon advice right before his death.1 Kings 2:10-12  David died, and Solomon began his rule when he was 20 years old.God appeared to Solomon three times:1 Kings 3:5-7,9  Solomon asked for wisdom to lead his people, and God gave him                 wisdom and great knowledge. (1 Kings 4:29-30,32,33-34)                  – Solomon built a temple and dedicated it to God. (1 Kings 5-8, 8:66)1 Kings 9:1-3,5,6  God promised that David’s line would continue forever. But, Solomon had to stay with the Lord. Solomon was vulnerable to stray.                  – When life is a bowl of cherries, you’re not aware of the pits.                  – “The long, dull, monotonous years of middle-aged prosperity or middle-aged                  adversity are excellent campaigning weather for the devil.” C.S. Lewis                  – 1 Kings 9:6-7 God warned what would happen if they turned away from Him.                  – 1 Kings 9:7-8 Israel would be ridiculed, and the temple would be destroyed.                  – 1 Kings 9:10 After 20 years, Solomon hit a midlife crisis.                  – 1 Kings 11:1-2,3 He had 700 wives and 300 concubines, and they led him astray.                  – Berkeley Translation says that “They perverted his mind…”1 Kings 11:9-10 God became angry with Solomon for worshipping other gods.                  – 1 Kings 11:11 God said that He would tear the kingdom away from Solomon’s                 descendants.Kings ChartThe Kingdom of Israel divided into the North called Israel and the South called Judah. (1 Kings 15:1, 2-3)Deuteronomy 5:9  God told His people that sins followed down the line to the 3rd and 4th generations.1 Kings 16:29-30  The story of Ahab and Elijah began.There are some incredibly relevant lessons from this ancient book.We are most vulnerable when we least expect the temptation.God always has the right person to match the hour.When life seems especially dark, God comes especially close.Unchecked sinful bents are passed from the parent to the child.There are a few words for parents who have, like David, blown it (all of us).1st – We are all imperfect…and that includes our kids.2nd – We can’t change the past…and that includes the way we reared our children.3rd – When we blow it as parents, we’re personally responsible…and that includes mistakes made in ignorance.4th – Because of grace, we have the hope of healing…even when we fail as parents.