Beginning on April 21st, we will begin a new sermon series on the Old Testament books of 1 & 2 Kings, entitled “King of Kings.” These two books, 1-2 Kings, were originally one book and cover about four hundred years of history, moving through various kings of Israel and Judah. It may seem like historical overload, but it is actually pretty concise considering how many years are covered.
At the end of 1-2 Samuel, the Israelites were richly blessed. At the beginning of Solomon’s reign in 1 Kings 1, it appears that things are only getting better. However, by the end of 2 Kings, the people face a complete reversal: the people are in exile, a city is in ruins, and the temple is destroyed. All of these kings have limitations, including those viewed in a positive light (such as Solomon, who receives divine wisdom to rule; Hezekiah, who trusts God; and Josiah, who recovers the Word). Many kings fall repeatedly and shamefully, doing “evil in the sight of the Lord.” These concise, historical accounts whisper to the reader that another King is needed. The New Testament announces the fulfillment of this longing, as Jesus Christ, the descendant of David, emerges. His reign shall have no end.
Despite the title, these books are not just about particular kings. Prophets also play an important role (some classify Kings as “Former Prophets”). Peter Leithart counts ten named prophets or prophetesses: Nathan, Shemaiah, Ahijah, Jehu, Elijah, Micaiah, Elisha, Jonah, Isaiah, and Huldah. We will learn timeless truths from these important figures.
Our goal in this study is not to prepare you to beat others in Bible Trivia, but for you to become more like Jesus. I believe that as we repent of the sins described in Kings, such as idolatry, self-exaltation, and folly, and as we turn to worship the God who raises the dead, and humbly seek his divine wisdom, the Spirit who inspired these books will change us more into the image of Christ. May this series give us a deeper affection for our great King, and a deeper desire to live for his kingdom.
Below is a very tentative outline with date, subject (not titles), and texts.
April 21 – “Solomon’s Reign” (1 Kings 1:1-2:46)
April 28 – “Solomon’s Wisdom” (1 Kings 3:1-4:34)
May 5 – “Solomon’s Temple” (1 Kings 5:1-8:66)
May 12 – “Solomon’s Glory and Shame” (1 Kings 9:1-11:43)
May 19 – “Division” (1 Kings 12:1-14:20)
May 26 – “Two Nations & Eight Kings” (1 Kings 14:21-16:28)
June 2 – “Elijah and God’s Power” (1 Kings 16:29-19:21)
June 9 – “Ahab” (1 Kings 20:1-22:40)
June 16 – “Jehoshaphat and Ahaziah” (1 Kings 22:51-2 Kings 1:18)
June 23 – “Elijah and Elisha” (2 Kings 2:1-3:27)
June 30 – ” “Elisha’s Ministry” (2 Kings 4:1-6:7)
July 7 – “Elisha and the Syria” (2 Kings 6:8-8:15)
July 14 – “Revolution and Reform” (2 Kings 8:16-13:25)
July 21 – “Kings in Judah an Israel” (2 Kings 14:1-17:6)
July 28 – “The Fall of Israel and Hezekiah” (2 Kings 17:7-20:21)
August 4 – “Manassah and Amon” (2 Kings 21:1-26)
August 11 – “Josiah” (2 Kings 22:1-23:30)
August 18 – “The Fall of Judah” (2 Kings 24-1-25:30)