December 15, 2019

BUILDING GODS HOUSE

Devotional Reading: Psalm 138

Background Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 17:1-15; 21:18-30

Lesson Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 17:1, 3-4, 11-14; 21:18, 21-27

GOLDEN TEXT

When your days are over and you go to be with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed
you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for me
and I will establish his throne forever 1 Chronicles 17:11-12

OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, class members should be able to:

• Discuss how to determine Gods approval of our services to Him.

• Analyse Gods promise to David and his descendants.

INTRODUCTION

A story was once told of a business tycoon who accidentally missed his flight to country for a business
transaction. Some hours later, it was announced that the plane crashed and all the passengers were
burnt beyond recognition. The man was overwhelmed with fear and gladness in his heart for the
miraculous escape from sudden death. In appreciation to God, he decided to build a mega church of
about five thousand capacity auditorium with modern facilities in his hometown in memorial of the
event. On the day of the dedication, the man and his family members sang songs of thanksgiving to God
for His faithfulness.

1 Chronicles 17 has the record of how David planned to build a house for God. Even though his plan
seemed not to be approved by God, God made a promise that one of his sons would build a house for
Him and that his (David) kingdom will never come to an end (vv. 1-15). Most notable in the passage is
that David graciously accepted Gods promise concerning the future of his house and kingdom, and
prayed thereafter.
THE LESSON EXPLAINED

A. Davids Plan to Build Gods House 1 Chronicles 17:1,3-4

The ark of the covenant was successfully brought into the tent that David had built for it in Jerusalem.
But when he thoughtfully pondered on the luxurious palace, which he occupies as a king, he was
displeased with where the ark of the covenant was kept. As a matter of concern, he lamented and
expressed his displeasure to Prophet Nathan. He said to him, Here lam living in a house built of cedar,
but the Lords covenant box is kept in a tent. (v. 1). Obviously, Nathan gave an approval to whatever
David intended to do for God without hearing from God probably because he considered it as good.
However, that same night, God spoke to Nathan that David had not been chosen to build a house for
Him. He said, Go and tell my servant David, This is what the Lord says: You are not the one to build me a
house to dwell in. (v.4) Although the reason for the rejection was not specified in this passage, according
to 1 Chronicles 22:5, it is noted that David had shed much blood in battles and so, he was not qualified
to build a house for the Lord.

Davids concern for the covenant box, which was under a tent while he was settled in a magnificent
palace, is remarkable. Of course, he knew he could not do anything on his own without Gods approval;
thus he shared his burden with Prophet Nathan. Definitely, Davids endeavour would have amounted to
wasted effort without receiving Gods blessings. Christians must be careful in their dealings with God. If
He has not approved of something, we should not play God or assume that we can answer for Him
because He knows every individual and deals with us accordingly.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. Discuss what would have happened to David and his plan to build a house for God if God had not
intervened?

2. Why was God not pleased with Davids intention to build a house for Him?

3. Prophet Nathan gave David approval without duly consulting with God. What lessons are we to
learn from this?

B. Gods Promise to David 1 Chronicles 17:11-14

The fact has been established that Davids good plan to build Gods house was not acceptable to God.
Nevertheless, God did not outrightly ignore David and his good plans. Having recalled Davids past (I took
you from the pasture v. 7), He took a retrospective look at Davids beginning, the present status and his
future. Thereafter, He assured him of his favoured status by referring to him as my servant David (v 7)
He promised to raise up his offspring after him, one of his own sons would be king after his death He
also promised the stability of the dynasty of his descendants (v 11) This same promise is echoed by the
psalmist (Psalm 89:3-4) and interpreted as a prophecy concerning the coming Messiah (John 7:42; Acts
2:30). According to verse 12, God again affirmed that Davids son will be the one to build a temple for
Him with a vow to make his dynasty last forever He also assured David of a steady relationship between
Him and his son just like the relationship that exists between God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ
(Hebrews 1 5) Gods promise to put him in charge of His people and kingdom forever is restated in verse
14

Davids desire was to build a physical house for God but the house God promised to establish for his
descendants was a dynasty that will not end. Unfortunately, the Davidic dynasty ended in 587 BC when
the Babylonian armies destroyed Jerusalem and took King Zedekiah into captivity (2 Chronicles 36:17-
20). However, according to the New Testament understanding, the royal line of King David continues
forever in the person of Jesus Christ, whose reign is from everlasting to everlasting (Matthew 2:1-6; Luke
3:33). This implies that Gods promise to David and his descendants has been fulfilled.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. Discuss your reaction when your plans were thwarted or postponed suddenly.

2. Discuss the implication of verse 13 for believers.

3. What does Gods promise to give Davids son an everlasting dynasty mean to Christians?

C. David Builds an Altar to the Lord 1 Chronicles 21:18, 21-27

When Israel sinned against God, He decided to plague them. But King David claimed responsibility for
the sin and asked God to punish him and his family and spare the people (v. 17). In verse 18, the angel of
the Lord ordered Gad to tell David to build an altar to the Lord at Araunahs threshing place (vv. 18-19).
David obeyed the command and requested Araunah to sell him the piece of land in order for him to
build an altar unto the Lord with the promise to pay the full price. Interestingly, Araunah offered to give
him the land for free as well as oxen for the burnt offerings, the threshing boards to use as fuel, and
wheat to give as an offering (v. 23). Nevertheless, King David was determined to pay the full price
because of his desire to give something worthwhile to God. Finally, he made full payment of 600 gold
coins to Araunah; a reflection of the great significance of the land and Davids commitment to it. He built
an altar and offered burnt and fellowship offerings. God responded to Davids prayer and his sacrifices
with fire from heaven (v. 26), an indication of His approval and sanctity of the place as the site of the
future temple. Eventually, God commanded the angel to withdraw his sword; another indication that
the sacrifice was acceptable to Him.

King David was truly a leader. Two things are prominent in this passage that confirms his leadership
example (1) He claimed responsibility for ordering the census, which angered God and almost made Him
to punish the people (2) He was determined to pay the full price of Araunahs piece of land for building
an altar to the Lord. Ordinarily, as a king, he would have given an order to seize the land without
anybodys approval. Little wonder his fellowship and burnt offerings, which only a part of the animal was
burnt on the altar and the rest was eaten by the worshippers was divinely approved by fire from heaven.
Araunahs generosity to give his piece of land to King David without any form of compensation is also
exemplary. Therefore, Christians should be ready to lead by example and demonstrate generosity and
total commitment to God and His kingdom work as it is seen in the lives of King David and Araunah in
todays passage.

DISCUSSION TIME

1. Compare Davids humility in his request for the piece of land belonging to Araunah with the
lifestyle of some leaders today who use their authority to seize peoples properties, all in the name of
power.

2. Describe Araunahs generosity alongside the selfish attitude of some Christians today who are not
ready to offer any free service for Gods work.

3. What are some signs we see as Gods approval of our gifts and offering?

PRAYER POINTS

• Pray and ask God not to bring calamity to your family and generation because of your sins.

• Pray for Christians to be willing to give to support kingdom business.

• May my offerings and gifts be acceptable to God, in Jesus Name.

Fellowship and Ministry Building Activity

• Identify someone who is known to be generous and committed to the things of God, write a
letter of encouragement and be committed to praying for him/her.

TAKE HOME

• Gods promises for His people are sure to come to pass.

• Gods timing is different from ours.

• We should always show gratitude to God for His manifold blessings.

• We should always seek the face of God as we make plans for our future.

• God still reveals Himself to people to correct or rebuke.

• Generosity is a sign of a regenerate heart.

• Total obedience to God can turn away His wrath.