I Have Also Given Thee That Which
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking God above all else to receive His abundant blessings and cultivate a godly character.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes that Solomon's request for an understanding heart was granted by God, who then generously bestowed upon him additional blessings such as riches and honor. This reflects the principle that when we prioritize seeking God and His righteousness, all other needs will be met abundantly. Meyer warns against valuing earthly possessions over spiritual wealth, urging believers to focus on their character and relationship with God rather than material accumulation. He highlights that true fulfillment comes from knowing God, as all goodness originates from Him. Ultimately, a believer's life should be characterized by the fruit of the Spirit, which reflects their true worth.
Text
I have also given thee that which
thou hast not asked. 1 Kings iii. 13.
THE understanding heart was Solomon's supreme request, and it was given him before the morning light had broken over Jerusalem. But God did exceeding abundantly beyond what he asked or thought. Riches and honour, victory and long life, were thrown in as part of the Divine gift; as paper and string are given by the tradesmen with the goods we purchase. It seems as though our Lord's words were anticipated, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."
Put first things first. ‑‑ One of the most important lessons of life is to discern the relative value of the
objects within our reach. The child will take the handful of glass beads, and leave the heap of diamonds in the rough. It is the terrible mistake of men that, perplexed by earth's cross‑lights, they put evil for good and good for evil; they make earth rather than heaven their centre; time rather than eternity their measurement.
Seek God and all things in Him. ‑‑ Things without God cannot satisfy the craving of the soul. To know God, and to be known by Him, is to possess all things. All that is lovely, strong, or right, in any human being was in the Creator before it entered the creature; having God, you possess all things in Him.
Be more careful of what you are than what you have. ‑‑ A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of things that he possesseth; but in his purity, truth, tenderness, and the properties of his soul. The fruit of the Spirit must ever be manifest in the life of the believer ‑‑ "Love, joy, peace, long‑suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance."
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Solomon's request
- God's abundant gifts beyond what was asked
- The importance of seeking God's kingdom first
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II
- Understanding the relative value of earthly objects
- Mistakes in discerning good and evil
- The danger of prioritizing earthly matters over heavenly ones
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III
- The necessity of seeking God for true satisfaction
- Possessing all things through a relationship with God
- The essence of God's qualities in believers
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IV
- The importance of character over possessions
- Defining life by spiritual qualities
- Manifesting the fruit of the Spirit
Key Quotes
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” — F.B. Meyer
“A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of things that he possesseth.” — F.B. Meyer
“To know God, and to be known by Him, is to possess all things.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Prioritize your relationship with God to experience true fulfillment.
- Evaluate the things you value in life and ensure they align with eternal principles.
- Focus on developing spiritual qualities that reflect Christ in your daily life.