历代志下1 【先求神国而治国】
 
GK611晨祷生命读经
30.09.2025
主讲：陈炎明牧师


引言：音乐家的故事···

一、稳固尊大都在于神（1:1）

所罗门王可以说是一位“富二代”；富二代很容易倾向负面的人格发展。因为一切丰盛都好像是以生俱来，理所当然的。然而这样的人一般上都不真能赢得赞赏，因此缺少了谦虚和劳苦的历练。所罗门难得之处是效法了父亲爱神的心，这是他蒙福的根源啊！而且不要忘记一切兴盛都在于有神同在。

二、国家大事敬拜为先（1:2-6）

1.政治军事都以神为先（V2）
人常会把圣与俗分开，认为在世界就按世界的标准，来到教会才按教会的法制，其实不然！我们的信仰所带来的本来就应当是一致的。

2.约柜与会幕是分开了（V3-4）
会幕是百姓献祭与敬拜的地方，而约柜却是神同在的具体物品。这对当年在旷野一起同行的百姓而言是必然的。但是在得地为业之后，百姓已经分布不同地方，如果没有约柜的会幕就不能敬拜，那么“约柜”就容易被“偶像化”。对于今日分布于全世界的教会更是如此，我们只需要敬拜的地方，而非“代表神的约柜”。

3.人重视神而被神重视（V5-6）
所罗门登基的第一件大事不是军事扩张或政治联盟，而是带领百姓敬拜神。今天教会与领袖同样需要先定睛神的同在与荣耀。所罗门的祈求以“为百姓”为中心，而非自我利益。属灵领袖的祷告应反映出“神国优先”的心志。

三、只求智慧却得全盛（1:7-12）

“敬畏神才是智慧的开始”，相信早在所罗门尚未写箴言之前，他已经有这想法。当他经历到超自然的神向他显现而被神问及“想得什么的时候”，他竟然只求“智慧”。所罗门没有求财富、长寿、仇敌的性命，而求智慧与知识，好治理神的百姓。神赐给他超出所求所想（智慧 + 财富 + 尊荣）。这表明神乐意祝福那些心意与祂对齐的人。

四、丰盛恩典也需警戒（1:13-17）

所罗门的国度稳固，积聚战车、马兵、财富，成为国际贸易中心。车马贸易尤其与埃及相连，显示经济实力，但后来成为隐患。（参申命记17:16 “不可为自己加添马匹”）。

财富的丰富与智慧的赐下是神的恩典，但若心转离，就可能变为陷阱。虽然神赐下车马、金银，但这些日后成为所罗门软弱的根源。提醒我们：神的祝福若失去属灵方向，可能变为属灵的重担。

总结：凡是先求神的国

•我在领导或服事中，最先追求的是神的同在，还是外在的成功？
•我的祷告是否“先神”而以主的教会为优先？而非自己的物质舒适为先？
•当神赐下丰富时，我是否仍保持谦卑、警醒。


    
  

2 Chronicles 1：Seek First God’s Kingdom, Then Govern the Nation
GK611 Morning Devotion
30/09/2025
The Morning Devotion Speaker:  Rev David Tan

Introduction: The story of a musician...

I. True Strength and Greatness Come from God (1:1) 

King Solomon could be described as a ‘second-generation wealthy heir‘. Such people often tend to develop negative character, because everything seems to come naturally and is taken for granted. Yet, they usually fail to earn true respect, lacking humility and the discipline of hardship.

What was precious about Solomon was that he followed his father’s heart of loving God. That was the root of his blessing! We must not forget that all prosperity rests on God’s presence.

II. National Affairs Begin with Worship (1:2–6) 

1.Politics and military matters begin with God (v2).
People often separate the sacred from the secular, believing worldly standards apply in society while church regulations govern the sanctuary. This is mistaken! Our faith inherently demands consistency. 

2.The ark and the tabernacle were separated (v3–4).
The Tabernacle served as the place for the people to offer sacrifices and worship, while the Ark was the tangible object representing God's presence. This arrangement was essential for the people journeying together in the wilderness. However, after settling in the Promised Land, the people were dispersed across different regions. If worship could only occur in the Tabernacle housing the Ark, the Ark itself risked becoming idolised. This principle holds even more true for the Church today, scattered across the globe: we require places of worship, not a ‘representative Ark of God.’

3.Those who honour God will be honoured by Him (v5–6).
Solomon’s first act as king was not military expansion or political alliances, but leading the people in worshiping God. Today’s churches and leaders likewise need to focus first on God’s presence and glory. Solomon’s prayer was centered on the people, not self-interest. The prayers of spiritual leaders should reflect a heart that prioritises God’s kingdom.

III. Asking Only for Wisdom, Yet Receiving Full Prosperity (1:7–12) 

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Even before writing Proverbs, Solomon already grasped this truth. When God supernaturally appeared to him and asked what he desired, Solomon asked only for ‘wisdom.’ He did not request wealth, long life, or the death of his enemies, but wisdom and knowledge to govern God’s people.
God granted him far beyond what he asked—wisdom, plus wealth and honor. This shows that God delights to bless those whose hearts are aligned with Him.

IV. Abundant Grace Requires Caution (1:13–17) 

Solomon’s kingdom was established and prosperous. Amassing chariots, horses, and wealth, becoming a hub of international trade. His trade in horses and chariots, especially with Egypt, displayed economic strength—but later became a hidden danger. (See Deuteronomy 17:16: “He must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself.”)

The abundance of wealth and the gift of wisdom are divine grace of God.  Yet, if the heart turns away, they can become snares. Though God gave Solomon chariots, gold, and silver, these eventually became the root of his weakness.

This reminds us: if God's blessings lose their spiritual direction, they may become spiritual burdens.

Conclusion: Seek First the Kingdom of God

•In leadership or ministry, do I pursue God's presence first, or outward success?
•Do my prayers place God and His church as the priority, rather than my own material comfort?
•When God grants abundance, do I remain humble and watchful?