Character Goal: Industriousness is working with enthusiasm and diligence to obtain knowledge and wisdom in a particular area of life. Our goal is to be diligent about knowing the Living God as He has revealed Himself in Scripture.
Biblical Character: Queen of Sheba
Scripture Readings:
1 Kings 10:1-10
Discussion Questions
What happens after Solomon goes to the high place to seek the Lord? What does God say to him in the vision? What does this teach us about God?
What does Solomon acknowledge about himself regarding being the new king over Israel? Because of this, what does he ask that God do for him? What does this tell us about Solomon’s view of God?
As an athlete, student, or friend, have you ever been put in a position that left you feeling inadequate or ill-equipped? How did you respond in that situation?
How did God feel about and respond to Solomon’s request for wisdom? What does this teach us about where wisdom comes from?
Who came to hear Solomon’s wisdom? What does this teach us about its value?
What did the Queen hear about Solomon? What did she decide to do about the information she learned? What does this teach us about her character?
Are there people in your life that possess Godly wisdom? How diligent are you to take advantage of this treasure?
How did Solomon respond to all the Queen’s questions? Why?
What did she observe about Solomon’s kingdom? Why do think this information was valuable to her?
What does the Queen recognize about God and the people who hear and receive the wisdom He gave to Solomon? What does this teach us about receiving wisdom?
How do you think her kingdom was affected by what she learned from King Solomon?
What did the Queen sacrifice in order to gain wisdom? What will we have to sacrifice to obtain this treasure?
What does Jesus acknowledge about this Queen? Who was He referring to as the “one greater than Solomon”?
What does this story teach you about God? Women?
Training for Godliness:
Industriousness is making the most of every moment we have in practice, school or even chores with a good attitude and enthusiasm. Athletes often forgo diligence in working hard for comfort and ease. What does an athlete miss out on when they take the easy way out and settle for the shortcut? What does an athlete gain by making the most of conditioning, training, practices and coaching advice? How does this apply to other areas of our life?
What is one thing I learned from this story that I can apply to my life before the next lesson?
Core Truths
God rewards those who persevere in diligently seeking Him.
God’s wisdom is beneficial to the person as well as those around them.
God’s wisdom is attractive because of the blessing it brings.
Memory Verse: