Pastor Allen Victor taught through 1 Kings 7, showing how Solomon, after finishing the temple in seven years, spent thirteen years building his own house (1 Kings 7:1). Pastor Allen highlighted the striking contrast and asked why more time and energy were devoted to personal comfort than to the house of God, connecting it to Haggai 1:9 and Matthew 6:21. He explained that this revealed a timeless truth: people often invest more of their time, money, and energy into themselves than into the Lord. Quoting Billy Graham, he emphasized that where our treasure is reveals where our heart truly lies.

Pastor Allen then walked through Solomon’s additional building projects (1 Kings 7:1–12), including the House of the Forest of Lebanon, which served as an armory and treasury, and the Hall of Judgment and Hall of Pillars (1 Kings 7:6–7), where Solomon exercised wisdom and authority. He noted how these impressive structures, along with Solomon’s private courtyards (1 Kings 7:8), could reflect a divided life and misplaced priorities. He warned that even in serving God, it is possible to drift into serving self—seeking attention, praise, or personal gain.

The message continued with the introduction of Huram, the skilled craftsman (1 Kings 7:13–14), and the detailed work of the bronze pillars named Jachin and Boaz (1 Kings 7:15–22), symbolizing God’s strength and stability. Pastor Allen connected this to Proverbs 18:10 and Matthew 7:24–25, reminding listeners that true security comes from the Lord. He also described the bronze Sea and the oxen (1 Kings 7:23–26), emphasizing the need for continual cleansing and drawing a connection to daily spiritual renewal.

As he described the lavers, carts, and sacrificial system (1 Kings 7:27–39), Pastor Allen painted a vivid picture of the “bloody mess” of sin, explaining that sin always leaves behind costly consequences. He urged the congregation to consider the real-life aftermath of sinful choices and how they affect lives, families, and futures.

Finally, Pastor Allen reflected on the immense wealth and beauty of the temple furnishings (1 Kings 7:40–51), noting that while the temple was filled with gold and treasures, the greater truth is that believers themselves are God’s treasure (Matthew 13:44; 2 Corinthians 4:7). He challenged everyone to examine whether they were “busy building” their own lives or investing in what truly glorifies God, encouraging them not to hide or store away the gifts God has given but to use them for His purposes.

This message was shared at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, a church under the leadership of Pastor Allen Victor.

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