In a message titled “My Will or Thy Will?”, based on 1 Kings 1, Pastor Allen Victor examined the danger of exalting ourselves instead of submitting to God’s will. As the Pastor introduced the book of 1 Kings, he explained that the author is uncertain—some attribute it to Jeremiah and others to Ezra—and that the book contrasts kings who followed God with those who followed their own desires. He noted that the theme of the book could be summarized by two attitudes: “my will be done” or “thy will be done.”

Allen began by describing the closing days of King David’s life in 1 Kings 1:1–4, when the aging king could no longer keep warm and a young woman named Abishag was brought to care for him. The Pastor reflected on David’s complicated family life and pointed out that the king had multiple wives and concubines. This, he suggested, revealed the relational weaknesses in David’s household and illustrated the importance of commitment, communication, confession, and closeness in marriage and family relationships.

The message then turned to the main conflict of the chapter: David’s son Adonijah exalting himself as king. According to 1 Kings 1:5, Adonijah gathered chariots, horsemen, and supporters in an attempt to take the throne. Allen explained that leadership itself is not wrong when God appoints it, but self-promotion is dangerous. Adonijah tried to secure power through influence and appearances rather than waiting on God’s will. The Pastor pointed out that Adonijah’s actions reflected the consequences of David’s failure to discipline his children, as 1 Kings 1:6 revealed that David had never rebuked him. This became a reminder of the importance of parenting with presence, fairness, and clear boundaries, including teaching children the importance of hearing the word “no.”

Allen also described how Adonijah gathered political support from men such as Joab and Abiathar in 1 Kings 1:7–10. Yet others—Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, and David’s loyal mighty men—refused to join him because they recognized that God, not ambition, determines leadership. Nathan and Bathsheba therefore informed David of the situation, as seen in 1 Kings 1:11–27, reminding the king of his promise that Solomon would reign after him.

When David heard the news, he reaffirmed his vow and declared that Solomon would indeed become king, as recorded in 1 Kings 1:28–35. Allen highlighted David’s statement in 1 Kings 1:29, where the king testified that the Lord had redeemed him from every distress. The Pastor noted that God had not kept David from every trial but had faithfully delivered him through them. This served as a reminder that believers will face hardships, yet God remains present and faithful.

David then ordered Solomon to be anointed king by Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet, and the people celebrated as Solomon was publicly proclaimed ruler in 1 Kings 1:36–40. The Pastor pointed out that Solomon was likely very young at this time, demonstrating that God chooses leaders by grace rather than human ability. When Adonijah’s supporters heard that Solomon had been crowned, they quickly abandoned him, as recorded in 1 Kings 1:41–49. Allen observed that self-exalting leadership often attracts temporary allies but not lasting loyalty.

Realizing his failure, Adonijah fled to the altar and pleaded for mercy in 1 Kings 1:50–53. Solomon spared his life on the condition that he prove himself worthy. The Pastor concluded by noting how this moment reflected the grace of God, reminding listeners that people often try to rule their own lives before eventually coming to the mercy of the true King.

Allen closed with several lessons from the chapter: believers should never exalt themselves; true leadership is about serving others rather than being served, and God chooses leaders by grace rather than human strength. The Pastor encouraged the church to follow Christ’s example of humility and service, remembering that true greatness comes through serving others.

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

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