| Category: | Christian Living |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Page Count: | 256 |
| Size: | 5.5 in x 8.5 in |
| Weight: | 11.1 ounces |
| ISBN-10: | 1-4335-2154-7 |
| ISBN-13: | 978-1-4335-2154-6 |
| ISBN-UPC: | 9781433521546 |
| Case Quantity: | 44 |
| Published: | July 31, 2011 |
King Solomon had all the fame and fortune that any man could want. He was the world’s wisest and wealthiest king. And yet, tragically, he threw it all away for the love of money, the pleasures of sex, and the powers of an earthly kingdom.
In studying the life of Solomon, we see both the true greatness and the tragic failure of our own humanity—from godly devotion to self-serving excess. Even in the midst of our best intentions, we are all prone to succumb to the same temptations of money, sex, and power. And if Solomon’s incredible wisdom could not prevent him from such tragic mistakes, then how are we to triumph over the same temptations?
Philip Graham Ryken shows us how, by the grace of God, to prevent those downfalls and to seek God’s glory amid earthly temptations through this rich, Christ-centered study of the life of Solomon.
Author:
Philip Graham Ryken (DPhil, University of Oxford) is the eighth president of Wheaton College. He preached at Philadelphia’s Tenth Presbyterian Church from 1995 until his appointment at Wheaton in 2010. Ryken has published more than fifty books, including When Trouble Comes and expository commentaries on Exodus, Ecclesiastes, and Jeremiah. He serves as a board member for the Gospel Coalition and the Lausanne Movement.
Product Details
Endorsements
“With the skill of a theologian and the heart of a pastor, Ryken takes you from the demise of one king to the victory of the King of kings. Read and you’ll find more than the story of Solomon; you’ll find the gospel in beautiful and powerful relief.”
Paul David Tripp, author, Everyday Gospel
“Vintage Ryken: full of truth, wisdom, and insight. This book tells the story of Solomon, his rise and fall, and expertly traces the themes of his strange tragedy in the light of the hope of the gospel. There is a range of compelling and motivating illustrations drawn from classical and contemporary sources, as well as literary insights about how the story of Solomon fits into the Bible. Ryken leaves open the question as to whether Solomon in the end came back to God, although implies he may well have done so, through the lens of the end of Ecclesiastes. The section where Ryken describes, in pastoral and effective detail, the possible temptations that may come with power and success and how to avoid them are particularly helpful. All in all a great read, an insightful meditation on Solomon, and a case for maintaining godliness in the midst of the pressure of success well made.”
Josh Moody, Senior Pastor, College Church, Wheaton, Illinois; President, God Centered Life Ministries
“Ryken has produced another excellent pastoral asset to assist believers in their spiritual growth while also equipping leaders for an effective, gospel-centered discipleship ministry. The display of the majesty of Christ, ‘One greater than Solomon,’ is the pinnacle blessing from this biblically faithful, biographical treatment of the life of Solomon. As Phil traverses Solomon’s life, examining his divine gift of wisdom, startling passions, and significant achievements, he simultaneously exposes the great sins of Solomon and the greater grace of God in Christ. This astounding exposition also allows the reader to benefit from informative insights as to the subtle snares and entangling schemes of Satan in the idolatrous use of money, power, and sex. Although a page-turner, it warrants intentional pauses for thoughtful meditation and reflection, allowing us to make life applications that fulfill the biblical admonition to ‘not be ignorant of Satan’s devices’ yet focus upon the sufficiency of the great King, Christ Jesus, our Lord.”
Harry L. Reeder III, Senior Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, Alabama; author, From Embers to a Flame; The Leadership Dynamic; and 3D Leadership