Explanation

(a) Paul treated the problem of idleness among the Thessalonian Christians in the following ways: Paul commanded the Thessalonian believers to avoid any lazy person among them. He reminded them that he did not extort money from any one of them but had worked hard to earn his living. Paul told them that he had a right as a preacher to depend on them for maintenance, but had chosen to work in order to lay an example for them. He had earlier instructed that anyone who is not willing to work should not eat. He commanded and encouraged the lazy brethren to work hard to earn their living. Paul also advised them as brethren not to be fed up in well-doing. However, he advised that anyone who refuses to obey the instructions in this letter, should be isolated. Such a lazy one should not be regarded as an enemy though. Rather, he should be warned as a brother.

(b) Reasons why Christians should engage in gainful employment are:

(i) Christians should be gainfully employed to avoid undue temptation to do evil.

(ii) They should be willing to take up any legitimate job to earn their living.

(iii) Employed Christians should not be a burden to anyone, parents, relatives and friends.

(iv) Such Christians become assets to themselves and others.

(v) They are happy serving God without murmuring or grudging.

(vi) They become a motivation to other young people around them.

Explanation

(a) Solomon loved the Lord and walked according to his father, David's statutes, laws and ways. When he began to reign he went to sacrifice to the Lord in Gibeon. The Lord appeared to him in dream by night and said to him, 'ask what I shat give you'. Solomon began by commending God for his great love for his father, David and for giving him a son to reign in his stead because he had walked before him in faithfulness and he remained faithful to God. He said, though, he, Solomon. was but a little child, he was in the midst of God's chosen people, a great people that cannot be numbered. He therefore asked for an understanding mind and wisdom, to govern the people and discern between good and evil ir governance. God was pleased with his request and he told him that since he had not asked for long life, riches, or the life of his enemies, he would grant him his request (such that none before or after him could be like him). Furthermore, he would give him what he had not asked for - riches and honour. God concluded that should he remember in faith and obey all God's commandments like his father, David, He would lengthen his days. Solomon woke up and realized that it was a dream. He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the Ark (of the covenant) and offered burnt offerings to the Lord and feasted his servants.

(b) The reasons for God's approval of Solomon's request are:

(i) Solomon's request of wisdom from God was very apt, for with it, no difficulty in his government of Israel would be insurmountable.

(ii) Solomon knew that he was not David's eldest son. Therefore, with wisdom, he would be able to handle any successor squabble that might arise.

(iii) As a child (he was then only 12 or 14), his inexperience needed God's sustaining gift of wisdom.

(iv) The king's most important function in his day was administration of justice since, as absolute kings, the reigned and ruled (they were not constitutional monarchs); therefore he required wisdom.

Correct Answer: D. the dedication of the image

Correct Answer: B. The Sadducees

Correct Answer: D. Rest

Correct Answer: B. the word of God was rare with no frequent vision

Correct Answer: B. Ahab

Correct Answer: C. Christians

Correct Answer: B. Gibeon

Correct Answer: C. Good Citizenship