Singing in the Holy Place

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch.1: 1

(1) To the Jewish people the Word of God was Holy, but the Song of Solomon was the Holy of Holies, and it being a Song seems to imply that God’s people to sing properly must first enter that Divine place in the presence of the Lord.

(2) In that Holy place was the Glory of the Lord manifest, therefore our singing unto him must be a glorious thing!

(3) John Gill interprets it to be the closest we can live to a glorified state

(4) Please notice this is Solomon’s “Song of Songs” according to I Kings 4:32. Solomon wrote 3000 Proverbs and 1005 Songs, but of the 1005 Songs this one is number one, “The Song of Songs”.

(5) Songs are basically made up of two parts, “the verses” and “the chorus”. Spiritual singing has two parts also, he sings to us and we sing to him.

(6) The first time a song is actually sung is Exodus 15, a “Song of Deliverance” Exodus 15:1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord…

(7) The Second time is Exodus 32 around the golden calf. (Idolatry)

(8) There are songs in the night. Psalm 77:6 I call to remembrance my song in the night…

(9) The Song of Benediction: Matthew 26:30 And when they had sung an hymn… Note: They closed their sweet service of communion.

(10) There is a new Song to be sung: Revelation 14:3 And they sung as it were a new song before the throne….

I. Song of Love: A. He sang to us while we were in the Spiritual

womb.

(Ill. Mothers love their children before any particular qualities are developed. “While the baby is yet in the womb”) B. He sings to us willing: (Ill. Love is free-

willing, from learning, advancing and drawing together {Ill. The intention of every love song is to bring two parties together! V.4 Draw me!})

(1) Love songs must be sung from the heart. (2) Songs of love are written about what the writer loves or delights in.

II. Song of Light: Note: All songs will reveal the character of their author.

A. His identity: verse 4 B. His intentions. Verse 2-Kisses (To bless

me) [Ch2:4] C. His Integrity: Honor, Uprightness,

Completeness.

III. Song of Laudation: (Praise or Extol) IV. Song of Life: The Song of Solomon has 8 chapters: There are 8 notes in an octave. There are 8 notes in this Divine octave of Love: 8 Me’s (an octave is the most perfect of chords)

Bride: 1:2 Kiss Me (Reconciliation) 1:4 Draw Me (Fellowship) 1:7 Tell Me (Guidance) 2:5 Stay Me (Support)

Bridegroom: 2:14 Let Me (Prayer) 4:8 Come with Me (Separation) 5:2 Open to Me (Intimacy) 8:6 Set Me (Lordship)

Kisses Sweeter Than Wine

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:2

(1) The Song of Solomon is a Song of Love between Christ and his Church.

(2) In Verse one we have the title and brief introduction, then in verse two something that seems to be somewhat unusual and improper.

(3) In most romances it is the Groom who takes the first initiative to discover his love for the bride; but here she speaks first. The reason being Christ has already spoken to the “Secret Chambers” of her heart.

(4) And being espoused to him it becomes her to show an affectionate regard unto him.

(5) We may understand the term “KISSES OF HIS MOUTH” to mean the gracious words that flow from his lips; not the sharp, severe rebukes of the Law, but the warm, tender, compassionate DOCTRINES OF GRACE.

(6) These doctrines of Grace must commence with the……..

I. Gospel of the Son

A. His love: Note: These kisses carry in them intimations of his love to souls to whom they come in power and in the Holy Ghost: The Love of Christ is the great subject of the Gospel.

Kisses Are… 1. Tokens of Reconciliation - II Corinthians 5:19 To

wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [Notice v. 14] [Lets kiss and make up.]

2. Evidences of His Relationship Note: Christ stands in and fills up all relations to his people and has affections for them suitable to them all.

A. Kind Father : Jeremiah 31:9 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications, will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn..

B. Tender Husband C. Affectionate Brother D. Loving Friend

3. Expressions of His Love A. He takes walks with us. B. He takes us out to dinner. C. But with the kisses of his mouth, he is nearer and

more romantic still. 4. Elevates our Love: [Note: Nothing raises our love

higher for Christ than the flowing of his love into our soul. A. Warms our heart when cold. B. Quickens our love when it is dull. C. Lights a fire when the flame flickers [Please notice:

She wouldn’t be satisfied with one kiss, but needed many.]

1. Many manifestations of his love and grace after another. 2. Many visits from him until she arrived to full enjoyment of his love in Glory: [Please notice also how she departs from the third person pronoun him; to the second person thy:]

(1. They are alone: She was talking about him; she is now talking to him.)

The Oil of His Anointing

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch.1:3

(1) These ointments in verse three are first mentioned in Exodus 30.

(2) They were made by Divine prescription and were used for the purpose of anointing the Tabernacle with its vessels.

(3) This included the Ark of the testimony, the table of the Shewbread, the candlestick, the Alter, and all the vessels therein.

(4) Likewise Aaron and his sons were anointed that they may minister in the priests’ office.

(5) This anointing sanctified and made Holy those vessels that they may be used in the Lord’s service. They were Most Holy. This same oil was used for anointing:

1. Prophets: [Ill. Elisha: I Kings 19] 2. Priest: [Ill. Aaron: Exodus 30:30] 3. Kings: [Ill. David: I Samuel 16]

Note: The Scripture says in Hebrews 1:9 that our Lord was “anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows. Note: This was fulfilled at his Baptism in Matthew 3. Note: He was anointed that he might fill all these offices.

1. Prophet: To preach good tidings to the meek. [Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,]

2. Priest: To offer Sacrifice and make intercession for us.

3. King: That he might rule in our hearts by grace.

A. The Spirit glorifies Christ. B. The Spirit reveals truth. C. The Spirit empowers the Christian. D. The Spirit convicts, convinces, and

converts the sinner Fresh Oil: Psalm 92:10 But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

1. This oil was made to use for an ornament: It makes the face to shine.

2. This oil was used for cheering and refreshing guests.

3. This oil was used for healing wounds. 4. This oil was used for anointing all vessels of the

Tabernacle to make them fit for service: US! I. To Sing II. To Sacrifice: ( Hebrews 13)

A. Praise B. Partnership III. To Separate

IV. To Sanctify VI. To Stand V. To Speak: (to witness) VII. To Support:

C. Pray one for another D. Bear one another’s burdens

Chambers of Love

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:4

1. Mention briefly that the Song of Solomon is a love song: Christ and the church.

2. In verse 4 the bride is speaking. She says, “Draw me, we will run after thee.”

3. The word draw is used in various applications: it means to:

A. Sow: Ill. Boaz and handfuls of purpose used to draw Ruth to his chambers of love

B. Sound: Ill. Samuel when the Lord spoke to him.

Ill. The Wind: John 3:8 The wind bloweth were it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and wither it goeth: so is everyone that is born of the Spirit. C. Remove: as to remove all obstacles to

bring us to himself 1. Nicodemus: Religion 2. Prodigal Son: His

substance (or wealth) 3. Nebuchadnezzar: Self-

sufficiency 4. The methods he uses to draw us:

A. His Love: Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. B. His Light: Psalm 43:3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.

C. His Life: John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Note: Ecclesiastes 4:12 “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

I. Chamber of Conception: (Song of Solomon

3:4) 1. Are private: (The chambers of

our heart.) 2. Are precious 3. Are passionate: (Full of Love)

II. Chamber of Commitment Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. Note: Daniel is not praying out of spite nor boldness: but of duty and commitment.

A. Tested by adversity: (He was doing as aforetime)

1. Committed to: a. Person of Christ b. Place: (Jerusalem Church) c. People d. Prayer

III. Chamber of Consolation Isaiah 26:20 Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. (Ill. Noah and the Ark)

Black and Beautiful

Outline and notes on the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:5

1. Please keep in mind as we study through Solomon’s Song that it is a song of Love. It is the story of Christ and his Bride.

2. In these early verses of chapter one it is the Bride who is speaking; and in verse five she begins to describe herself.

3. She is black but comely: Black by sin but comely by grace.

4. The Holy Ghost gives two vivid illustrations to reveal the great truth he is endeavoring to convey to our hearts in v. 5. (The tents of Kedar and the Curtains of Solomon)

5. The tents of Kedar were outwardly covered with black goats hair; very unsightly without, but within were great wealth and riches.

6. Solomon’s curtains without were lacking the beauty and wealth that one would expect to find, but within they were embroidered with beautiful needlework of.

a. Blue (Divinity) b. Scarlet (Humility) c. Purple (Royalty)

7. So it is with the child of a God, the world sees us outwardly.

a. Faults b. Failures c. Folly: (all black)

8. But they fail to see us outwardly (All Beauty) Christ 9. Christ is being formed within us. 10. Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I

travail in birth until Christ be formed in you,] (The new creation is Christ in you the hope of glory)

I. Christ Mind Note: He changes our thinking (ill. The Maniac – [Mark

5:15 And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.] He was clothed sitting in his right mind.)

a. Lowly Mind of humility: - Philippians 2:3-8 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Phil 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Phil 2:6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: Phil 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: Phil 2:8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

b. Willing mind in giving: II Corinthians 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

(Also v. 9) For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

c. Pure mind: II Peter 3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: (Judged by sunlight)

(Start thinking like a man!)

II. Christ’s Manliness II Peter 1:5 (Virtue) And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; I Cor. 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

III. Christ’s Ministry II Corinthians 5:18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

a. Reconciliation

The Tragedy of Neglect

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:6

1. Please keep in mind the glorious interpretation of Solomon’s Song: it portrays the blessed relationship and intimate fellowship of Christ and his bride.

2. In verses 2 through 7 the bride is speaking to the Lord: and in verse 5 she begins to describe herself: She is black but comely, black by sin but made comely by grace.

3. Here in verse 6 where we find our thought for the message the bride makes confession of a very common sin,” she has neglected her own vineyard”.

4. What a tragedy! 5. Like Martha she was cumbered about with many

things and had neglected that which is needful. The watchcare of her own life:

6. Mention the vineyards in upper NY a. Purging b. Pestilence c. Predators (Little foxes) Don’t Neglect Your:

I. Future: a. The young ruler and his wealth - Luke 18:18

And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

b. The rich man and his worldly confidence –

Luke 12:16-20 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

Luke 12:17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

Luke 12:18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

Luke 12:19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

c. The rich man who neglected the witness of

Lazarus – Luke 16:19-31 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Luke 16:27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: Luke 16:28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Luke 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. Luke 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

II. Faith: Hebrews 2:1-4 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. Heb 2:2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; Heb 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; Heb 2:4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

a. Be diligent - II Peter 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

III. Family: ill. Lot

a. Be devoted to your spouse b. Discipline your children.

IV. Fellowship:

a. Son – I John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

b. Saints – I John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

c. Spirit – Philippians 2:1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

d. Father – I John 1:3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Seeking Satisfaction

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:7 Preached on 10-31-99

Most everyone today is seeking for something that will satisfy. Many are driven with the ambition to be successful in business. They’ll spend long hours, and work hard only to find a hallow spot at the top of the ladder. Others hope to find satisfaction through great feats of daring: (ill. The Parachutist (a women of 60). Then, there are those who hope to find fulfillment in some great athletic achievement. (ill Mark McGuire) They may hit 70 HR’s this year, but next year in their lust they hope for 71. Then I believe there is probably the most disillusioned group of all: those who seek satisfaction in some sin that will ultimately destroy both mind and body; sins like alcohol, drugs, and sex. Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4:14 “But

whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give shall never thirst.” The bride of Solomon in these first seven verses

was looking for satisfaction; she was looking for him: v.2 – “She says kiss me” (Reconciliation) v.4 – “She says draw me” (Fellowship) v.7 – “Tell me” (Where) (In search of) Food &

Rest. In satisfying us with food and rest we see the

Sheperd work of our Lord: (Food & Raiment I Timothy 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.) Psalm 23 “The Lord is my Sheperd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.” Here we have food, rest, and satisfaction. (I shall not want)

1. There is a threefold work of the Sheperd: a. Good Sheperd: John 10:11 “I am the

good sheperd; the good sheperd giveth his life for the sheep.

b. Chief Sheperd: I Peter 5:4 “And when the chief sheperd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory, which fadeth not away.”

c. Great Sheperd: Hebrews 13:20 “Now the God of peace, that brought again our Lord Jesus, that great sheperd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will.”

I. He seeks his sheep: Luke 15 II. He has an exquisite knowledge of his sheep: John 10:14 “I am the good sheperd and know my sheep”

a. He is endued with infinite wisdom and prudence to order his sheep aright.

b. He has an almighty arm to protect and defend them from their enemies. (ill David the lion & bear)

c. He is furnished with large supplies of grace for them.

d. He bears an inexpressible love unto them. III. He restores them; when they have wandered and strayed from the fold. IV. He watches over his sheep; in the night seasons ill The sheperd at the birth of Jesus

a. Binds the broken hearted b. Heals the sick and wounded c. Strengthens the weak

V. He feeds his sheep: a. With himself: John 6:35 “I am the bread of life: he

that cometh to me shall never hunger.” V. 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

b. With the word: John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

c. With the discoveries of his love and grace: (He brings us to his banqueting house; and his banner over me is love.) Song of Solomon 2:4

1. By what means does he feed his flock: a. By his ministers: (ill Peter in John 21:15-17 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. John 21:16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

2. Where does he feed them: Song of Solomon 6:2,3 My beloved is

gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.

Song 6:3 I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine: he feedeth among the lilies.

(Note: These gardens are where the gospel is powerfully preached, his ordinances purely administered, and the laws of his house faithfully put into execution.)

Footprints That Make The Pathway Glow

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:8 Preached on 11-14-99

In Solomon’s lifetime he wrote 3000 proverbs and 1005

songs. Of all the compositions that he wrote this is his greatest

masterpiece. To the Jewish believers who love the Lord all scripture

is holy, but Solomon’s Song is the Holy of Holies, for it carries us beyond the outer court and through the viel into the blessed presence of God, where as his children we enjoy holy and intimate communion with him that loved us and gave himself for us.

These eight chapters also make up a beautiful love song. For it tells the story of Christ and his Church and the love they have for one another.

In verse 2 thru 7 it is the bride who begins to spark and she makes three distinct requests of the Lord.

A. V. 2 Kiss Me (Kissing of Reconciliation) B. V. 4 Draw Me (Into Fellowship) “I will run after thee” C. V. 7 Tell Me (Where you feed and give rest to your

flock) In verse 8 the Lord gives an answer to her question. This reveals her: I. (If thou know not) The Imperfections of the Bride Note: This is not a rebuke, but a gentile exhortation from a tenderhearted savior. (Because of the Lord’s statement) “O thou fairest among women” A. She has already confessed her imperfections:

1. V. 5 She is black but comely: (Black from sin, comely by grace)

2. V. 6 She has neglected herself: (But mine own vineyard have I not kept)

3. V. 7 She has failed to feed on spiritual food because of a lack of knowledge: (Tell me where v. 7) If thou knowest not v. 8) Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

The bride is searching for the place where he feeds and rests his flesh; his answer to her question is:

II. Follow the Experience of Those Who Have Preceded us: (Go forth by the footsteps of the flock)

1. History is rightly used when it becomes a guide of hope.

2. Yesterday enriches today. 3. All the historic triumphs of the divine arm stimulate

us in the present battle. 4. What God has been and done is an earnest of

what he will yet be and do: a. The footprints of godly parents: (ill

Timothy): II Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 1. Their faith 2. Their family values 3. Their failures 4. Their farewells: (How they died)

b. The footprints of a gracious pastor: Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 1. Their conduct: (conversation)

a. Guarded his life from sin

b. Guided his family c. Gives to the work of God

Note: What has worked for him will also work for you!

III. Follow the Footprints of Glorified Pilgrims

Hebrews 12:1-3 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

a. Lighten the load: (Lay aside every weight)

b. Live patiently c. Look to Jesus

IV. Follow the footprints of the Glorious Person of Jesus: (He’s the Shepherd) John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know

them, and they follow me: a. His footprints are distinct: (Different from the

sheep) b. His footprints are delightful

An Excellent Horse

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:9 Preached on 11-21-99 P.M.

In our study of Solomon’s Song we’ve progressed

thus far to verse nine. In verse two thru seven the bride is speaking and has made three primary requests. She desires to be kissed in verse two; to be drawn into fellowship in verse four; and in verse seven she needs directions to her shepherds feeding place.

In verse eight the Lord responds to his brides requests and with two consoling exhortations. He assures her of both her beauty and his love for her. She is to him the “Fairest among women” in verse eight; and here in verse nine the Lord uses a very loving and enduring title “My Love”.

This term could have been easily rendered “Friend”, because a “friend loveth at all times”, or he could have called her neighbor, for surely he loves the church as himself. And please notice the personal pronoun “My Love”. She was loved by and belongs to no one else but him. The church is here compared to a company of horses.

This sets forth her greatness and excellency, and to Egyptian horses, which were esteemed to be the best, and to those in Pharaoh’s chariots, which were no doubt the best of all.

I. They Were Very Costly to Own

a. In their purchase price: (According to I Kings 10:29 an Egyptian horse in Solomon’s day sold for one hundred and fifty shekels or about $97.50 today.

1. We were purchased by love: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

a. To love someone will cost you something. 2. We were purchased with a lamb: I Peter 1:18,19 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 1 Pet 1:19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Costly to own in their daily provisions 1. Food (bread, hidden manna) 2. Shelter (Christ himself)

II. They Had Been Tamed From Their Wild State: (ill The Maniac)

1. Made to be gentle: Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance:

Note: They were gentle but yet apt to kick: Ill Oklahoma 2. They could be controlled

III. They Were Glorious In Appearance

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Col 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Col 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

IV. They Were Trained For Battle 1. Psalm 18:34 He teacheth my hands to

war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. (Handling the word of God)

2. Psalm 144:1 A Psalm of David. Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:

3. I Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

4. II Timothy 2:3,4 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Tim 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

No Discharge But Death

God’s Glorious People

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:10,11

Preached on 11-28-99

In verse 9 we noticed the Lord had compared his people to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots. This is truly a “Glorious Position”. But, that is our position in Christ.

The Lord continues in verse 10 and 11 to describe the ornaments of grace that beautify and glorify the people of God. 1. Rows of jewels – 2. Chains of gold – 3. Borders of gold with studs of silver. These verses obviously picture Pharaoh’s horses arrayed in all the splendor that the wealth of a king could afford. But the deeper meaning portrays the redeemed of the Lord, having been lifted out of sin and by grace have been clothed in the gorgeous apparel of Christ, which is the Righteousness of God.

The Lord isn’t finished with us yet. There’s coming a crowning day when the Lord shall reveal his chosen; purchased by blood, redeemed by grace, and adorned in all the glory of Christ.

Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in

him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

There are two parts of the body mentioned, the

cheeks and the neck. The Cheeks are associated with judgment. Isaiah

50:6 I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.

The Neck is associated with rebellion. Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

But both of them are also places of affection and reward.

ill. The Prodigal and the Father: Luke 15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

ill. Joseph and Pharaoh: Genesis 41:42 And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck;

1. The Rows of Jewels in the Cheeks: a. Possibly refers to the bride which would

be used to restrain us from sin. b. Also to guide and direct us in the right

way. 2. The Chains of Gold

a. Faith b. Hope c. Charity

A Glorious State Demonstrates That:

I. God is wiser than Satan: I Corinthians 1:18-25 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 1 Cor 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 1 Cor 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 1 Cor 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 1 Cor 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 1 Cor 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. 1 Cor 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

a. In His Purpose: v.21 Note: Satan purposed to plunge the entire human race into depravity and thus separate us eternally from God. But he played right into the hands of God, for it was God’s purpose to call out by the foolishness of preaching a people to sanctify and glorify. b. In His Prospect: (outlook) Note: Satan intended to defile and disgrace. But God the Lord’s outlook was much brighter. c. In His Power Note: Satan had to deceive and blind but God’s power opens blinded eyes.

II. Grace is Greater Than Sin: Romans 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the

offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: a. Grace is an Immortal and Incorruptible seed,

which remains in the believer, and shall do forever:

1. Grace is greater than our guilt. 2. Grace is greater than our condemnation. 3. Grace is greater than our sentence of

death. III. Heaven is Better Than Hell: IV. Holy Living is More Profitable Than Wickedness:

Odours of Worship

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:12 Preached on 12-5-99

In the two preceding verses the Lord has

commended his beautiful bride and has promised her “Great Grace” and has bestowed upon her “Transcendent Glory”.

1. Rows of Jewels 2. Chains of Gold 3. And Borders of Gold With Studs of Silver Therefore, in this verse and the two following, she

declares what advantages she has received of him, how lovely is his person, and how delightful his company is to her.

Please notice her response to his promise mentioned in verse 10 and 11. “My spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof”. That is, my grace is in exercise; my soul is breathing with earnest desire for thee; I long for his present fellowship and personal appearance; my greatest aspirations are of thee.

Look very quickly at his position, “while the king sitteth at his table”. This is very well suit to Christ’s exalted state; surely his kingly office and power are clearly manifest.

I thought of the Syrophenician woman in Matthew 15 who worshipped the Lord while waiting for a crumb from his table: “I wonder how often we miss the crumb while looking for a loaf”.

The word spikenard is only mentioned five times in the scriptures: three times here in Solomon’s Song, once in Mark 14:3 and also in John 12:3 – It is alluded to in Matthew and Luke.

Each time it is mentioned in the N.T. it has reference to the anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany.

In each of the N.T. accounts of Mary’s anointing of the Lord he sat at meat and she with much humility and

love adored and worshipped him: anointing him with spikenard, the odour filling the house and I am sure it was an odour of sweet smell unto him.

1. True worship can only be produced by the

Gospel: Mark 14:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this

gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

a. Only what grace bestows can worship draw out. 2. In Mark 14:3 Spikenard is said to be very precious: (And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.) a. She broke the box and poured it on his head: (She gave the very best she had back to him.) Our Worship 3. In John 12:3 Spikenard is said to be very

costly: (Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.)

a. What it cost him. b. What it will cost us.

4. On each occasion it is offered by a woman: (The Church)

“My Spikenard Sendeth Forth The Smell

Thereof”

Odours of Worship

I. Pantings of the Soul: Psalm 42:1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

1. Inner Pantings: Like the priest penetrated the outer court to the presence of God in the Holy Place; David penetrated the shell to find the kernal.

Psalm 63:1 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

a. Thirst is an insatiable longing after that which is one of llifes most essential supports.

b. Thirst cannot be reasoned with. c. There is no forgetting it: (ill. Viet-nam) d. There is no overcoming it: (It must be satisfied or

death) e. The whole man must yield to it’s power:

Even thus it is with that Divine desire which the grace of God creates in regenerate man; only God himself can satisfy the craving of a soul really aroused by the Holy Spirit.

II. Praises from the Lips: Spikenard is very comforting and strengthening nature to the stomach, it exhilarates the spirits. The inner man must be stirred, aroused and awakened before we can offer praise.

a. Praise him in song: Psalm 149:1 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. (John Gill said that congregational singing in the Holy Ghost is earthly close to a glorified state.)

b. Praise him in his Sanctuary: Psalm 150:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

c. Praise him for his Excellent Greatness: Psalm 150:2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

III. Prayers from the Heart: a. Read Revelation 8:1-6 And when he had opened

the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. Rev 8:2 And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets. Rev 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. Rev 8:4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. Rev 8:5 And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake. Rev 8:6 And the seven angels which had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

1. Our prayers upon the Golden Alter 2. Cast to the earth, created a great

earthquake.

Communion Under Affliction

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:13 Preached on 12-12-99 A.M.

In this verse the bride continues the account of her

comfort, delight, and satisfaction, which she has for Christ. She expresses her greatest love and strongest affection for him comparing him to the best of herbs and spices.

He is compared to a bundle of myrrh, that she grants as admittance where she would allow none else, “betwixt her breasts”. (What a blessed place she gives him)

A. The Character of Myrrh: 1. It was very valuable and highly esteemed

of and used in gifts and presents to great persons:

a. ill. Jacob (by his sons) to the governor of Egypt (Joseph) Genesis 43:11 And their father Israel said unto them, If it must be so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: b. ill. The wise men brought to the birth of Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matt. 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. He is our gift from God.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: II Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

2. It was used to make persons comely and

acceptable to others. a. ill. Esther 2:12 Now when every

maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)

She was purified with oil of myrrh before she was admitted into the presence of king Ahasuerus. Ephesians 1:5,6 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

(stacte) 3. The Myrrh tree put of drops of gum that

was used in the sweet incense: (Exodus 30:34 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight) This represents the intercession of Christ, who

stands at the Golden Alter, with a Golden Censor, to offer up the prayers of his people, and perfumes them with incense: (His and the Holy Spirits intercession) Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

4. (Him and His Presence) In Song of

Solomon 5:5 it is called a sweet smelling myrrh, and so Christ perfumes the church with a sweet smelling myrrh of spiritual blessing;

a. Justification b. Sanctification c. Glorification

5. It was used for embalming dead bodies, to prevent putrefaction and corruption: (ill Nicodemus John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.) He brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes to preserve the body of Jesus.

Jude 1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and

brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

6. Myrrh is bitter in taste, but sweet in smell, my show that the cross goes along with Christ: the bitter and the sweet.

a. Please notice he lies “all night” betwixt her breasts: the word night might refer to that time of temptation, or that season of “affliction”.

I. ill Hannah: I Samuel 1:11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and forget not thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. (She felt forgotten of God)

II. ill David: II Samuel 16:12 It may be that the LORD

will look on mine affliction, and that the LORD will requite me good for his cursing this day.

III. ill Jeremiah: (He laments over Jerusalem)

Lamentations 1:9 O LORD, behold my affliction: for the enemy hath magnified himself.

a. Is a learning experience: Psalm 119:67

Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

b. Is a loving experience: II Corinthians 1:6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

c. Is a light experience: II Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

Squeeze the Grapes and Taste the Juice

Outline and notes in the Song Of Solomon Ch. 1:14 Preached on 12-14-99 Tues. P.M.

In verse 12 we find the bride in sweet and blessed

communion with her Lord; “She is sending forth the odours of worship as the king sits at his table.” Her spirit therefore being stirred and her grace exercised she begins to express her delight and pleasure because of the fellowship she enjoys.

To her he is a bundle of myrrh betwixt her breasts in verse 13, and a cluster of camphire in verse 14.

Very quickly please notice the two truths that are manifest in this verse.

I. The Character or Title She Gives the Lord: (My Beloved) She uses the same endearing title or in verse 13

A. Teaches us that Christ being once the believers beloved is always so: 1. Our union with him: John 17:20,21 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; John 17:21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us. a. Cannot be severed: Romans 8:38,39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Romans 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. B. Teaches us that her faith in him, and her love toward him, still continues:Note: These two graces are never separate, they grow up

and increase together; they can never be lost: “Faith works by love” Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. C. Teaches us that she was not ashamed of Christ, D. Teaches us of her singular esteem for him, that she loved him and none else.

II. The Cluster of Camphire: Note: The word camphire means “to cover” or a redemption – price or a ransom: and the cluster is the same Hebrew word used for Eschol in Numbers 13:23,24. This gives reference to grapes that was found to be growing in Canaan.

a. His blood for salvation: Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

b. His blood for fellowship: Matthew 26:26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. Note: The Lord’s Table This Do In Remembrance Of Me

c. His blood for cleansing: I John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

d. His blood for healing: ill The Good Samaritan: Luke 10:34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

e. His blood for joy: ill John 2 The water into wine 1. They could only be found across the river. 2. Could be brought back by the spiritual as

evidence of God’s goodness.

Looking Through the Eyes of a Dove

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:15 Preached on 12-19-99

In the three previous verses Solomon’s bride has

been in a state of divine worship. Her heart has been moved by the grace and glory bestowed upon her by the king.

Not only had her spikenard sent up odors of worship but she also compares him to a bundle of myrrh that shall lie betwixt her breasts sending forth the fragrance of Christ in all his divine being and a cluster of camphire from the vineyards of En-gedi.

Here in verse 15 the heart of the Lord being stirred because of our worship. He begins to speak words of comfort, consolation, and assurance. “Behold, thou art fair, my love,” He then repeats himself and as lovers often do he speaks of the beauty found in her eyes: “Thou hast doves eyes.”

By way of introduction notice please the word “Behold” mentioned twice, and repeated by the statement Thou art fair, my love”.

A. Given as a Note of Attention: This may be

designed to stir her up more seriously, and to reassure her of the glorious position she occupies in his life. God’s children often fix their eyes upon their own sin and imperfections and fail to see their own

1. Perfection 2. Completeness (Colossians 2:10 And ye

are complete in him)

B. Given as a Note of Admiration: He admires her as a genuine masterpiece, a work of art, justified, sanctified and glorified by his grace: he admires her as his own accomplished redemption.

C. Given as a Positive Affirmation: Believers are

prone to indulge themselves in Fears, Doubts, And Unbelief, Concerning Christ’s complete work upon them, and their affirmation is intended to assure her of his complete work upon her in spite of her own fleshly imperfection.

D. Notice the Term “My Love” This is given to let

her know that she is still the object if his love, pleasure and delight.

E. Thou Hast Doves Eyes: This is a word that is

always applied to the Holy Spirit. 1. ill. Noah’s dove and the olive-leaf 2. ill. The dove descending upon Jesus

Doves Eyes Are

I. The Eyes of Faith: a. It is the Spirit of God which enables the soul

of man to view the glory of the cross and look to him alone for life and salvation.

II. The Eyes of Fellowship:

a. The dove is a quick and sharp sighted creature: Looking through the Spirit’s eyes we penetrate the veil and see his divine presence.

b. Looking through those eyes distant things are brought nigh.

c. Looking through those eyes unseen things are made manifest to the soul: II Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

1. The Invisible Christ: 2. The Invincible Christ: 3. The Invested Christ:

Fellowship with him. All power Ephesians 1:18-20 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Eph 1:19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Eph 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places. III. The Eyes of Singleness and Simplicity: The dove is an exceeding chaste and loving creature to its mate; the eyes of a dove look only to their mate, to whom they keep inviolable chastity.

1. Look to him only for Justification: (Not works) 2. Look to him only for our Righteousness 3. Look to him only for Pardon and Cleansing 4. Look to him only for our Sufficiency

IV. The Eyes of Meekness and Humility: The eyes of the dove are meek and humble not lofty and proud.

a. Ascribe all the glory to Christ and take nothing for ourselves.

V. The Eyes of Observation: The dove singles out and feeds upon only pure seeds and grain: we cannot live on the husks that the swine eat.

The Flourishing Church

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:16 Preached on 12-26-99 P.M.

At a quick glance one would believe that the Lord is

yet speaking as a continuation of his commendation verse 15. But the word “Beloved” is an endearing word more frequently used of the bride in regards to him who she truly loves.

The bride here appears to be stirring to outdo him in their mutual expressions of love; and it would seem that she found it difficult to find words fully expressive of his excellency. Our Lords beauty and majesty being infinite, inexpressible, and transcending all others.

By her returning the same commendation back to Christ not only proves that she looked on her own beauty as being inferior to Christ, but it shows her modesty and humility, as well as the nature of true faith: which gives all the glory of what she is to Christ and his grace:

I Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

A. Christ may be said to be fair in his:

1. Body; free from sin and all blemishes and defects of nature. Note: The body that was here the ridicule of men, is now the wonder of angels, the head that was crowned with thorns is now crowned with glory and honor; the face that was spit upon, will be the delightful object of the saints everlasting vision.

B. Christ may be said to be fair as our

1. God-man and Mediator: Note: The glory of all the Divine perfections are

resplendent in him. He is the brightness of the Fathers glory and the express image of his person. Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

2. He is the mediator, the surety , and the messenger of the covenant of grace.

C. Christ may be said to be fair as our:

1. Prophet: “To teach and instruct us”

D. Christ may be said to be fair as our: 1. King: “To rule our hearts by grace”

“Also Our Bed is Green” 1. A Place of Rest 2. A Place of Reproduction

The Church is a Green Bed

I. The Church is Alive: (Green indicates life and growth) a. She is watchful: (ill Church at Sardis Rev. 3:2) Def. Watchful – maintaining all faculties; awake

1. Thinking right 2. Aware of what’s going on around us Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

b. Witnessing: I Thessalonians 1:8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

c. Waiting: I Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

d. Working II. The Church is Availing in Prayer:

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. ill Elijah I Kings 17,18 a. His prayer dried up heaven. b. His prayer turned the hearts of the people back

to God. c. His prayer brought Righteous Judgment to the

people. 1. Pray without ceasing: I Thessalonians

5:17 Pray without ceasing. (That ye not faint) Luke 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;)

2. Pray with commitment: ill Paul Pritchard 3. Pray with a forgiving spirit: Mark 11:25

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

III. The Church is Affectionate:

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Def. A bent of mind towards a particular object, holding a middle place between Disposition, which is natural, and Passion, which is excited by the presence of its exciting object. a. Without hypocrisy: v 9

(Dissimulation)(Concealment of ones opinions)

b. Without Pre-eminence: (Yielding to the judgment of another: we do not have to have our way all the time) (I Timothy 3:3 Without natural affection)

IV. The Church is Anointed:

I John 2:26,27 These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. a. Teaches us: v 27 b. Identifies seducers

V. The Church is Appointed:

a. To appear at the judgment seat: I Corinthians 3:12-15 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 1 Cor 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 1 Cor 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 1 Cor 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

c. To see Jesus

Our House

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:17 Preached on 12-28-99 Tues. P.M.

When the Holy Spirit inspired the Bible he permitted

its writers to use their own personality; and very often they used earthly things to demonstrate heavenly truths. I believe we see that here in the reference Solomon makes to “Our House”.

Let me interject something here very briefly, and say the term “Our House” leads me to believe that both bride, and bridegroom join together in the last verse of chapter one to sing the chorus of their glorious song together. For that’s how it shall be through eternity, Christ and his Church forever in Holy Communion, singing our redemption song throughout all ages.

But what is meant by “Our House”? I believe the reference id to Solomon’s Temple. It was an exceedingly glorious building that could not be matched for its beauty and splendor.

The true interpretation looks beyond Solomon’s Temple into heaven itself to a “house not made with hands”. Paul mentions this house in II Corinthians 5:1-6 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 Cor 5:2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 2 Cor 5:3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 2 Cor 5:4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 2 Cor 5:5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 2 Cor 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing

that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

1. The Fir tree is durable in nature and will not rot. a. Our house is; Incorruptible, Undefiled, and

fadeth not away. 2. The Cedar is delightful in smell.

a. This may represent that fullness of joy, and those delightful pleasures we have in the presence of Christ.

By the term “Our House”, we may also see the church. New Testament scriptures support this in… I Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. Hebrews 3:6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. I. The Church:

A. Christ the Foundation: I Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

B. The Material: (Are lively stones) I Peter 2:5

Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

C. Christ Dwells There: (He built it)

Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. ill The church at Ephesus: “who walketh in the midst of God through the Spirit”

D. Christ Feeds and Feasts With His People There: ill. The feeding of four thousand with (seven loaves) and a few “small fishes” Mark 8:1-9 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, Mark 8:2 I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat: Mark 8:3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way: for divers of them came from far. Mark 8:4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness? Mark 8:5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven. Mark 8:6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disciples to set before them; and they did set them before the people. Mark 8:7 And they had a few small fishes: and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them. Mark 8:8 So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. Mark 8:9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away. (Took up seven baskets) Song of Solomon 2:4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with

his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

E. In His House is a Place of Rest

F. In His House, He Lays Up His Treasure: Psalm 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure. Malachi 3:17 And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Note: I know the Lord’s heart is there, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

G. He Maintains His House By Making All Necessary Repairs: (Broken Hearts)

1. He keeps it clean 2. He makes it attractive and beautiful

H. He Manages All Affairs of It I. He Educates His Children There

Beams of Cedar and Rafters of Fir

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 1:17 Preached on 01-02-00 P.M.

Here in verse 17 we see the bride and the groom,

closing this chapter, singing in beautiful harmony and living in glorious communion. In this we see two pictures: 1. That of Christ and his Church in Holy Communion and blessed fellowship in our present life, (or else) 2. It represents the final estate of the believer, dwelling in the presence of Christ, where there are delightful pleasures and fullness of joy. (Eternity)

But what about these beams of cedar and rafters of fir? Wood in the Bible is often used as a type of humanity. Illustration-The Ark in Exodus 25 (Wood overlaid with Gold)

This reveals both Christ’s Humanity and his Diety. Trees in the Bible also represent the saints of God: 1. The Oak: (For its strength (in him)) 2. The Fig & Olive (The nation of Israel) 3. The Palm (Its ability to stand against the fiercest storms) So the Cedar and the Fir represent the saints of God, in his House: As Paul said in Ephesians 2:21 “In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:” And so these trees can be compared to the saints.

We See

I. The Working of Divine Grace: (The Cedars

Height) Note: The Saints are poor and lowly by nature, even as beggars on a dunghill, yet by Divine Grace they are raised on high, set among princes, and made to inherit the throne of Glory. Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Revalation 1:5b,6 Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

We See

II. The Wonder of Incorruption: (The Cedar)

a. Will not rot b. Will not admit any worm into it Note: The saints of God are immortal, we will endure forever.

1. Though we have much corruption in us yet will we never corrupt: (ill Salt to pork) ill. God’s great preservative.

a. Blood b. Grace c. His Power

Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:

We See

III. The Worship We Offer: (The sweet odor it

sends forth) a. By his garments we are clothed in:

1. Isaiah 61:10 for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation.

2. Psalm 45:8 All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia.

b. The grace wrought in us by the Spirit enables us to offer up spiritual sacrifices, which are an odor of sweet smell.

We See

IV. The Well We Are Drinking From: (Cedar is always green) a. Planted by rivers of living water: Psalm 1:3

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

b. The older the cedar the more fruitful.

We See

V. The Wrestlings of the Believer: (The cedar is well rooted) a. Hold firmly in Christ, and withstand; Storms,

Temptations and Resist Sin: Proverbs 12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

We See

VI. The Walk of the Believer: (They are known

for their straightness and uprightness) (Don’t grow crooked) a. Upright in heart. b. Upright in conversation