God’s Broken Rose

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:1 Preached on 1-9-01

As we begin chapter number two we once again find

Christ and the Church alternating in their praises one for another. They discover the strength of their mutual affection, and express the delight and pleasure they take in each other.

Our opening statement in chapter two; “I am the rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the valleys.” Many believe it to be the expressive both of Christ and the Church. I believe this to be true, but I personally believe that this is Christ speaking of himself in these opening remarks.

But by way of introduction let me point out two or three similarities I see concerning the Church.

1. These flowers are said to be in the low

valleys; In the open field; A place of many dangers and many enemies:

a. We are often the deep affliction, sorrow and distress:

b. Eaten by wild beasts, destroyed by the elements, and trodden under the feet of men:

2. The Lily has a weak stem or body, and is

not sufficient to bear the weight of the body.

3. They both together express our likeness

to Christ: In 5:10 he is said to be white and ruddy or white and red;

A Perfect Beauty

Our Likeness to Him

But as I said, I believe we find here Christ praising himself: It would not be comely for you and I to praise ourselves, but for Christ, this is in perfect order:

1. He praises himself because no one else can do it as it should be done.

2. He will never fully be described unless he shall describe himself. For it is certain, we would have never known God if he had not revealed himself:

ill. (The Door) (The Bread) (The Resurrection) 3. Who else is there that can possibly reveal him to

us unless he unveils his own face to our admiring gaze?

4. Here, the Savior lifts the corner of the veil

that conceals his glory, and lets us see some glimpse of his beauty:

WHY? a. That he might win our hearts: b. When he said I am the Rose of Sharon,

what does he mean but that we may pluck him, and take him for our own. (If a man praises his own wares, it is that he may sell them.)

5. He praises himself that we may fall in love with

him:

What He Reveals

I. Christ Suffering For Sinners: a. The rose because of its red color, is expressive of

the truth of his humanity, and signifies that he is really and truly man, having taken part of the same flesh and blood that his people are partakers of, and also of his bloody sufferings in the same nature. (Brake the Rose and Watch it Bleed)

1. The flower of the field is not of mans planting, nor is it raised by his care and work: Christ was conceived in the womb of a virgin and born of her without the help of man.

2. The field flower has little regard; and Christ has little esteem in the world: “He is a root out of dry ground.” “He hath no form of comeliness, that we should desire him.” Thus he is despised and rejected by men. They do not know the real worth and value of this precious flower. (Brake the Rose and Watch it Bleed)

3. The flower of the field is open to all: whosoever will, may come to Christ for life and salvation.

II. Christ Sweet Fragrance to the Saint: (Brake the

Rose and Smell the Fragrance) a. His fragrance quickens our spiritual senses. b. Hid fragrance delights and ravishes our soul.

1. It is a sweet smell (all natural and no additives).

2. It is a pure smell. III. Christ Satisfying the Fathers Wrath:

a. The rose is of a cooling nature, and is therefore useful in burning fever, inflammations, etc. Christ by his sacrifice and dying in the room and stead of sinners, has satisfied and removed his Fathers fierce wrath from them.

b. This rose of Sharon, his person, blood and righteousness is all that can cool and comfort the conscience of a sinner set on fire, and terrified by the law of God.

1.Discoveries of his love and grace are all that can remove those dreadful terrors and fire of divine wrath, which is kindled by a fiery law.

Life Among the Thorns

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:2 Preached on 1-23-00 A.M.

As we continue our verse-by-verse study of

Solomon’s Song, I would like once again to remind you of its Holy nature. The older Jewish writers considered it to be the Holy of Holies in the word of God. For it parts the veil and gives glimpses of his Glory and Grace that id found nowhere else in the Bible. It is a Song of Love that magnifies Christ’s love, devotion and intimate communion with his bride, the Church.

In verse one the Lord calls himself a Rose, and a Lily; and as we begin verse two…

1.He sets forth the Bride as a lily also, thus identifying himself with the church: a. He is not ashamed of us: Hebrews 2:11 For

both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.

b. We are not ashamed of him: Romans 10:11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

2. He not only sets forth the bride as a lily, but as a lily among thorns: a. Thorns are a manifestation of the curse that

men live under: Genesis 3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field.

1. He was made as curse, that we might become lilies; “For it is written, cursed is every man that hangeth on a tree.”

2. Lilies bloom in April; the time of the Resurrected: and so hath he Resurrected us

from the curse of death. (ill. The Burning Bush) (Our Life is Surrounded by the Curse)

b. Not only do thorns represent the curse, but also that which proceeds from the curse; namely sin”

1. This sin not only in the world but in our members is like pricks in our eyes, and thorns in our sides: They grieve and disturb us and are an anguish to our soul. (And the lily is so tender and delicate compared to the thorn)

2. These thorns of sin tempt us, and entice us, and lead us astray:

a. Lust for women was Samson’s thorn. b. Love for worldly possessions was Achan’s

thorn. c. Neglect of his family and restraint of his

sons was Eli’s thorn. d. Cain’s thorn was jealously. e. Israel’s thorn was murmuring.

3. Many believe the lily in verse two to mean the – “Honey-suckle” because it is called – Lilium Inter Spinas – The Lily among thorns. 4. So often you see one lonely lily whose vine seemed to climb in the wrong direction and attached itself to the wrong bush. It finds itself in a hopeless position. (Entrapped among thorns) c. Not only do the thorns represent the curse

and the sin of condemnation, but also the world where both curse and sin reside together.

1. We as the lily assume the likeness of Christ in the world: I John 4:17

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

a. We are to bring light to a world that sits in darkness: Philippians 2:14-16a Do all things without murmurings and disputings: Phil 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; (v16) Holding forth the word of life; Matthew 5:14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (v 16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

d. Not only do the thorns represent the curse,

and the sin that proceeds from the curse and the world they dwell in: Also those who are unregenerate whose end is to be burned. Hebrews 6:8 But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

1. We are distinctly different: (The Lily and the Thorn)

a. God’s people are industrious, while the unregenerate are slothful:

Proverbs 24:30,31 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; Prov 24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

The Glorious Apple Tree

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:3 Preached on 1-30-00

Christ in the previous verse has commended the

church, and declared her to be preferable above all others. She is loved by him and sets under the shield of his protection as a delicate lily among thorns. She, here in verse three returns the commendation, to the best of her feeble ability, and likens our Lord to a fruitful apple tree among the wild and barren trees of the wood.

He is not an apple tree in bud, nor in bloom, but he is full of fruit. She declares the sweet experience she has had setting in the shade of his shadow, and the excellent taste of his fruit.

This tree typifies our Lord Jesus, and please notice he is not in a garden, nor in a vineyard, but in the woods in the wild, not owned by any, but available to all. Any weary traveler who so desires can find shade from the sun, and fruit that will nourish and satisfy the soul. I. The Apple Tree Leads Sinners to Repentance:

a. By the fragrance of his fruit: (Apples in the woods put off a strong and pleasing smell) Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

1. The convicting fragrance of the Spirit: John 16:8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

(Anything That Is Reproved Must First Be Revealed)

a. Sin revealed: (Not just unbelief) b. Righteousness revealed

c. Judgment revealed

2. The Calling Fragrance of the Gospel: (Leads men to repentance) II Thessalonians 2:13,14 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 2 Th 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

a. The cross b. The cave: “He is not

here, he is risen” c. The coming again

II. The Apple Tree Reconciles Sinners To God By Becoming Our Intercessor: (She sat down under his shadow) Note: If we sit under a tree in its shadow, it is because that the tree receives the heat, and so we escape from it.

a. His body on the cross: Note: A shadow is cast by a body coming between us and the light and the heat, and our Lord’s blessed body has come between us and the scorching sun of the divine justice, so that we sit under the shade of his mediation in great delight. I Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

III. The Apple Tree Provides For Sinners: (She sat down) Note: She had sought rest in Ch. 1:7 Her being wearied from the journey it is no wonder, upon finding the apple tree shade, she sat down with great delight.

ill. The men in the ship with Jonah a. Rest in the cross b. Rest in his coming: II Thessalonians 1:7 And to

you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, Revelation 14:11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. ”No Rest To the Lost”

IV. The Apple Tree Rejoices the Heart of Sinners: “I sit down under his shadow with great delight” Note: The word apple in the scripture is always used as something of delight.

a. He cheers my heart b. He fires my soul c. He fills me with enthusiasm

V. The Apple Tree Rejuvenates the Saint: “And his fruit was sweet to my taste” C.H.S. “Sit down under his shadow. I have no leisure, crys one. Try and make a little, steal it from your sleep if you cannot get it anywhere else. Grant leisure to your heart. It would be a pity if a man never spent five minutes with his wife, but was found to be always hard at work, why that is slavery, is it not? Shall we not then have time to commune with our best beloved?

A Banquet and a Banner

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:4 Preached on 2-6-00 A.M.

Here in verse four the bride continues an account of

her experience with Christ’s love. She not only found rest in the shadow of the branches of his grace, and was refreshed and rejuvenated by his fruit, but she is also brought top his banqueting house and there delights under the banner if his love.

Christ did not merely let us know him out in the fields, and Christ in his humiliation, but he brought us to his Royal Palace, that we might have a banquet with him, and over our heads he waved his banner of love.

Like Mephibosheth, he did not leave us in Lo-debar, but turned his chariot around and carried us to the Kings Palace where we found the table spread with dainties that delight the soul.

The disciples in John 21 were not left in the deep, but were brought to land where they found a fire of coals with fish and bread.

Thank God we’re not left at the cross where we were made to feel the weight of our sin, and the load of our guilt, and the pain and horror of condemnation, but on the wings of an eagle he carries us to the banqueting house in his ivory palaces and while we enjoy great blessings the banner of love over us reads “Saved by Grace”.

I. The Banqueting House: (House of Wine) Joy

A. The House of God: (The Church) 1. Feed on Truth: 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.

a. Our Behavior: (Children and Adults)

2. Feed on the Treasures of Christ: ill.

Moses: Hebrews 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. II Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. ill. The Sons of Jacob Genesis 43:23 And he said, Peace be to you, fear not: your God, and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks: I had your money. And he brought Simeon out unto them.

B. The Holy Scriptures:

1. Its light: Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

2. It’s cleansing power: Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

3. It keeps us from sin: Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

a. Milk for babes b. Meat for the mature in Christ c. Manna for those who are willing

to seek it

II. The Banner Over Us: (Was Love) a. The use of the banner is to gather and

keep persons together: (The Cross) – What Love

b. It distinguishes one band from another: (His over us is love)

c. A banner is a sign of protection and defense: ill. The alter of Moses – Exodus 17:15 Jehovahnissi – “The Lord our Banner” (His battle with Amalek)

d. A Banner is displayed as an indication of war.

1. To prepare for it 2. The Lord’s church is militant; so engage

our enemies Satan – sin – and worldliness

3. We have a great encouragement to fight; - we are bannered under the Lord of hosts

e. A banner displayed is a sign of victory

Overwhelming Love

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:5 Preached on 2-13-00

Here in verse five the church has been brought into

Christ’s banqueting house, or his House of Wine (Joy). She appears to have discovered some great wonder of his love, and become so overwhelmed with it, that she was not able to bear up under the joy that it brought. (illus. The man in Acts 3). The views of Christ person, the discoveries of his love, and the manifestation of his grace and completely overwhelmed her; “Yet she wanted more”, her request was, “Stay me with flagons”. Illus. Banana pudding: you eat it until your sick and yet it seems as if you want more: (More about Jesus would I know).

Love is not a painful or grievous thing, but because of our weakness and imperfections, we cannot bear large views (a thimble full at a time), nor support up under the mighty power of his boundless love. We are poor earthen vessels that cannot receive nor retain but a little of it. (It’s like Gold; pan for it.)

My text says that she is sick of love, and needed support to remain there.

1. It is to be observed that those who have most grace, would still have more; and those who have the greatest sense of Christ’s love, would have a larger experience of it: (and are not content without it)

2. It should also be observed, that Christ’s love had wounded her, and that only could heal her; what had brought her into this sick and fainting condition, could only bring her out of it.

Illus. The Queen of Sheba I Kings 10:1-13 There was no more spirit in her. (V.5)

I. Her Sickness: (Was of Love)) a. When she saw his wealth (His house): (and

herself so poor and needy (yet he loved her) illus. Solomon I Kings 10:4-7 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built, 1 Kings 10:5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. 1 Kings 10:6 And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. 1 Kings 10:7 Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard.

b. When she heard his wisdom: (and herself so unlearned (Yet he loved her) I Kings 10:3 And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not any thing hid from the king, which he told her not.

c. When she saw his apparel: (and herself so poorly clad (Yet he loved her)

(There was no more spirit in her and she cried stay me that I may indulge in more)

(4 Things about Love)

II. Her Support: (Stay me with flagons) Moe of the same with a. His Kisses: (To fasten up and catch fire) (v2)

1. Pardon: (illus. David & Absalom II Samuel 14:33 (And the King kissed Absalom)

2. Peace: Psalm 2:12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little.

3. Passion: (Love) Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. Illus. Mary at Simons house. (In love Mary kissed his feet)

b. With the Fragrance of His Ointments: (v3) From the term savor of thy good ointments is meant, “A scent or odor that is blown” The Spirit, like the wind, breathes upon Christ and like a sweet fragrance to the smell, his graces are poured forth upon the soul of the saved.

c. With His Chamber Experiences: (v4) 1. Personal and Private Experiences of

His Love: Psalm 90:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

d. With the Banner of His Love: (ch.2:4) 1. Protection: illus. Moses Alter: Exodus

17:15 Jehovah-nissi (The Lord Our Banner)

2. Perseverance: (A banner is displayed as a sign of victory)

III. Her Satisfaction: (Comfort me with apples) The

word comfort here simply means to spread as a bed: a bed of apples: it means to refresh. a. Permit me to sleep, and take rest, that I may

be refreshed come morning, that I might start the day tomorrow with the same blessing as I close today.

Blessings and Benefits

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:6 Preached on 2-20-00 A.M.

In verse five the church finds herself completely

overcome by the amazing grace, and wonderful love of her Lord; “she is sick of love”. She then makes request for some support that she might continue in that glorious state, “Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples.” These are both wonderful manifestations of his boundless love. But please notice, instead of these, Christ himself appears. (His Presence)

His right and left arms are here expressive of Christ’s tender love unto, care of, and regard for his church and his people; He acts the part of a loving husband, who, seeing his bride sick and ready to faint, hastens to her relief, embraces her in his arms, lays her in his bosom, and discovers the strongest and most endeared affection to her.

a. Please notice the left hand, (generally considered the weakest) under the head: the right hand, (considered that of power) has embraced her body. 1. The right, which is the strongest thus signifying

God’s blessings, which are eternal: the left signifying his benefits, which are temporal.

b. Solomon said in Proverbs 3:16 when describing wisdom said, “Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour”. 1. Length of days; the blessings of salvation:

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

2. Riches and honor; our temporal benefits: Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

a. Nobody has the same size wagon when it comes to benefits, but what ever size you have, he’ll load it until the axletree breaks if you’ll let him.

1. Riches: wealth that is accumulated 2. Honor: to have weight

c. To further illus. The eternal blessing and temporal; benefit use the two thieves in the cross: one on the right hand and one on the left. One looked for the blessing of eternal life, while the other looked for the temporal benefit of relief. 1. You cannot have the benefits without first

experiencing the blessing. I. The Blessing if the Right Hand:

a. He embraced us with an Everlasting 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. Isaiah 54:8 In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the LORD thy Redeemer.

1. Embraced us in his coming: 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.

2. Embraced us on the cross: Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

3. Embraced us when we’re crowned with death: Psalm 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

b. He enlivens us by his Spirit: (Gives us life) 1. By 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.

2. By the blood: Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

c. He enlightens us by his word: 1. illus. Jonathan: I Samuel 14:27 But

Jonathan heard not when his father charged the people with the oath: wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, and dipped it in an honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes were enlightened.

Eye: a. The fountain of his understanding was set on fire. Ephesians 1:17,18 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Eph 1:18 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.

II. The Benefits of His Left Hand:

a. He enlarges us with benefits: 1. They are daily: Psalm 68:19 Blessed be the

Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

Air we breathe, water to cool and cleanse us, clothes to cover us, food to nourish us, sleep to refresh us, houses to protect us, dearness of friends, sufficiency of appetite. 1. They are delightful: Psalm 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Do Not Disturb

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:7 Preached on 2-27-00 A.M.

To me these verses paint one of the most beautiful

pictures in all the word of God. The church has discovered Christ as the apple tree among the woods. That is to say, he revealed himself at Calvary, and immediately carried his lovely bride to his banqueting house, where his love for her was so wonderfully revealed that she was completely overcome and became sick of love.

Being sick yet she was desirous of more and pleading for support that she might remain in that blessed state. The Lord himself sustains her with the left hand under her head and embraces her with the right.

Verse seven indicates that in that loving and tender position, the bride embraced and secured in the arms of Christ, and he fast asleep, she hangs out the sign,

“Do Not Disturb”

A. They are in a place of quiet rest: Psalm 4:8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.

B. They are in a Holy state of communion:

Def. The state of giving and receiving: (The church gives itself to Christ) He gives it: 1. Life; 2. Love; 3. Light; 4. Liberty

1. Don’t disturb us lest we lose the graces he bestows upon the church.

2. Our Lord uses this similitude to express the close and intimate communion his church can enjoy. (They are asleep) (Bed) Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

C. It was a time of Restoration: (As the physical body needs rest and sleep to restore its strength, so the church must find spiritual rest to restore the strength lost from spiritual battles.)

1. If we are disturbed before we are fully restored the body becomes weak.

2. You cannot rest in the midst of turmoil, there must be a quiet time in the church enters into to find the rest for the strength we need.

D. It was a time of Preparation: (Rest and sleep

prepares us for the next day of labor.) 1. No man works well when tired in body.

a. The charge is: 1. Sacred, Solemn. (As if to make a declaration seven times)

b. By the daughters of Jerusalem may be meant the young converts in the church: 1. Impatient – 2. Unlearned – 3. Weak in the faith, A mans faith can rise no higher than his knowledge of the scripture (Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God.) – 4. Froward: (Sullen, ungovernable, not willing to yield or comply to what is required.)

c. By the roes and the hinds: The female deer and gazelle; both as very timid and sensitive and prone to suddenly depart when disturbed: (The Lord is sensitive also and will not tarry in the presence of turmoil)

I. Things That Disturb:

A. Sin: (1. Sinful thoughts as well as sinful actions are an abomination to him 2. Watch for the very motion of sins. 3. Abstain from the very appearance of sin) Isaiah 59:1,2 Behold, the

LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

1. Unbelief: illus. Matthew 13:58 (Jesus returning to his own country) And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

2. Unkind attitude: 3. Unforgiving spirit: Ephesians 4:30-32 And

grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

B. When the Shepherd is Smitten: Matthew 26:31

Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. Def. Smite; To knock gently (Don’t knock my Jesus)

C. Lukewarm Saints Will Disturb Our Fellowship:

Revelation 3:15,16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

The Approaching Savior

Outline and Notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:8,9 Preached on 3-5-00 A.M.

“Look who’s coming across the mountains”

The verses before us this morning is somewhat

difficult to interpret, because verse seven closes with Christ and the Church in close communion. But verse eight indicates there is now a distance between them. His voice is heard and he approaches her leaping and skipping upon the hills.

These are various opinions as to what this distance and Christ’s approach are to mean.

1. Some believe that the Church became indifferent, cold, and fell asleep and here Christ out of a heart of love and forgiveness has returned to awake and bestir his sleeping Bride.

2. Others think it represents the time between Christ’s ascension and the rapture of the Church:

a. The voice is the same as John heard in Revelation 4:1

b. The mountains and hills are the clouds he descends upon: and the “raising up” in v. 10 typifies the resurrection and catching away of the saints.

3. This is what I believe to be the true teaching of the text: It may not be the correct interpretation, but I don’t believe anyone could disprove the application:

a. In v. 7 Christ and the Church are embraced in an eternal state of communion; he has brought us to the pinnacle of fellowship; we’ve reached the ultimate of our Christian experience.

b. Here inv. 8 and 9, he carries us back to the beginning when Christ first approached our heart.

c. The first thing we hear as he approaches is his blessed voice: he stands beyond the wall gazing inward.

d. Then in v. 10 his call to arise, and come away, which is mans responsibility to obey the blessed invitation.

In His Approach the First Thing That We Comprehend Is:

I. His Voice That Startles Us: (Christ’s voice is heard long before he is seen) (When I first heard the call I was not looking for him, and it somewhat startled me)

a. He calls from a distance, because as a sinner we stand afar off: Ephesians 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. (The blood closes the gap) (ill. The 10 lepers) Luke 17:12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

b. He calls deliberately: with a purpose in mind: John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life.

c. He calls with a distinct voice: John 10:5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

In Lybia Serpents Will Attack Roes and Harts

The second thing we see is

II. His Victory Over Our Enemies: (Please notice in v. 8 he comes leaping and skipping and in v. 9 he is like a roe or a young hart.

a. There is great antipathy between a roe or hart and a serpent: Historians tell us that a hart will search out the lurking places of serpents, and by the breathe of their nostrils draw them out, trample upon them and tear them to pieces.

1. His victory over Satan and Sin: a. Is swift: (Indicated by the roe and

hart)Skipping and Leaping - Christ does not take forever in defeating our enemies: Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (One swift movement)

b. Is sure: (Leaping on mountains and skipping on the hills requires being surefooted: (Behold he cometh) and when he comes it is without doubt.)

c. Is steadfast: Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever:

The Third Thing I See Is

III. His Visitation Upon Our Heart: v.9 “He standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the window showing himself through the lattice.”

A. He stands behind the wall of the heart: (The word wall means a place where things are gathered together) A Wall Of

1. Sin: Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

2. Self: a. Righteousness: Romans 10:3 For they

being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

b. Suffiency c. Willed d. Confidence

B. He looketh forth at the windows: (1. The Windows of grace; 2. The windows of love)

1. The windows of the heart; (Designed to let in light) (He alludes to the sharp-sightedness of the roes and harts) a. Through this window his light expels our

darkness b. Through this window his light exposes our

sin C. He shows himself through the lattice: (Reveals

himself) 1. His last movement: (Leaves us

seeing him as through a glass darkly)

2. This lattice is like a lace or veil 3. From there he calls for us to rise,

and come away: a. Christ’s Invitation b. Man’s Responsibility

The Winter of Death

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:11 Preached on 3-7-00 Tues. P.M.

In our previous studies we learned that the church

had reached a pinnacle of communion and fellowship. In verse seven she has been eternally embraced in the blessed arms of her beloved. (Safe) (Secure)

It’s very apparent that the Lord wants her to have a better understanding of how he approached her heart, while she was in sin, and by Grace, called her into this Divine state that she now enjoys.

Verse eleven describes where she was, living in the winter of death, and verse 12 and 13 describe the glorious future, that a sinner saved by Grace, can enjoy in the Lord.

1. Winter Past 2. Flowers in Bloom 3. Birds Singing 4. The Trees are Putting Forth Their Leaves 5. The Fragrance of Grapes Fills the Land But in verse 11 a sinner , a depraved man, leaves in the winter season, The Winter of Death. A. Most of the old Jewish writers believe the Lord had the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt in mind when these verses were inspired. 1. There is no better illustration, anywhere in the

Bible, of God’s power in calling his people out of winter bondage.

a. They had a preacher: (Moses) b. They had a Promise: (Exodus 3:12 And

he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth

the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.)

c. They saw the power of God: d. They saw the plagues: (Designed to

destroy the world and its power it had over them)

I. The Rain: (Violent Showers)

a. Shuts us in: (With no escape) From Self-conscious, Sin, Death(appointed)

b. Swells the Rivers: (Impassible)(The river of sin and death) c. The Rain always brings with it mudd, muck, and mire.

II. The Winter:

A. In the winter days are shortened. 1. The Brevity of life: James 4:13-15 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

a. Because there is no assurance of tomorrow, sinners need to do business with the Lord today: II Corinthians 6:1,2 We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.2 Cor 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

1. The fleeting of time. 2. The failing body.

3. The free gift.

B. Lengthens the Night: (Darkness) a. In Egypt the darkness could be felt: (Mental

torment) Lost

C. In Winter Things Die: 1. Note the two phrases in v. 10 “Rise

up”, “Come away” Illus. Widows son in Luke 7 (Arise) Illus. Lazarus John 11:43 (Come Forth)

God’s Call To Revival

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:11-13 Preached on 3-12-00 A.M.

I want to preach today on, “God’s Call To Revival”.

There are changes of seasons in our spiritual life as well as our physical life. (Notice the difference between v.11 and then verses 12,13) Each season is designed to change our spiritual mood and to prepare our hearts for some divine work of grace, which the Lord desires to accomplish in us.

Churches do experience winter seasons: a state of sleep and sloth; but there seasons are followed by spring which is a time of peace and pleasure. Winter never seems to be a pleasant time, especially for the elderly, as when as a youth, the wind and snow, the bleak and dreary days didn’t seem to slow me down. But the older I get the more difficult winter seems to be.

(Compare winter to the younger and older Christians) Now just like winter is essential for our physical life,

so it is likewise for our spiritual life. 1. The cold days of winter destroy (kill) the

insects and pests that irritate us during the summer.

2. Winter prepares the soil (of the heart) for the sowing of the seed in the spring.

3. Just like the body, without proper clothing, grows cold in winter, so our hearts likewise grow cold unless we wrap ourselves in the warmth of Christ.

Here in our text the clod wintry north wind has ceased, and warm, gentle, southerly winds have begun to blow. The bleak, dark days of winter are passed, the sun is now shinning brightly, the birds are singing. The death of winter is over and life has sprung forth.

This is God’s Call To Revival I. The Imitation of Revival: Paul wrote in II Corinthians 11:4 about men preaching another Jesus and another Spirit, and another Gospel. Now if the devil can imitate these he can also imitate revival.

A. Revival is not an emotional high: 1. It is the Spirit of God, working in sound and

sober hearts a manifestation of the exceeding greatness of his love to us, and his care for us, though we have backslidden from him.

B. Revival cannot be worked up through the energy of the flesh:

1. It is a divine call, which uses the most endearing and tender language to work on us: “My love and my fair one”

C. Revival is not the church going after sinners: 1. It is the church going after Christ and

sinners seeking salvation II. The Irresponsibility of the Church Toward Revival: Please notice the call at the close of verse 10 and also verse 13. This indicates that the church has lost much of her responsibilities toward her Lord.

A. She may be dull of hearing: Hebrews 5:11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.

B. She may be in lack of understanding (He showed mercy in calling twice): (illus. Samuel) I Samuel 3:10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

C. She may be lazy and indifferent: (The command is to arise)

III. The Invitation For Revival: (Come Away) A. The Invitation is an appeal to man’s entire being:

1. The flowers can be seen and touched and smelled.

2. The singing birds and turtle can be heard.

3. The figs and grapes can be tasted. All five senses are affected denoting man’s body, soul and spirit.

a. His body is aware of the sinful world around him.

b. His soul is conscious of God and his pleading.

c. With his Spirit he acknowledges the call and enters into a state of worship and communion.

B. The invitation is one of grace: (Five things mentioned)

III. The Incentives of Revival: (Those things God uses to stir us up to follow him into a revival state)

A. The Flowers: (The rose and lily in verse 1) 1. The flower in full bloom represents Christ in

his fullness B. The Birds:

1. The singing of the birds represents the happy condition of the church in a revival spirit. Psalms 85:6 Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

C. The Voice of the Turtle or Turtle Dove: 1. The turtledove is very loving and endearing

word and was also used in the sacrifice: It reminds us of the love Christ has for us and the sacrifice he made to save us.

D. The Fig Tree and the Green Figs: 1. The fig tree is often used to represent time:

(Matthew 24:32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh) It is here meant that the time of revival is now come and if missed we’ll have to wait for another convenient season.

E. The Tender Grape: 1. Proves that the purging of the branches

was not in vain; for truly his people bear “much fruit”

The Bride in Hiding

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:14 Preached on 3-19-00

The words in verse 14 fall from the lips of the

blessed Son of God. They are words of endearment, assurance, comfort, and safety.

The Lord ascribes to her the character of dove, and assures her that safety and protection have been provided for her in the clefts of the rock. He further promises her access to him through the secret places of the stairs, and pleads with her to reveal herself fully that he might see her countenance and hear her voice.

I see here another glorious opportunity for the church to have fellowship and communion with the blessed Redeemer. She has absolutely nothing to fear. She cannot be molested nor harmed by the enemy. She can live in peace because she’s found a hiding place. I. Notice the Character He Ascribes to Her: (O My Dove)

A. The words my dove denotes ownership: 1. I am his;

a. I’ve been bought with a price b. I’ve been purchased by his blood

(Redeemed) (I am his property) B. These are words often used by lovers. C. The dove is a beautiful creature.

1. The church; Washed in his blood, Justified by his righteousness, and Sanctified by his grace.

D. The dove loves cleanliness: 1. It keeps it’s own body clean. 2. They teach their young to carry their dung

out of the nest. 3. They eat pure grain 4. They delight in pure water.

E. The dove is an innocent and harmless creature. Matthew 10:16 be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

1. Live offensive to the world. 2. Live peaceably and quietly among

yourselves. F. The dove is a loving and chaste creature.

1. Adultery is rarely known among them. 2. Whenever committed it is punished with

death. (Males will tear a mate to pieces) 3. Upon the loss of a mate it remains a widow

and inconsolable. G. It is a fruitful creature, having young as often as 12

times a year H. It is a weak and impotent creature often oppressed

by other birds: (But they have a hiding place) II. The Covert Provided For Her Safety: (The clefts of the rock) Note: By this rock may be meant Christ, who frequently bears this character in scripture.

A. It is a spiritual rock: I Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

B. It is a rock we can stand on: (All other ground is sinking sand) Exodus 33:21 And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock.

C. It’s a rock we can drink from: Exodus 17:6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

D. It’s a rock that satisfies us with sweetness:

Psalm 81:16 He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee.

III. Her Communion in the Secret Place: (The secret place of the stairs)

A. The word stairs means a place that is inaccessible.

1. She is already there: a. Sin cannot find it’s way there. b. The world is shut out. c. The devil cannot enter in upon

those sacred places. Note: The Lord speaks from above, “Let me see thy countenance, let me hear thy voice, for sweet is thy voice, and thy countenance is comely”.

Little Foxes

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:15 Preached on 3-26-00 A.M.

Who spoke these words in verse 15 have brought at

least three different opinions from our commentators on this subject. They could be the words of the church, to whom the care of the vineyard was committed; or it could have been both Christ and his church to whom the foxes are the common enemies of both. But they rather seem to be the words of Christ, who is the owner of the vineyard, and has an authoritative power over it.

Regardless of which it is speaking, one thing is for sure; the foxes are enemies of both for they spoil the vines. Def. Spoil “To wind tightly as a rope” Hence, they have the ability to tighten up the church. “To writhe in pain” and to cause the church to draw back. Depriving the Lord of its precious fruit.

These Foxes May Be Identified As

I. The Sins and Corruptions of Humanity: A. Sins will tighten up the church and deprive us of

liberty. B. Sins will cause you to draw back and deprive us of

progress. C. Sins will cause you dry up and deprive us of fruit.

1. The Depth of Those Sins: Note: As foxes have their lurking holes on the earth, so have these in the hearts of men; where they can lay a long time undiscovered.

a. The Spirit searches the inmost recesses of our heart.

b. The Spirit discovers our vile affections.

c. The Spirit brings them out of their lurking places.

d. The Spirit slays them by the power of his mighty grace.

2. The Deceitfulness of Those Sins: (Crafty

like a fox) Note: We are often imposed upon and deceived by sin upon the notion of:

a. Profit: Eve thought to profit by wisdom; the rich young fool thought to profit by wealth.

b. Pleasures: Solomon sought pleasures in women and found them to be vanity; Lot sought pleasures in worldliness.

c. Promise of Honor: Baalam thought to be honored by cursing the people of God.

3. The Distortions of Sin:

Note: Foxes are known for the ways they take. They never walk straight forward; they walk with winding and turnings. (Illus.)

a. They distort the way of salvation. b. They distort the way of holiness. c. They distort the way of obedience.

4. Sin Makes One Like the Desert: (Barren around the den)

a. Unfruitful in knowledge. b. Unable to perform our duties

5. Sin and Its Allegiance to Satan: (Foxes seem to be friendly to serpents)

a. Sin and Satan work together to bring about their end

Illus. The young prophet, the lion and the donkey.

A Marriage Knot That Won’t Slip (Part I)

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:16 Preached on 4-9-00 A.M.

Many marriages today never make it. The first just

doesn’t seem to get tied tight enough. But the marriage union a child of God has with Jesus will never slip. “My Beloved is mine”

1. He hath given himself for me, and to me. 2. His heart is set upon me, he is always careful of

me, and concerned for me.

3. “And I am his” I give up myself to him, I am at his disposal, I think myself obliged to observe whatever he enjoins me.

4. Between Christ and his Church there is a mutual

affection: He is well pleased with his portion; and I am well pleased with mine, “for”, “whom have I in heaven but him? And there is none upon the earth that I desire but him. Psalm 73:25

5. These words are expressive of a near union, that

there is between Christ and his Church.

a. A Personal Union: The whole person of

Christ, as the GOD-MAN is united to the believer; and the whole person of the believer, body, soul, and spirit are united to Christ.

b. A Spiritual Union: I Corinthians 6:17 But

he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

c. A Vital Union: Illus. The vine and the branches

d. An Indissoluble union: The Spirit on

Christ’s side and faith on ours.

Message I. There Are Mutual Obligations: (We are obligated to him and he to us)

A. We are to follow him: (We follow by faith and faith is not blind. Illus. Message in Louisville (Caleb Numbers 24:14 Fully)) (He will never lead us into danger or desolate places, but where the lilies grow, where is all delight and pleasure; He will lead us into green pasture, where we may have food and the fullness of it.) Illus. Abraham Hebrews 11:8,10 and he went out, not knowing whither he went. (But he went out by promise) For he looked for a city, which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

B. We are to be faithful in our stewardship: I

Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. (Illus. Parable of talents: Matthew 25:14-30

1. He entrusts us according to our ability. 2. How we manage what he gives will

determine our rewards.

3. If we are negligent and fail to use what he gives us, for his benefit and glory, we become unprofitable and are cast into outer darkness.

C. We are to be faithful in our spirit: Illus. John 15:1-17

1. If we do not bear fruit he takes (to lift up; to raise; to sail away) us away: John 15:2 every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

2. If we bear fruit he purges us that we may

bring forth more fruit. HOW? (Confession and cleansing from sin)

3. If his words abide in us we bring forth much

fruit. a. His word governs and rules our life.

4. What are these fruits: a. Love V-12 b. Joy V-11 c. Peace V-18 and following

A Marriage Knot That Won’t Slip (Part II)

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:16

Preached on 4-9-00 P.M.

I would like to continue our thought tonight on our marriage to Christ and those obligations we have one for another. He has set his heart upon us, and freely given himself for us: We likewise are to yield ourselves wholly to him.

Our text says, “My beloved is mine and I am his.” We, as chaste virgins are exposed to Christ. We are obligated to him, to obey his commandments, to honor his word, and to love him with all our hearts, body, and soul. (We are not to commit spiritual adultery)

He has a responsibility of a father to his children. He has purchased us with his own blood. He owns us, and is therefore obligated to meet all our requirements in life, and Christ would never be negligent in any of his responsibilities.

First I want to look at how we are his, and then at some of the obligations he has toward us.

A. He Has Communicated To Us the Gospel: Illus. Peter Matthew 16:15-17 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

B. He Has Conquered Our Hearts By Grace:

1. He has pulled down the strongholds of our hearts.

2. He enters with his glorious train of grace. 3. He dispossesses Satan and his power. 4. He dethrones sin.

5. He sets up his own throne. 6. He places his own spirit in the midst of our

hearts.

C. He is Conforming Us To His Image: Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you. (That all believers in all things that are essential to grace and Holiness, have conformity one to another, we have the same faith, the same Spirit, the same Father, home, correction, love and mercy.)

D. He Communes With Us In Fellowship: (From

above the mercy seat) Illus. Exodus 25:22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

E. He Completes In Us the Work He Has Started:

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power.

His Obligations

I. He Feeds Us Among the Lilies: (Lilies are the saints)

a. In the midst of the church. b. In the presence of our enemies: Psalm 23:5 Thou

preparest a table before me in the presence of

mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

c. By a faithful pastor: Illus. Peter John 21 - I Peter 5 (To Tend to) (To fodder or graze) Milk – Meat – Manna

II. He Flogs Us: (Chastisement) Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

a. Preventive chastening: (Simple correction) b. Restorative chastening: Illus. Naomi in Ruth 1

(Severe correction) c. Education: Illus. Jonah (Secluded correction)

1. You cannot run from god. 2. Do not refuse instruction. 3. Salvation is of the Lord.

III. He Furnishes Us:

a. With armor for the battle: Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

1. Truth 2. Righteousness 3. Peace 4. Faith 5. Salvation

b. With affection that we might love one another: Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

c. With an abode: 1. Earthly house: (Our body) II Corinthians

15 2. Eternal house. 3. Elegant house: John 14 (Mansion)

(With food and raiment be content)

Shadows of Separation

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:17 Preached on 4-23-00

Please notice the words of our text, “until the day

break, and the shadows flee away”. If these words stand connected to the first part of verse 16, “my beloved is mine, and I am his”, then the thought of our text is, “as long as day and night continue, and God’s covenant with both stand sure, so long will my covenant interest in him, and union to Christ, who is my beloved, abide solid and unshaken”.

But if they stand connected to the later part of verse 16, “he feedeth among the lilies, until the day break”, they are expressive of the continual presence of Christ in his church, until his second coming, when the everlasting day break, and all shadows of darkness flee away.

I believe rightly divided these words stand connected with the later part of this verse, “turn, my beloved”. If so they contain a prayer of the church’s for Christ’s special access to her, and a continued presence with her, until the day break, and the shadows flee away. I. The Shadows:

A. Def. 1. Shade within defined limits. 2. Obscurity or deprivation of light. 3. Caused by some object which intercepts

the rays of light 4. An inseparable companion 5. Protection; shelter; or favor: (Led her to

pray and seek him to turn, and to turn speedily) like a roe or a young hart.

B. Shadow of a Complacent Spirit: So often in life when we grow weary we look for a shadow, or shade to set down under.) Ch. 2:3 (Some people have sat down under the shadow of the apple tree (the cross) and become satisfied there) (It is delightful)

1. Man can become complacent at any spiritual level: (Illus. Song of Solomon 5:3) (Illus. Elijah I Kings 19)

C. Calamity of Life: Psalms 57:1 O God, be merciful

unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. (Illus. Job (under Satan’s attack)) (When my heart is overwhelmed Psalm 61 – Place, pain, person, plateau)

D. Shadow of a careless Life: (Illus. Lot) (Illus. David

and Bathsheba) 1. Failed to build an alter. 2. Followed fleshly desires.

E. Shadow of a Cold Heart: Note: A shadow is a pleasant place to cool off.

1. The day dawned for Hannah. 2. The day dawned for Job. 3. The day dawned for David: (Solomon)

Mountains of Division

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 2:17 Preached on 6-4-00 A.M.

In the verse before us the bride appears to be

abiding in shadows, rather than in the full light of the Lord’s love.

These shadows are cast from the mountains that apparently stand between the bride and her beloved.

Now, if the church is standing in the shadow of the mountains then she must, by simple calculation, be living in -- A Valley!

Her being in this valley she prays for her beloved to turn, and be as a roe or young hart upon the mountains of Bether. (Division) She could not escape the valley through her own power.

But notice please the position of the Lord, he’s not in the valley, neither on the far side of the mountain, but he is – UPON – the mountains of Bether. Luke 3:5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth.

Our beloved can take the mountains and fill the valleys, thus providing level, smooth and straight ground for us to travel upon.

He will make our pathways straight. Please remember also that we ourselves so often make mountains out of molehills!

I want to mention some mountains that cast shadows upon us and cause us to dwell in the valley. I. A Doubtful Mind: In Luke 12 the Lord mentions the ravens that are fed, the lilies with more glory than Solomon, and the grass of the field, that the Lord clothes, and in v.29 says, “And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of a doubtful mind.

A. Doubting God’s watch care:

1. His provisions for us: v.24 how much more are ye better than the fowls.

B. Doubting God’s wonderful love: (v.27) the glory he bestows upon us.

C. Doubting God’s word: v.32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

II. Deficient Faith: I Timothy 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.

A. Put away conscience: (To push away or reject perception or understanding)

1. Men shipwreck when they’re off course. 2. Men shipwreck when they sail to close to

the shoreline. III. Deteriorating Love: Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

A. It is not left suddenly, but little by little. B. Notice the consequences: (Removal of the

candlestick) IV. Dilapidated Prayer Life: (A lost prayer life is hard to retrieve) Luke 11:5 Parable of the importunate friend.

A. The inconvenient hour of the request: (v.5, Midnight) (A real prayer life will be an inconvenience to you) (It will not come easy)

B. The importunity: v.8 Def. Urgent request for favor. C. The promise of reward: v.9

V. Dejected Heart: Illus. Hagar – Genesis 16 VI. Disagreements in the Home: VII. Disappointments in Life: VIII. Discord in the House of God: