Scripture References: Song of Songs 1:12-2:7 (Main); Psalm 37:4; John 14; 1 Corinthians 15
Intro: Continuing our journey through the Song of Songs as a picture of the believer's relationship with Christ, this sermon focuses on "Season 3" (Song 1:12-2:7). Building on initial vision (S1) and the crucial revelation of grace ("dark yet lovely," S2), this phase emphasizes Rest, Romance, and Revelation – a time focused on receiving God's love and presence.
Key Points:
- Foundation: Growth by Grace: This season highlights that spiritual growth (sanctification), like salvation, happens primarily through faith and grace, not just striving or works. It counters the tendency to revert to earning God's favor after being saved by grace.
- Purpose of this Season: It's a vital time for learning to:
- Enjoy God: Delight in Him, His presence, His love (cf. Ps 37:4).
- Enjoy Ourselves: Accept how God made us (personality, gifts) through His loving eyes.
- Break Free: Overcome performance-driven, "orphan" mindsets.
- Grow Fruit: Allow the Spirit's character to develop internally.
- Build Trust: Deepen knowledge of God's story and faithfulness.
- Gain Strength: Establish deep roots for future trials ("Dark Night").
- Exploring the Scene (Song 1:12-2:7):
- At the King's Table (v. 12): Symbolizes feasting on the provisions of the gospel/Cross. The Bride's response is worship ("spikenard," cf. Mary of Bethany's costly devotion).
- Meditating on the Cross (v. 13): "Sachet of myrrh" represents cherishing Christ's sacrifice, keeping His suffering for us close to the heart, fueling deeper love.
- Delighting in His Beauty (v. 14): "Cluster of henna blossoms" speaks of Christ's pleasantness, beauty, and resurrection life. Appreciating who He is, not just what He did.
- Intimate Dialogue (v. 15 - 2:6): The back-and-forth dialogue illustrates deepening prayer and relationship:
- His Affirmation: He declares her beautiful ("eyes are doves"), seeing her devotion, purity, character, personality, potential, and physical being through eyes of grace.
- Her Response: She reflects His beauty back ("You are beautiful... delightful"), recognizing His holiness and His attractive winsomeness/pleasantness.
- Shared Life: Images of shared home ("verdant couch"), feasting ("banqueting table"), dependence ("sustain me"), resting in His love ("banner over me"), and confident identity ("Rose of Sharon").
- Protecting the Season (v. 7): The Bridegroom charges others not to rush or prematurely disturb this vital season of intimacy and growth. God protects times of quiet receiving.
Conclusion: This "Rest, Romance, and Revelation" season in the Song of Songs pictures a crucial stage of spiritual development focused on receiving God's love, delighting in His presence, internalizing our identity as His beloved, and being strengthened through intimacy. It's foundational for enduring future challenges and bearing lasting fruit.
Call to Action: Discern where you are in your journey with God. If He's inviting you into a season of rest and receiving, embrace it. Practice enjoying His presence. Meditate on His love demonstrated at the cross and His inherent beauty. Receive His affirmation of your beauty in Him. Don't short-circuit this vital time; allow it to root you deeply in His love.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
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