Through The Bible - English - 23 (Song of Solomon) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The speaker discusses the Song of Solomon, arguing it teaches that sexual intimacy in marriage is holy when coupled with love, contrasting this with worldly misuse. Furthermore, the book is interpreted as a profound picture of Christ and the Church, emphasizing that true devotion to Christ is the foundation for all ministry. The core message stresses that love, particularly the selfless love exemplified by a mother, must mature beyond initial infatuation to truly reflect God's love.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The two main teachings of the bookThe Song of Solomon basically teaches two things: that the sexual relationship in marriage is essential and created by God, and that it pictures Christ and the church.
God created sex and called it very goodGod created the sexual relationship in marriage and pronounced it very good, meaning we have no business calling it unclean when used properly within love.
The picture of Christ and the churchThe second thing the Song of Solomon pictures is the relationship between Christ and the church, which can be studied by all believers to deepen their devotion.
Following the Lamb and learning the songThe bride of christ follows the lamb wherever he goes and learns the new song on this earth before reaching heaven.Revelation 14:3
The growth of love from infatuation to maturityLove begins like an immature infatuation where we are selfish and want something from the other person, but it must grow into mature love where we seek to give rather than get.
Solomon's song and the drawing of loveThe book is primarily Jesus' song to us, teaching us that love does not push; it draws people like a magnet.
Knowing Jesus as King and the women of JerusalemYou must know Jesus as your king before you can know him as your bridegroom, and the women of Jerusalem represent half-hearted believers taken up with activity rather than devotion.
Keeping your own vineyard firstPreachers and believers must be careful to keep their own close walk with the lord rather than getting lost solely in outward ministry statistics and activity.
Not awakening love until the time is rightYoung people are warned not to stir up emotions and romantic love in boy-girl relationships until the right time is near.
Catching the little foxesIt is not just big calamities or major sins that ruin marriages and spiritual walks, but the little irritations and small sins that must be caught quickly.
Growing to maturity by listening to the lordA mark of spiritual growth is that we talk less and listen more to the Lord, moving upward into the heavenly places with him.
The north wind and south windWhether through the blessing of the south wind or the suffering of the north wind, the bride's life produces a perfume of praise and worship for her beloved.
Responding immediately when the lord callsThe lord tests us to see if he is more important than our daily tasks, requiring us to be ready to drop everything and listen when he calls.
The progression of surrenderThe bride's confession progresses from 'my beloved is mine and I am his' to 'I am my beloved's and his desire is toward me.'
The longing for the rapture and eternal unionThe book concludes by picturing the rapture when the bride comes up from the desert leaning on her beloved, asking for a permanent place on his heart and arm.
