Eyes From Within the Veil

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 4:1 Preached on 7-16-00 A.M.

Here in chapter four we find a large commendation

of the church’s beauty by Christ. He uses at least eight body features or parts, in the first five verses to describe her loveliness.

In verse one he uses a double phrase: “Behold thou art fair, my love, behold thou art fair.” (To be beautiful) The word behold is to arrest her “attention”, and the double, “thou art fair”, is used to show how much his heart is taken up with her beauty, and that his love for her has never changed even though at times she becomes sleepy and complacent, and her heart prone to wonder from him.

The first of her body features to be used is her eyes.

A. They are spiritual eyes: “Thou hast doves’ eyes” (Holy Spirit)

B. They are seeing eyes: “Within thy locks”

1. Def. Locks: To fasten on, a veil (curtains of goats hair Exodus 26:7 And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.)

2. These are eyes that have been opened,

and privileged to gaze upon those glories, which are behind the veil, in that Holy Place, where God dwells.

a. Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine

eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

b. Ephesians 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, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.

c. Revelation 3:18 and anoint thine

eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. (Eyesalve: a plaster or a glue) Shut out the world that you might see things within.

I. The Vision:

A. Of his mediatorial work: (The veil itself) (A type of Christ)

1. The veil was never intended to keep God in, but rather to keep man out.

a. The rent veil: Hebrews 10:19-22

Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

B. Of his mercy: (The mercy seat) (Described in Exodus 25.

1. He meets with us there: Exodus 25:22 And there I will meet with thee. (The cross)

2. He communes with us from above the

mercy seat: Exodus 25:22 (His throne) a. Here we find both mercy and

grace.

C. Of the mighty power of God: (The ark of the testimony)

1. Aaron’s rod that budded: Numbers 17 Illus. The story. Numbers 17:8 And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.

a. Budded: Life out of death

(Resurrection power) 1. Life in himself. 2. Spirit that raised up Jesus. 3. First fruits from the dead.

b. Blossoms: To twinkle: (The graces

of the Spirit) c. Almonds: (The first in bloom) To be

alert.

D. Of the mystery of Holiness: (The cheribums) Exodus 25:20 And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. (Cheribums guard the gate of Eden)

(The Garden Gate)

1. These cheribums seemed to be a reminder to man, that no man could approach God without blood:

2. The blood was evidence of sacrifice:

3. Without shedding of blood is no remission

of sin: Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

E. Of the miracle of Christ’s sustaining life:

1. The testimony of God: (The tables of the Law)

2. The golden pot of manna: (Gold represents

eternity) we are eternally sustained by him.

Is Your Hair Style Right With God

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 4:1 Preached on 7-23-00

I want us to look at the second commendation, that

our Lord gives his church here in chapter four. He describes her beauty by her hair, which is said to

be like a flock of goats that appear from mount Gilead. In scripture the church is always used in the

feminine gender, and in the hair of a woman lies great comeliness. It can be made to make her very lovely, but if neglected, left dirty and unattended she is not esteemed highly in the eyes of those that behold her. Why do you think a woman spends so much time preparing her hair before going out into public? Is it not that her hair brings out much of the beauty of her face, eyes, nose and head.

First, the hair represents……… I. The Saints of God In Their Great Number: (Thy hair is as a flock of goats) (We are not alone) Revelation 7:9,10 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

A. Their growth proceeds from him: Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (Hair grows out from the head) (Dependent upon him) (Rooted in him: Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.)

B. Christ is glorified in them: (Hair is an ornament to the head and saints are an ornament, beauty and

crown to Christ: II Thessalonians 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.) (We are all of Christ that some people will ever see)

C. We are groomed by him: (Just like every woman is

responsible in grooming her own hair) Ephesians 5:26,27 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 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.

D. Hair is like the saints in their going: (Departure)

1. They are all numbered, and not one shall be lost.

2. They do not depart all at once. II. The Saints of God in Their Separation: (Outward conversation of life)

A. The hair is ornamental to the body: (Like clothes, they do not make the man, yet they do adorn him)

1. Our clothing: (The right kind) 2. Hair is called covering in I Corinthians

11:15 (Cover the body) II Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

B. The hair must be in right order: (Bobbed, uncombed, uncurled, just left to itself)

1. Ordered according to the rule of God’s word: Psalms 119:133 Order my steps in

thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

a. Our speech (vocabulary) b. Honesty c. Appearance d. Pay bills

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

C. The obviousness of the hair: (Noticed by all) our

conversation is manifested to all. III. The Saints of God in Their Sanctification: (As hair grows from within and beautifies the outward man, even so our outward conversation (separation) has its origin from inner (the heart) Sanctification.

A. Man is on the outside by what he possesses on the inside:

1. His thoughts: (As the hairs of mans head

are many, so are the thoughts of his heart) Proverbs 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:

a. Holy thoughts: Philippians 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

b. High thoughts: (A flock of goats on Mount Gilead) our thoughts are to ascend on high, and dwell upon the everlasting, unchangeable and boundless love of Christ.

1. The invisible realities of

another world. 2. The sublime doctrines of the

GOSPEL. 3. Christ’s fullness, person,

blood, and righteousness. 4. Spiritual blessings and

precious promises.

c. Happy thoughts:

d. Harmful thoughts: (As the hair of the head is easily moved and tossed about by the wind, so are the thoughts of the heart.)

The Strength of the Man of God The Preachers Teeth

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 4:2

Preached on 8-6-00 A.M.

In these verses before us the Lord is describing the beauty of his church. The church is made up of many members and each of those members are placed within the body, that they may function in harmony. Not all of us hold the same office, but it is the same Spirit who places us there that we all might glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.

I’ve noticed that some of these body parts mentioned may refer to the Pastor and his labor in the house of God. For instance the “eyes”. The pastor should have keen eyesight that he may be watchful for – 1. Snakes 2. Wolves 3. False Prophets

In verse three he mentions the “lips” that are used to help articulate words. A pastor should make a distinct sound. His preaching must not be cloudy, and difficult to understand. Some preachers have a way with words, but never say a great deal about the word.

Now this morning I would like to apply the teeth, as mentioned here, to the work of the preacher, and preach for a little while on, “The Preachers Teeth”. We can apply the teeth to the preacher because of their… I. Strength: (Teeth are of a bony structure and very strong)

A. Strong in grace: II Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

1. Grace to declare the Gospel: I Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2. Grace to defend the Gospel: Philippians 1:16,17 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.

3. Grace to discover the Gospel: Ephesians

6:19 (Praying) And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.

4. Grace to devote ourselves to the Gospel:

Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.

B. Strong in Consolation: Hebrews 6:17,18 Wherein

God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oat: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

1. We must be strong, that we might console

others:

a. Bear the infirmities of the weak: Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (Bear them, and bear with them)

b. Be a blessing to those in need: Illus. Onesiphorus II Timothy 1:16-18 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he

oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

c. Bosom our congregation:

Philippians 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart.

C. Strong in faith: (Illus. Abraham) Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.

1. To be an example: I Timothy 4:12 Let no

man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

D. Strong in the Lord, and his power: Ephesians

6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

1. To stand:

The Church and the Scarlet Thread

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 4:3 Preached on 8-20-00

In verse three the Lord continues to describe the

beauty of the church; but this verse not only reveals her outward beauty, but her inward character. Not only what she appears to be, but also what she really is. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh, and it is here that the beauty of her lips are described. They are said to be like a thread of scarlet, which makes her speech comely.

The word thread is used in Genesis 14:23 (Abraham) (his spoil) as something of little value.

The word thread used in Judges 16:9,12 (Samson) as something of little strength.

But in Joshua 2:18 it is a scarlet thread, it was strong enough to hold up two men, and it protected an entire Gentile family.

In the lips I see… I. The Voice in Prayer: The bride should have something to say) Jeremiah 33:11 (Redeemed lips) The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD.

A. Our voice in prayer:

1. By making request to God: Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Philippians 1:4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy.

a. Solomon asked for wisdom: I

Kings 3:9 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?

b. Elijah asked for water: I Kings

18:42-44 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, there is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times. And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

c. Paul asked to be a witness:

Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

a. Their speech is said to be

comely: (a due proportion) b. What Christ is to us;

(wisdom, righteousness,

sanctification, and redemption)

c. What he has done for us: (saved us from sin, law, death, and hell)

d. When we speak of the glories of his person.

B. Our voice in praise:

1. We are to sing his praise: Psalm 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. (1. Sing in celebration – 2. Sing in triumph)

2. We are to show his praise: (virtues and life)

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

3. We are to be still praising him: Psalm 84:4

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

a. Def. Still: Repeatedly – more – all life long

C. Our voice in preaching:

1. Noah preached righteousness: II Peter 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of

righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

2. John the Baptist preached repentance:

Matthew 3:2 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

3. Jesus preached regeneration: John 3:3

Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

When the Pomegranate Opens Up

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 4:3 Preached on 8-27-00

The next in a series of words, here in chapter four

which the Lord uses to describe his church, is the temples. The root meaning of the word is to, “fall”, because the temples are found in the fall of the head.

This is where Christ found hid church, “In a fallen state,” now the strongs says the word temple means bad, evil, misery or wretchedness. Some would then say how could these temples possibly represent the church. Please notice the scripture says that the temple is like a piece of pomegranate. To have a piece the pomegranate must be broken. Thus the first thing I see is… I. The Brokenness of the Church: (We need to be broken) Luke 20:17,18 And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

A. Broken over sin: (Illus. David) Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

B. Broken over souls: (Illus. Jesus) Luke 13:34 O

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

C. Broken over the Saviors love: (Illus. Mary in Simons house) Luke 7:37,38 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she

knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

D. Broken over self: (Our spiritual condition)

Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

II. The Blossoming of the Church: (The pomegranate hangs on the tree a long time after it is fully ripe and will burst open of itself.)

A. May we hang on the vine until we are full enough to burst: John15

1. Full of the Spirit: (Illus.) Song of Solomon

4:12,16 (The Fruit of Canaan) v.12 A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse; a spring shut up, a fountain sealed. v.16 Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

2. Full of faith: (Illus.) Stephen Acts 6:5 And

the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen.

a. No room for anything else 3. Full of good works: (Illus.) Tabitha Acts

9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman

was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. (Full of good works and alms deeds.)

a. v.39 and all the widows stood by

him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. (Let it burst that your light may shine before men)

III. The Blushing of the Church: (When the pomegranate is broken that springs from it is a reddish and purple juice, that is sweet and delightful.)

A. Her shame: I Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety;

Def. Shamefacedness: downcast eyes; (bashfulness towards men) awe or reverence towards God. Illus. Rebekah Genesis 24 When she met Isaac; “Therefore she took a veil, and covered herself.”

1. Modest apparel 2. Nakedness

The Heartbeat of the Church

Outline in the Song of Solomon Ch.4:3 Preached on 9-3-00

I want to preach today on, “ the heartbeat of the

church.” The scriptures here describing the beauty of the Lord’s bride regards her temples as a piece of pomegranate within her locks.

The temples, one located just above the cheekbone, and in a very tender place where the flesh is extremely thin. It is one of the most sensitive places in the body for locating the pulse, which determines the heartbeat.

Doctors can determine by the pulse if a person is healthy, in poor physical condition, or even dead. (Which one are you?) A man’s heartbeat should be strong and steady, and so should the church’s. We don’t want our spiritual heartbeat to speed up to fast, slow down, or stop. We must have a good steady rhythm.

The church’s heartbeat can be found first of all in her… I. Temperament of Spirit: (What kind of spirit do we have, hot, cold, lukewarm, or dead?)

A. Spirit of kindness: (Illus.) Luke 9:51-56 (The Lord traveling to the city of Jerusalem entered a city of the Samaritans, who would not receive him, and James and John wanted to call fire down from heaven to consume them, but Jesus “turned, and rebuked them, and said, ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of Man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.)

1. Kindness returns kindness: (Illus.) Rahab &

the spies Joshua 2:12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the LORD, since I have showed you kindness, that ye

will also show kindness unto my father's house, and give me a true token. Titus 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.

2. We can be kind to others for the sake of

someone else: (Illus.) David and Mephibosheth II Samuel 9:1 And David said, Is there yet any that is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake? (Show kindness to someone who has offended you, for the sake of someone you love)

3. We can forget the kindness that others

have showed to us: (the story) (Illus.) Joash The king slaying Zechariah the son of Jehoiada II Chronicles 24:22 Thus Joash the king remembered not the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son.

B. Spirit of knowledge: II Peter 1:5 And beside this,

giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.

1. Knowledge of the Son: Matthew 11:29

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; a. Knowledge of him prefects us:

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

b. Knowledge of him creates within us

a desire to obtain the prize: Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, v.14 therefore I press toward

the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

2. Knowledge of the scriptures:

a. Makes us wise unto salvation: II Timothy 3:13,14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

b. Provides us with hope: Romans

15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

C. Spirit of knocking:

a. On the door of a sinners heart. b. At the throne of grace.

Soft Feelings

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 4:3 Preached on 9-17-00 A.M.

Christ here describing the beauty of the church

mentions her temples. The temples being of very thin flesh; making them a very tender place in the body, and a location where the beat of the heart is easily found, may refer to the church’s tender heart.

There is no greater beauty to be found in man, than that of a tender heart. Moses was a man of great strength and leadership abilities yet the Lord said there was no man that ever lived as meek as Moses. When Israel sinned and built their golden calf Moses is found making intercession for them. Our Lord when rejected and forsaken by all, and crucified still pleads for forgiveness for those who hated him. Even Paul being beaten and imprisoned by those he loved prayed that they might be saved.

What about us, just how tenderhearted are we? I. Tenderhearted: Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

A. If tenderhearted we will be kind to one another: Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

1. Give and lend without expecting return

favor.

B. If tenderhearted we will have a forgiving spirit: Matthew 6:14,15 For if ye forgive men their

trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Illus. Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus) (Is it possible that why we struggle so with sins, and they continue to aggravate our minds is because they’ve never been forgiven)

Why Not?

1. Illus. The servant who failed to forgive his

fellow servants after his master had forgiven him. Matthew 18:34,35 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

2. Luke 17:3,4 Take heed to yourselves: If thy

brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

C. If tenderhearted we will be longsuffering: (Being

patient with others)

1. Keeps peace in the church: Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

D. If tenderhearted we will not hold grudges:

1. Def. Grudge: (Secret enmity) (To murmur or complain) (To be discontented at another’s enjoyments or advantages) (To envy one the possessions or happiness which we desire for ourselves)

2. (To murmur or complain) James 4:11

Speak not evil one of another, brethren.

E. If tenderhearted we will be sensitive to sin: (The phrase a piece of pomegranate (within thy locks) refers to a place that may not always be noticed by another)

1. A child of God should be able to blush over

their sin when only people present are them and the Lord.

a. Isaiah 6 Most never blush even

when caught – President

God’s Invincible Shield

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 4:4 Preached on 9-17-00 P.M.

The next descriptive word that Christ uses to ascribe

beauty to his church is the neck. It is said to be like the tower of David with a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty men.

The location of this tower is not known, but it was probably built at Jerusalem: It was very erect, strong, and designed for defence. Now the believer’s neck is said to be like this tower.

If we consider the neck here, in respect to its use, it holds forth the vigorous exercise of the grace of faith; for it is that by which a believer is united to Christ the head. It is that which strengthens them, and is their armory furnishing them with shields.

Now in Ephesians six Paul describes for us the day of battle.

1. Truth for our loins. 2. Righteousness for a breastplate. 3. Our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel

of peace. 4. The helmet of salvation. 5. The sword of the Spirit. 6. But in verse 16 he says; “above all taking the

shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”

Faith God’s Invincible Shield

(1. What faith is:) (a. Pleases God:)

I. The Shield of Faith: a. Protects me from:

1. The accusations of the wicked: Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Accuser: (Def.) Plaintiff – Jesus our advocate: I John 2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

a. He will accuse the word of God of

being unreliable: (other versions) Genesis 3:1 And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said. 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

b. He will accuse the saint of being

unforgiven: 1. The blood is not sufficient. 2. Grace won’t work. 3. Calvary is a myth. c. He will accuse the Christian life of

being unbearable. d. He will accuse eternity of being

uncertain.

2. The aggression of the world: Illus. Paul as he drew nigh to death. II Timothy 4:9-11 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica;

Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me.

a. Worldly pleasures: b. Worldly habits: c. Worldly possessions:

3. The ambitions of the heart: Ecclesiastes 1:16,17 I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. 5:10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. 12:13,14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

4. The amusements of religion: 5. The annoyance of the flesh: Illus. Samson

6. The apathy of the spirit:

Breasts of Blessing

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 4:5 Preached on 9-24-00 A.M.

These words contain the seventh and last

description of the church beauty. Her breasts are said to be like, “two young roes that are twins”. By there being twins means.

1. They are equal in size and shape, and therefore having no signs of deformity. (The lamb’s bride is without spot or wrinkle.)

2. By being twins may express the fullness of them.

(Filled with the Spirit.)

3. They are not dry or empty breast. (They are both full) each being (a fountain of nourishment)

Before I bring the message I want to mention some

possibilities of the interpretation of these, “twin breasts”.

A. Some believe that in these twin breasts we find the two tables of stone containing the Ten Commandments: (Five on one and five on the other)

B. Still others interpret them to mean the two

testaments, the old and the new:

1. These two breasts contain and impart the whole, “sincere milk of the word”: milk for babes and strong meat for men.

2. The breasts provide nourishment, strength, and growth for little children: (The word of God)

3. The bosom is a place of rest and safety for little ones:

a. The promises and prophecies of

the Old Testament have their completion in the new.

b. The old testament is a shadow of good things to come:

1. The Passover 2. The brazen serpent 3. The rock that gave water 4. The manna

All these were but a shadow, having their fulfillment in Christ.

C. The interpretation that I am in agreement with is that the church’s breasts mean, love to God; and love to our neighbor.

1. For the breasts are known as a

place of love and affection: a. There should be love within;

loving one another; love upward, loving the Lord our God with all our heart; and love outward, loving our neighbor as ourselves. Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

I. The Church Should Show Forth Love and Affection For Her Beloved: Song of Solomon 2:16 My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.

A. We must provide a place for him in our bosom: Song of Solomon 1:13 A bundle of myrrh is my wellbeloved unto me; he shall lie all night betwixt my breasts.

B. He protects our bosom from all intruders: Song of

Solomon 8:6 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame.

C. Our passion for him is to be boundless: (We are to

show forth our love at all times, in all situations) Song of Solomon 7:10-12 I am my beloveds, and his desire is toward me. Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages. Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves. (Illus. Black lady)

II. The Church Should Show Forth Love and Affection For the Brotherhood: I John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

A. Our love for one another is a testimony of his divine grace working in our life:

B. Our love for one another is a witness to those

around us of his divine grace: John 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

C. Our love for one another is well pleasing unto the

Lord: John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

1. I John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

III. The Church Should Show Forth Love and Affection For the Blind: Romans 9:1-3 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

A. We must go: Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Prayers) (Purse) (Person)

B. We must go in tears: Psalm 126:6 He that goeth

forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

Without Him

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 4:6 Preached on 10-1-00

The words of verse six are yet those of the

bridegroom. He assures the church of his divine presence until the day break, and the shadows flee away. This promise as a direct answer to the brides prayer found in chapter two and verse seventeen, for there she petitions him for comfort and grace, until the day breaks and the shadows flee away.

This mountain of myrrh and hill of frankincense, being one and the same is a place of sweet fragrance, and a place where Christ finds much pleasure and delight. Both of these ointments are found either in; “The Holy anointing oil”, or “The offerings of sacrifice,” or, “In worship”. They were first used in the Tabernacle, then the Temple, but are to be found now in the house of God.

I believe what we find in these scriptures is the promise of his presence in that church where the sacrifice of prayer and praise is offered in worship of him. I. Without His Presence We Will Be:

A. Fruitless: John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

1. The fruits of righteousness: Philippians 1:11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. (I John 3:7-10 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested,

that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

a. Honor your parents: Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

b. Honesty: (Simply doing good) Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

1. A sinful trio: (To carouse; to lie in bed with; without law)

c. Hospitality: I Peter 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. (Def. Hospitality: Fond of guest)

II. Without His Presence We Will:

A. Fail: 1. In our conquests: Numbers 14: (Turn here and

read) v. 42 Go not up, for the LORD is not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies.

a. Of the heart: Psalm 139:23,24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

b. Of the home: (Young converts establishing a Christian home)

1. Women are keepers at home: Titus 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. (Def. Keeper: Domestically inclined)

2. Men are to be kind at home: (Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;) Love your wives.

3. Children are to be cared for in the home:

c. Of happiness: Psalm 128:1,2 Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.

III. Without His Presence We Will:

A. Fall: Illus. Samson Judges 16 1. Into captivity to sin: v. 20 And she said, The

Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times before, and shake myself. And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.

a. The shame it brought to his: 1. Lost his sight: (No vision) 2. Was bound in fetters

b. The pain it brought to his parents

Manifestations of His Love

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 4:7 Preached on 10-15-00 P.M.

I want to preach today on the thought.

“Manifestations of Christ Love.” Notice the phrase, “thou art all fair my love.” This statement has been used previously in chapter one verse fifteen and sixteen, and chapter four verse one, but with a small difference. The word, “all”, was omitted. I believe the word was used here because of the verses that preceded it.

The Lord has mentioned several particular parts of the church, wherein she appeared very beautiful; and now, lest it should be thought that there was a defect of beauty in the parts not mentioned, he sums up all in this general commendation: “Thou art all fair, my love, there is no spot in thee”.

We being justified by his righteousness, washed in his blood, and sanctified by his Spirit, are in his eyes without spot or blemish.

He uses the term, my love, to assure her that his affections are yet upon her and that she is espoused to him as a chaste virgin and he has interests in no other.

Our Lord has not only spoken words of love, but he has taken action to prove that love, and has manifested it in several ways. I. The Cross Where He Died: John 3:14,15 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (Illus. The serpent Numbers 21) (Sin was judged)

A. The bearing of the cross: (The load) John 19:17And he bearing his cross went forth into a

place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him.

B. The blood of the cross: Colossians 1:20 And,

having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

1. Peace with God: Romans 5:1 Therefore

being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

C. The branding of the cross: (Illus. Thomas) John

20:25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

1. The cross left it’s mark: (And it will leave it’s

mark on us) (Illus. Paul) Galatians 6:17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

II. The Cleansing of Our Soul: (Do we know how vile and corrupt we were) Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

A. Our conscience: Hebrews 9:13,14 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered

himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

1. Remembrance of sins from year to year:

B. Our conversation: Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, these are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

1. Robes; the outer garment. 2. Our outward life.

III. His Companionship:

A. Someone we can talk to: He’s never to busy for us.

1. As a father: (everybody needs a father) (Illus. Mary in the garden) John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

2. As a friend: Proverbs 18:24 A man that

hath friends must show himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

a. A friend is someone who knows your faults and still loves you: Proverbs 17:17 a friend loveth at all times.

1. Betrayed by Judas our Lord yet

called him a friend: Matthew 26:50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then

came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

2. Rejected by his own, yet he called

them friends: Zechariah 13:6 And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.

a. Wounded yet friendly.

A Call From Destruction

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 4:8 Preached on 10-22-00 A.M.

Christ has just finished with several commendations

toward his church where he ascribes to her great beauty and expresses his great love for her.

We find in this eighth verse, for the first time, yet another word used to describe the church, and with the word a new relationship. He calls her his spouse.

The word means a son’s bride, or a wife, and it denotes completeness. I don’t believe any man is complete without a wife.

1. I see here an everlasting relationship: Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (Our everlasting relationship with him)

2. I see here an eternal union: Ephesians 5:31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.

3. I see here an endless love: Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Because of his great love for her, he extends to her an invitation to forsake all others and come away with him.

This departing also leads her away from those places of life in the world that could eventually bring her to destruction.

1. Lebanon: Comes from the word referring to to center of man: his heart, feelings, and intellect. (Come Away)

2. Amana: Means a covenant, an allowance or portion. (Come away from this worlds portion)

3. Shenir: Means to be pointed or a peak: (Those worldly achievements) Trying to gain the world)

4. Hermon: Means devoted to, or abrupt. (Come away from those things that will end abruptly)

5. Lion’s dens and leopards: Ravishing beasts that devour the flesh, and destroy its prey.

I. Come Away From Worldly Influences:

A. People: Illus. Jonadab &b Amnon II Samuel 13:1-3 And it came to pass after this, that Absalom the son of David had a fair sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. And Amnon was so vexed, that he fell sick for his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin; and Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing to her. But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtle man.

B. Pleasures: (Lebanon, Solomon’s house) Illus. Moses Hebrews 11:24,25 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

1. We can be lead from one pleasure only to find another.

C. Possibilities: Illus. The lottery; one chance to win big.

D. Power: Illus. The money spent on politics. II. Come Away From Worldly Intoxicants: Revelation 17:1,2 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication. Revelation 18:1-4 And after these things I saw another angel come down from

heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies. And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

A. Abundance of her delicacies: (Power of luxury) 1. Our worldly drunkenness has blinded our

vision: 2. Our worldly drunkenness has slurred our

speech: 3. Our worldly drunkenness has hindered

our walk: (Enoch) 4. Our worldly drunkenness has slowed our

reflexes: (response to God’s word) 5. Our worldly drunkenness has revealed

our flesh: 6. Our worldly drunkenness has manifested

our weakness: (A drunk man thinks he’s strong; believes he can

whip the world)

Sympathizing Jesus

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 4:9 Preached on 10-29-00 A.M.

These are not words that are rashly spoken by our

heavenly bridegroom. Neither did they drop from his lips unawares. But they proceed from his heart, and were spoken by him in a deliberate manner. In fact he repeats himself, not to correct, but to confirm.

Love is very powerful, and has great influence upon the heart. With only a glance from the eye, the heart of our heavenly bridegroom had been ravished. He had become disheartened. His heart had been taken away.

By the eye of which Christ was so taken, may be meant, “the eye of faith”. The eye by which a soul looks on him, and loves him; beholds his fullness, and wishes for an interest in him; looks to him and expects from him alone life and salvation.

He saw in these eyes her need of deliverance; her dependence upon him alone for help; and her desire for more discoveries of his love.

He seen in her eye the look of a poor sinful creature, who will remain lost forever except he favor her; thus his heart is ravished, and taken up by her.

The response o Jesus to her look was, sympathy provided. He looked into her eye, saw the need, and his heart was ravished. No wonder those Jews in the wilderness, after being bitten by the serpent were instructed simply to look and live. I’m so thankful that yet today we still have a sympathizing Jesus.

Hebrews 2:17,18 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

(Illus.) Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I. He Sympathizes With Us When We Were Lost: (Illus.) Luke 15

A. He sought us: V. 14 (and go after that which is lost)

B. He rescues us: v. 5 (until he hath found it) C. He bears our weakness: v.15 (he layeth it on his

shoulders) II. He Sympathizes With Us Over Our Vexed Loved Ones: (Illus.) Matthew 15:21-28 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

A. She was grievously vexed with a devil: v.22 B. The disciples showed no sympathy: v.23 (send her

away)

1. He listened to her prayer: v.25 (Lord, help me)

a. I John 5:15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

2. He looked at her faith: v.28 3. Her daughter was made whole: v.28

III. He Sympathizes With Us In Our Loneliness: (Illus.) John 9:34,35 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

A. Reprobate friends did not want him: v.13 (they brought him to the Pharisees)

B. Relatives did not want him: v.18-25 C. Religious crowd did not want him: v.34 Psalm

68:5,6 A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

IV. He Sympathizes With Us In Our Learning: Phillip in John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?

When Our Love Cheers the Heart of Jesus

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch.4:10 Preached on 11-5-00 A.M.

1. Discuss his commandments of her love for him:

A. We love him only because he first loved us: I John

4:19 We love him, because he first loved us. B. Our love for him is manifest in our obedience:

John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

2. Our love towards him seems to cheer his heart

greatly: A. How much better is thy love than wine

1. A type of joy: Hebrews 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.

I. When We Worship Him: Luke 7:36-50

A. She washed his feet: B. She kissed his feet: C. She anointed his feet:

1. She gave him her heart: (tears) 2. She gave him the glory: (hair) 3. She gave him her best: (ointment)

II. When We Walk With Him: John 21:15-19 (v.19 follow me) So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?

A sinner’s love for Christ.

He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 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. 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. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

A. Sell the boat and walk with me. III. When We Want Something of Him: John 11:32,33 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

Words Sweeter Than Honey

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch 4:11 Preached on 11-19-00 A.M.

In verse nine and ten the heart of Christ has been

ravished by the sparkling eye and the chains of grace bestowed upon his church. Here in verse eleven he continues that commendation by mentioning her charming lips and graceful language.

The words that fall from the lips of a Christian should be like honey that drops from the honeycomb; sweet to the ears of the hearers!

The sweet language of heaven should drop from our lips in a natural way, not forced, neither by pressing or squeezing. As a Christian we cannot but speak of the things that we have both seen and heard. (For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.)

Like the virtuous women our words should be both wise and kind. Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

The words of our mouth should be with great forethought. Proverbs 29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

Our words must be with Godly knowledge and not foolishness. Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

In what areas of life should our words drop as honey in the honeycomb! I. In the Duties of the Church:

A. The Preaching of the Gospel: 1. As honey is gathered from flowers, even

the Gospel is gathered from the choice flowers of the scriptures.

2. Like the honey Samson found in the dead carcass of the lion, the sweetness of the Gospel is found in the death of Christ.

3. Like the honey Jonathan ate while pursuing

the Philistines, the Gospel enlightens the eyes. Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

4. Milk and honey flowing is term used to

describe Canaan.

5. Milk and honey was given to a newly married bride when brought home to her husband.

B. The Prayers of the Saints: Proverbs 15:8 The

sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

C. The Praises of our heart: Psalm 33:1 Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. (Def. Comely: Beautiful: to be at home)

II. In Our Daily Conversation:

1. Notice that Christ not only hears the words, but he also sees what’s under the words: [Milk and honey are under their tongue] “The disposition and frame of the heart”

2. The words spoken and the garments worn

speak of the fruits of Holiness, which adorn and beautify our outward profession.

A. Our words must be pleasant: Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

B. Our words must be profitable: Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

C. Our words must be used prudently: Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

1. Look for proper seasons: 2. Look for opportunities: 3. Use discretion:

D. Words of piety: (Holiness and consecration)

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Ephesians 5:3,4 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

E. Words based on biblical principles: (We need to

talk about the Bible) Psalm 119:27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works Psalm 119:97 O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.

As Snug As A Bug In A Rug

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch 4:12

Preached on 11-26-00

In this verse the Holy Spirit uses three metaphors to give farther commendations to the church. He says that we are a, “garden enclosed”.

1. A garden is a piece of ground distinguished and separated from others for the owners use:

2. In a garden, the flowers, herbs, and plants do not

grow up naturally of themselves; they are planted and cultivated by the owner: Illus. The parable of the barren fig tree: Luke 13:7-9 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.

3. A garden requires much labor: (The spirits labor

on us)

Secondly he says that the church is “a spring shut up and a fountain sealed”. These seem to intend one and the same thing. A fountain may put forth a larger quantity of water than a spring; but both refer to the workings of the Spirit within us.

1. Our soul as a garden enclosed, being shut up with and by the Spirit:

a. Supplies the believer with water for growth:

b. Shelters us, shuts us in, and seals us; to

give assurance that there will be no intrusion from without.

1. Anything that enters is there by the

owners permission: a. Temptations b. Troubles c. Trails

Note: We are secretly sealed with Christ in the bosom of the Father.

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. We are as snug as a bug in a rug!

I. Preserved By Our Father:

A. He hedges us in: Illus. Job 1:10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. (Hedge: to entwine or shut in)

1. His person, possessions, and

prosperities lie within the Fathers jurisdiction of power.

B. He holds us in his hand: John 10:27-30 My

sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and

my Father are one. [John 17:6 I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word.]

1. The Father has given him to us, and us

to him:

C. He hovers over us: Exodus 12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

II. Prospered By Our Faith: Illus. Peter Luke 22:31,32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

A. Sleeping in prayer: Luke 22:45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow.

B. Sitting with the wicked: Luke 22:55 And when

they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

C. Suffering for Jesus: I & II Peter

III. Predestinated In the Future: Romans 8:28-34 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 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.

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

A. God’s decree B. God’s duty C. God’s delight

As snug as a bug in a rug!

Why? “That he might become the firstborn among many brethren. (Not for our sake, but for Jesus)

Fruitful Children

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch. 4:13,14

Preached on 12-3-00

In verse twelve the Lord likens his v=church to a garden; “he says it is a garden enclosed”. His garden is well watered, from within, by a spring and a fountain. In scripture, as a rule, still or standing water is a type of the word of God, as in Psalm 23:2 “He leadeth me beside the still waters.” But running water refers to the Holy Spirit, such as Joshua 3:15 “(for the Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest.)”

Being well watered by the word of God and the Holy Spirit God’s children become very fruitful. (v.13,14)It is not our fruit, for we are unable to produce any spiritual fruit on our own ability. But it is the fruit of the Spirit, and the graces of the Spirit here mentioned in verse 13 and 14.

I believe most would agree that the plants in v.13 are in reference to God’s children. In Psalm 123 our own children are referred to as olive plants, therefore the Lord has used this word to describe those of us that are truly saved, and bearing in our life the fruit of the Spirit.

I am not speaking of… 1. A barren fig tree: or 2. Those who have no oil in their lamps: 3. Those who have a name that they live, but are

dead: 4. Or, as some have a form of godliness but deny

the power thereof. But the ones mentioned, as plants are those who by

possessing the Spirit of God bring forth fruit produced by that same Spirit.

1. Contrast the Spirit’s fruit to the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:17-24

I. Overwhelming Joy: Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.

A. Because of the Lord’s example: Luke 10:19-21 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said,

B. Because of our expectation: Isaiah 35:10 And the

ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Notice v.3) The joy of the Lord is our strength.

C. Because of an endless life: I Peter 1:8,9 Whom

having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

II. Overcoming Peace: John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

A. Peace in adversity: (The trouble that was soon to follow)

B. Peace in his absence: (Peace I leave with you) C. Peace as an anchor:

III. Overpowering Love: I Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.

A. Over powers envy: v.4 B. Over powers evil: v.5 “thinketh no evil”

The Works of the Wind

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch 4:16 Preached on 12-10-00 A.M.

Please notice in our text that the wind has been

bidden to blow upon Christ’s garden, the church. There are two types of wind mentioned, the north and the south; both are distinctly different, yet in their design they bring about the same end. (It takes both the north and the south if the spices are going to get out of the garden)

The wind, when mentioned in scripture, is always in reference to the Holy Spirit. I. The Wind Is Our Operative In Man’s Conversion: John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

A. The wind is powerful: (There is no stopping it, he who created it, and has gathered it in his fists has the rule over it) 1. Hurricanes – 2. Tornados (How powerful in converting the soul)

B. The wind is penetrating: (If there is a crack, or a hole the wind will find it) Our hear

C. The wind is purifying: (It is called natures fan because it clears the air when it becomes stale and stagnant)

II. The Wind Is Operative In Our Commission: Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 2:1,2 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came

a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. III. The Wind Is Operative In Our Conduct: Jonah 1:4 But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.

A. The wind found him: IV. The Wind Is Operative In Our Consecration: (Text) Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

A. The groom here speaks and not the bride: (We would never invite the bitter, harsh, frigid wind from the north to blow upon us)

B. The Lord causes both the bitter winds of winter and the gentle summer breeze to blow upon his garden to accomplish his will and work upon us.

1. The north wind: (winter)

a. A thorn in the flesh: II Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

b. A tragedy of life: (Illus. David) c. A touch from the master: Illus.

Jacob Genesis 32

2. The south wind: (summer)

Strolling in the Garden With Jesus

Outline and notes in the Song of Solomon Ch 4:16 Preached on 12-17-00

Several years ago, while living in Tucson, AZ, Mrs.

Hall and I spent nearly an entire day together fellowshipping in a beautiful park and flower garden. (Explain) I believe that’s what our Lord is saying in these verses before us today. In that he desires fellowship with us.

In this particular passage of scripture he has likened his church to a garden. In fact he uses the word five times in six verses; beginning in chapter 4:12 – and ending in chapter 5:1. We know from these verses that his garden is:

1. Privately owned: Ch 5:1 my garden

a. He has planted it: Matthew 15:13 But he answered and said, every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, he shall be rooted up. Genesis 2:8 and the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden.

b. He personally grooms it: (Digs and dungs)

c. He protects it: 4:12 (a garden enclosed)

d. He preserves it: 4:12 (he shuts it up with

springs and fountains of water) He delights himself in the fruit!

Because this garden is sole property of the Lord

Jesus he enjoys fellowship with it, by indulging himself with the fruit it produces. (4:16) Eat his pleasant fruits.

(Our walk, light, and truth are all necessary for fellowship) 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. I. Christ’s Created Garden: Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. (In this garden planted in Eden, placed man there to dress it, and likewise God desired fellowship with man, in the garden.)

A. The miracle in the garden: Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. (There was a tree of life in the midst of the garden)

1. There is a tree of life in the midst of the

church: (cross)

a. Fellowship depends on it: b. Fellowship derives from it:

(Reconciles sinners)

B. The man in the garden: Genesis 2:15 (God put him in the garden) And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

1. To dress it: (His works, but in Christ’s

garden today, he dresses it, that’s grace) 2. He disobeyed God: 3. He died spiritually: Genesis 2:17 But of the

tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

4. He was driven from the garden: Genesis 3:23,24 Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

C. The misery out of the garden:

1. Fellowship broken: 2. The ground is cursed and brings forth

thorns and thistles: 3. Man must eat the herb of the field: (the

world) Genesis 3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;

D. The mirth found in the garden: Isaiah 51:3 For the

LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. (MELODY: To pick or thump with the finger: to prune)

II. The Church’s Invitation: (Text) Let my beloved come into his garden (fellowship is by personal invitation) Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

A. He stands: B. He knocks: C. He speaks: (hear my voice) D. We must open the door:

III. Christ Indulging in the Fruit of His Labors: (Text) “and eat his pleasant fruits”