I. Introduction: A. “Does God really care about something as insignificant as your marriage?” B. A subtle reminder that God expects application.
II. Review: A. First Attractions are based on reputation B. Opportunity for interaction. Contrast of the Veiled Woman awaiting vs. Proverbs 31 woman in training
III. Love Conquers A. Tender Thoughts. Loving Thoughts. Pleasant thoughts. Like perfume, those thoughts are mood enhancing. Good relationships involve pleasant thoughts of the other. Eph. 4:32 James 5:11 -- “Behold we count them happy which endure afflictions… you have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord… that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy.”
B. Tender Words. Loving words. Vs. 15-16 1. Loving words understand the value of the Vase. “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.” “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”
2. Loving and Tender words characterize a Godly Marriage. - Words that acknowledge your appreciation for her - Words that accurately represent your loving, positive feelings towards her. - We look at the person… we are endeared… we are pressed to reach out and touch this loved one with a hand or a word. 3. God is our example. “If there be any comfort in Christ, any comfort of God’s love, any WARM fellowship of the Spirit in your heart, if any compassions and pities from God over you.” (Reference Phil. 2:1) Also, remember Christ cherished the church all the way to the bloody cross. 4. Sometimes the hardship of life, hard work hardens people. It hardens their hands… and their language. Jesus is our example.
C. Defining the Relationship - 2:1-4 1. He speaks of his house as a place of substance. Security. 2. She sees herself as the Rose of Sharon and a lily of the valley. 2:1 3. He speaks of her as special… as a single Lily among thorns. 2:2 She speaks of him as special… as an apple tree in a forest of pines. 2:3 4. The relationship is stable. She sits in his shade. 5. Love Overwhelms and Conquers. Vs. 4-6 D. Therefore, handle with care. The Time of Love. Vs. 7 - The strongest exhortation possible short of an oath. - Don’t awaken love until the timing is right.
Application for the Unmarried: Gals -- Don’t stir up the emotions… unless it’s a certain deal. Don’t think the tender thoughts… don’t accept the tender words… until you are ready.
Guys -- Usually bypass the emotions and go straight to the physical… Stop playing with the R-rated movies… or the websites, that excite your passions…
Older
Top
