November 6, 2016
‘Song Of Songs is a historical story with two layers of meaning. On one level, we learn about love, marriage and sex; and on the other level, we see God’s overwhelming love for His people.’ *
This study will be about the latter, specifically between Christ and His ‘Bride’, The Church.
For references of this read and discuss the following: Matthew 25:1-13, 2 Corinthians 11;2, Revelation 19:7-9, Ephesians 5:22-32. Especially discuss the meaning of Ephesians 5:32.
Consider those nine words in light of the following points:
It is a present experience, eg ‘I am my Lover’s and my Lover is mine’
It is a personal experience, pronouns, ‘I am my Lover’s and my Lover is mine’
It is a permanent experience, ‘I am / my Lover is’
In what ways do you as a Christian belong to Christ? Read and discuss in your group the following cords that have drawn us to Him.
A. I am His by election. He chose me for Himself. Ephesians 1:4-5, 11, 1 Peter 1:2, John 15:16.
B. I am His by donation. The Father gave me to the Lord. John 6:37, 18:9. John 17:1-26. How many times can you find this mentioned in John 17 ‘You gave me’ or similar by Jesus as He prayed for His future bride?
C. I am His by creation. He made me. Psalm 139:13-16, Colossians 1:16.
D. I am His by redemption. He bought me. 1Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Ephesians 1:14.
E. His by Presentation. I give myself to Him in response to His love and grace. John 20:28, Romans 12:1.
Not only is it wonderful that you are Christ’s but even more that He is yours.
Read the following: John 10:28-29, Colossians 3:3, Romans 8:38-39.
Discuss the comparison to a human wedding where the bride and groom give themselves to each other permanently.
Also the following….
The groom assumes responsibility for his bride, so does Jesus our Groom assumes responsibility for us His Bride for eternity.
Discuss how safe and secure you are in your non dissolvable union in this life and for eternity.
Discuss the wealth of Jesus. How much belongs to Him. See 1 Chronicles 29:10-12, Revelations 5:9-14.
As a Christian and therefore ‘in Christ’ how much of what Jesus owns do you share in?
Discuss the following…
We are no longer like “fearful slaves”, instead, we are the Master’s children. What a privilege. Because we are God’s children, we share in great treasures as co-heirs. God has already given us His best gifts, His Son, His Holy Spirit, forgiveness and eternal life; and He encourages us to ask him for whatever we need. *
How does this make you feel toward God?
How does this make you feel you want others to know this can be theirs also?
* taken from Life Application Study Bible.