Sunday 11.00am
Wednesday 7.00pm
(childcare provided)
Overview
What is attraction? What exactly is it we see in others that draws us romantically to them? The first 11 verses in this inspired erotic poem found in the Old Testament provides the answer to these questions.
Interpretive Issues
Interpreting this artistic work has been troubling for the church throughout history. Most have seen this work as allegorical. A metaphor where little attention is paid to details in their normative sense. It is viewed as mysteriously revealing God’s love for His people. God loves His people with a redemptive purpose, no doubt, but the problem with this model of interpretation is that historical characters and real places are found everywhere in the poem. Others see the character Solomon in the song as a type or form (predictive picture) of Jesus. From this perspective, the characters are real people with a true story. However, nowhere else in the bible is Solomon advanced as a picture of the Messiah to come. Lastly, many see this work similar to the Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. It is inspired art and is instructive. It reveals God’s perspective on romantic love. The couple begins with a strong attraction, moves through courtship, is married, has sexual relationships, survives conflict and grows in depth. This is the path we will take together in understanding the Song of Solomon.
Attraction Defined
According to Song of Solomon 1:1-11, attraction is the desire to express physical affection to a person in whom you find holistically appealing. The woman finds Solomon’s sweet and kind disposition most desirable. Solomon sees a woman who is most beautiful because of her character and principle.
Application Questions
Single man: Am I able to love a woman by providing for her needs materially at this time? If not, what steps do I need to take to move in this direction?
Single woman: Am I most committed to building a relationship with Jesus? Have I been focusing on my external beauty while neglecting the state of my soul?
Husband: Am I serving my wife in a way that mirrors Jesus sacrifice for the church? How can I practically serve my wife this week?
Wife: Am I showing respect to my husband privately and publicly? Do I need to ask his forgiveness for past disrespect?
Single by conviction: Am I living for the benefit of others a life fully devoted to Jesus? Where am I distracted in my affections for Him?
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