Deepening Faithfulness (Song of Solomon 7:1- 8:4)

Discussion Questions Everything changes over time, some things get better and some things get worse. What are some examples of things that can get better with time and what are some examples of things that get worse with time? What are examples you have seen in your life of marriages or even friendships that have deepened over time and what makes them different than marriages and friendships that have fallen apart? What are some of the key relational elements that you’ve seen help marriages and friendships to deepen over the years? Delight in One Another (7:1-10) In this section of scripture, the husband praises his wife’s body with new observations as well as classic lines that he used on their honeymoon. How can we cultivate the ability to bless, praise, and thank others for the For Singles - How does growing to know someone over decades help us to appreciate them in a deeper and more profound way? What do you appreciate about your friends and how can you encourage them this week? For Married Couples - What physical characteristics or personality traits in your spouse have you grown to appreciate over time? What ways do you delight in your spouse? How are they a gift from God to you? Invest in One Another (7:11-13) In this section of scripture, the wife has planned a romantic getaway for the couple to enjoy one another. What relationships in your life do you need to prioritize even if that means changing a busy schedule? For Singles - How can you cultivate deeper and more meaningful friendships with others in your life? What opportunities do you have to gather friends together, to go do or host different activities that might deepen friendships with others? For Married Couples - What might need to shift and your schedule or priorities to deepen your marriage by getting away for a romantic evening or weekend? What are some “Old” and “New” ways that you can bless and serve one another? Enjoy One Another (8:1-4) In this section of scripture the wife yearns for husband and wishes that she could show public displays of affection to him like she could show to her own family in her ancient middle eastern context. What are some culturally/biblically appropriate ways that we can publicly express affection for our family, our spouse, our friends and our brothers and sister Christ? For Singles -This section of scripture ends with the repeated statement about not awakening love before it’s time. Why is the statement repeated throughout the Song of Solomon? Why is it so important to only awaken love at the right/appointed time? For Married Couples - How can you cultivate healthy public displays of affection for one another. What ways can you show honor to one another in public? What ways can you show affection to one another in public? What ways can you show love to one another in public? What barriers might prevent you from this healthy yearning for one another? End with a challenge to take action. Lead your group to help each person identify their next steps in obedience to Christ this week. What relationships do you need to prioritize and cultivate this week? What is one practical take away that you will seek to apply this week? How can we pray for one another this week?

We do what we want!

I've been thinking about the following statement; "We always do that which we most want to."

It's true, isn't it? The highest, deepest, strongest affections of our hearts really do control us. We never do anything, no matter how difficult, that ultimately isn't motivated by our strongest affections. At the core of all of our actions, even if it warrants momentary discomfort or displeasure, is a desire for infinite satisfaction.

When I sin, it's because I believe a the lie that twists my affections and causes me to commit divine treason by attempting to find satisfaction in those things which are only created as pointers, mirrors and shadows of the infinity beautifully, powerful, awe-inspiring, desire satisfying God almighty.

What I've learned is that when I don't pray humbly that God the Holy Spirit would change my heart so my deepest affections are to cherish and be satisfied in God. I begin to crossover into cruel, heartless, passionless, religiosity because I'm only operating on a knowledge level of what I "should" be doing while my affections or for sin. Without any deep abiding passion to delight in the law of God I will always ultimately sin because I do what I most want to. It's simple but I'm realizing the fuller significance of the difference in out comes between duty and delight.

Our life is constantly driven by desires seeking complete and infinite satisfaction. Join me in looking to Christ, the Author and Perfecter of our Faith!