By Michael C. Mack
1. Reply to one or both questions:
- How have you encouraged an engaged or married couple, or a single person, in our church or in other relationships?
- How did you help someone search for and find God last week?
2. What does total devotion to something or someone look like to you?
Ask two people to read aloud Song of Songs 1:1-8; 2:4, 16-17; 8:6-7 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions. Then ask a third person to briefly summarize the passages.
3. In his Study on this section of Scripture, Mark Scott writes about “extending the meaning to a higher level (e.g., the love God has for his people is likened to the passionate love a husband and wife have for each other). . . . If human love is joy unspeakable, then it must have come from somewhere beyond itself (i.e., God himself).” Previously, we studied two sections from these passages at a more literal, natural level. In this study we will examine these passages at a figurative, spiritual level. How do you see the love spoken of in these passages as God’s love for us and our love for him?
4. Like the woman (in 1:5-7), how do people sometimes feel unworthy of God’s love and grace?
- Though we all “fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), we “are justified freely by his grace” (v. 24). How does God’s grace and love give you worth as a follower of Jesus?
5. As you look at this passage figuratively/spiritually, what do you learn about God?
- What do you learn about yourself?
6. What do you learn from this couple’s devotion for and commitment to each other that you can apply to your human relationships?
- To your relationship with God?
7. The woman likens the strength of love to several conditions and elements (8:6-7). How is God’s love for you like those things? (Also see Romans 8:31-39.)
8. The woman wanted to declare her love for her man and his love for her publicly, for all to hear (e.g., 2:4). How will you go public with your love for God and his love for you this week?
9. Based on our study and discussion, complete the sentence: “I will . . .”
10. The woman said, “Your love is more delightful than wine. . . . Your name is like perfume poured out” (1:2-3). Use this as a template for worship: “Lord, your love is more delightful than ___. Your name is like ___.”
For Next Week: Read and reflect on Acts 2:1-4, 14-15, 22-24, 29-32, 36-42 as we begin a new unit with the theme, “The Church Begins.” You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
Author: Christian Standard
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