HCBC Sunday School -- "Friends" Class

Righteous Romance - Song of Solomon 1:1 - 5:1

1) It's About Being Together (Song of Sol. 1:7-8)
a. Love language -- quality time.
b. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. ~ Romans 13:14
2) Mutual Admiration (Song of Sol. 1:15 - 2:2)
a. Solomon and Shulamite
b. Love language -- words of affirmation.
3) Be on Guard (Song of Sol. 2:15)
a. Couples want to drive away any culprits that could threaten their relationship.
b. Culprits -- a little disrespect, a little taking each other for granted, a little selfishness or jealousy.
4) Treasure the Treasures (Song of Sol. 4:9-12)
a. "garden enclosed" - Purity in the context of a righteous romance has its foundation in a faith-relationship with Jesus Christ.

Invest in the Best - Song of Solomon 5:2 -- 8:14

5) Longing Love (Song of Sol. 5:6-8)
a. Married couples experience emotional ups and downs. These challenges can put pressure on a marriage. Keeping our love for each other anchored in God's love, we'll find His wisdom to work together. Our love will be strengthened, not weakened, by the tests of life.
6) Exclusive Love (Song of Sol. 6:1-3)
a. A Christian marriage is one of exclusive, lifelong devotion.
b. Song of Solomon calls us back to God's holy purpose for marriage and the family.
7) True Love (Song of Sol. 8:4-7)
a. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. ~ I Cor. 7:5
b. "wilderness" -- a place of testing, but also a place where love can grow stronger as a result of being tested. (Hosea 2:14-16)
c. True love is an unquenchable flame that comes from the Lord Himself, i.e., be a God-centered spouse.