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SOS 2:16 The Bride's Developing Insight

Preached by James R. Reynolds, Sr. on March 28, 1979.

Song of Solomon 2:16 — My beloved is mine, and I am his: he feedeth among the lilies.

Introduction

The Bride is beginning to develop an insight that she did not have before. It is strange, but most new converts think they know it all. They have been in such darkenss and then come into the great light and feel like they know it all.

We have a very small understanding of the whole when we begin. As we go on, our vision and understanding begins to enlarge. Where it once was hazy, now is clear. She has a better understanding and clearer vision now then when she first began.

I. Revelation of Privilege [2:40]

My beloved is mine, …

When we 'get into this thing' we have a very slanted view of the whole. Maybe even after many years, some have a slanted view of the whole. She only saw part of the whole.

God is bringing a people into something to help them understand their privilege — responsibility does accompany this privilege.

A. Salvation

She saw hereself as she was. "I am black". Not a very pretty picture, but necessary. We start with new birth. He washes our sin away. She advances to the banqueting house.

B. Sancitification

Sanctification is a process Where God molds and shapes our lives.

  • positional sanctification
  • progressive sanctification
  • ultimate sanctification

The Grace of God sustans us.

C. Perfection

  • first: He made her comely like the curtains.
  • second: Then brought her to the banqueting house — communion, fellowship.
  • third: Now, My beloved is mine. HE IS MINE. If He is possessing us completing then He is mine!

The Psalmist got some of this Revelation:

Psalm 23:1 — The Lord is my shepherd …

Neither life or death, or pincipalities can separate us from God's love.

By grace, He becomes ours. Let us get our eyes on Him and not on what He has given us.

II. Revelation of Priority [16:28]

… and I am his: …

Grace bestowed upon us, creates a debt. I belong to Him. He has a priority over me.

A. She is Not Her Own

If she is going to have HIM as hers, then she must be HIS! She is not her own because He bought her. She was in trouble and He paid the price. [21:02]

1 Corinthians 6:19,20 — What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.[21:15]

When we realize we are not our own, we cannot do our own thing. For if we do, then we are not His — He is no longer Lord. [23:30]

B. She is not the World's [24:50]

She does not belong to this world.

C. She is not a Servant of Sin [27:30]

She is not half His, but SHE IS HIS.

I like what Stevie said in his testimony in Brockton, "Been so long since I sinned, I can't remember." [34:54]

There is a place in God where we can live above sin. When you fail or sin, you do not have to remain in that place of failure. You can repent and go on.

She belongs to Him because of love and belongs to Him to love. [42:16]

1 John 3:16 — Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

A Love Letter: "My Dearest, my darling, my sweetheart, my All-in-All, I love you more than words can tell. I'll swim the broadest ocean. I'll climb the highest hill. I'll cross the widest desert to be in your arms. P.S. See you Friday night if it don't rain." [43:40]

D. She is His Care, Concern [45:08]

Under His protection. Provide for, Nourish, Lead, Guide, Instruct, Counsel.

III. Revelation of Provision [50:41]

… he feedeth among the lilies.

A. The Place He Feeds

He is not casting his pearls before swine, for He is among the lilies.

Revelation 2:17 — He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

B. What He Feeds On

  1. The Word
  2. The Pure Word
  3. The Revealed Word
  4. The Anointed Word