The Song of Solomon — Part 5

Sermon Details

• Title: The Song of Solomon — Part 5
• Speaker: Wade E. Taylor
• Date: June 28, 1981

Introduction

This sermon, delivered by Wade E. Taylor on June 28, 1981, is the fifth part of a series on the Song of Solomon. Taylor uses this biblical text as a framework to discuss spiritual growth, the nature of God's call, and the development of mature ministry. The sermon interweaves passages from Song of Solomon with other biblical texts, particularly focusing on the calls of Moses and the disciples, to illustrate its points.

Overview of the Main Message

The central theme of this sermon is the progression of spiritual maturity, from a self-centered faith to a selfless ministry. Taylor emphasizes that true ministry stems from intimacy with God and results in a genuine burden for others. He argues that God's call is always first to "come" before being "sent," highlighting the importance of relationship with God as the foundation for effective ministry.

Theological Framework

The sermon is grounded in a typological interpretation of the Song of Solomon, viewing it as an allegory for the relationship between Christ and the Church or the individual believer. This approach is common in certain Christian traditions and allows Taylor to draw spiritual lessons from the book's romantic language.

Key theological concepts include:

1. Progressive sanctification: The idea that spiritual growth occurs in stages.
2. Divine calling: Emphasizing that God initiates the call to ministry.
3. Intimacy with God: As the source of effective ministry.
4. Sacrificial nature of ministry: Drawing from Paul's writings and Christ's teachings.
5. Holy Spirit and Fire: Taylor emphasizes the importance of "Holy Ghost and fire" over just "Holy Ghost and tongues," suggesting a deeper work of the Spirit beyond the gift of tongues. This concept adds depth to his Pentecostal theology.

Detailed Exposition

The Three Confessions

Taylor outlines three stages of spiritual growth, represented by confessions from the Song of Solomon:

1. "He is mine" - The beginnings of faith, focused on personal benefits.
2. "I am my beloved's, but he is mine" - A place of mixture, transitioning from self-centeredness.
3. "I am my beloved's and his desire is towards me" - Mature faith, focused on God's desires.

The Necessity of Struggle

Taylor uses the analogy of a butterfly emerging from a cocoon to illustrate the importance of spiritual struggle. He argues that just as prematurely helping a butterfly would hinder its development, bypassing spiritual struggles can impede growth. This "place of mixture" is presented as a necessary and positive stage in spiritual development.

The Call to Ministry

Taylor emphasizes that God's call is always to "come" before being sent. He cites two key passages:

1. Exodus 3:10 (KJV): "Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh..."
2. Mark 3:13 (KJV): "And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him."

He argues that true ministry flows from being with God, not just working for Him. This intimacy with God equips believers for effective ministry.

Taylor outlines a threefold ministry commissioned by Jesus: preaching, healing sickness, and casting out devils. This represents authority over both earthly and spiritual realms.

Stages of Ministry Development

Taylor outlines a progression in ministry development:

1. Blessing: Initial focus on personal benefits.
2. Vision: Gaining insight into God's purposes.
3. Chastening: God's corrective work in the believer's life.
4. Teaching: Learning to discern and meet others' spiritual needs.
5. Challenge: Engaging with different levels of spiritual maturity in others.

The Nature of Mature Ministry

Taylor discusses the characteristics of mature ministry:

1. Discernment of others' spiritual state and needs.
2. Willingness to nurture and protect less mature believers.
3. Ability to "feed" others rather than always needing to be fed.
4. Sacrificial giving of oneself for others' spiritual benefit.

Taylor criticizes the practice of preparing sermons far in advance, viewing it as disconnected from daily walks with God and current spiritual needs. He sees authentic ministry as flowing from ongoing communion with God.

Song of Solomon References

Taylor uses several specific references from Song of Solomon to illustrate his points:

• "A garden enclosed, a spring shut up, a fountain sealed" (Song of Solomon 4:12) - Representing a period of intimate communion with God.
• "Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field" (Song of Solomon 7:11) - Illustrating God's invitation to ministry.
• "We have a little sister, and she hath no breasts" (Song of Solomon 8:8) - Used to discuss mentoring and nurturing less mature believers.

Practical Applications

1. Prioritize intimacy with God over activity for God.
2. Embrace spiritual struggles as opportunities for growth.
3. Seek to discern and meet the needs of less mature believers.
4. Aim to become a "feeder" rather than always seeking to be fed.
5. Be willing to sacrifice personal comfort for the spiritual growth of others.
6. Cultivate sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's deeper work beyond just spiritual gifts.

Unique Insights

1. The concept of "mixture" in spiritual growth as a positive and necessary stage.
2. The parallel drawn between adolescent development and spiritual maturity.
3. The emphasis on God's call to "come" as preceding any sending or ministry activity.
4. The critique of professional ministry practices that disconnect from daily spiritual life.
5. The emphasis on "Holy Ghost and fire" over just "Holy Ghost and tongues."

Conclusion

Taylor's sermon presents a view of spiritual growth and ministry that emphasizes intimacy with God, personal spiritual development, and a gradual shift from self-focus to others-focus. He challenges listeners to move beyond seeking personal blessings to becoming channels of blessing for others, all while maintaining a close relationship with God. His perspective on ministry is deeply personal and spiritual, emphasizing the need for ongoing communion with God as the source of effective ministry.

Study Questions

1. How does the speaker use the Song of Solomon to illustrate stages of spiritual growth? Can you identify these stages in your own spiritual journey?
2. Discuss the concept of "mixture" in spiritual growth. Why does the speaker see this as a necessary and positive stage?
3. How does the speaker interpret God's call to "come" in Exodus 3:10 and Mark 3:13? How might this perspective change your view of ministry?
4. Compare and contrast the ideas of "working for the Lord" and being "an instrument in the hands of the Lord." How does this distinction relate to effective ministry?
5. Explain the butterfly analogy used in the sermon. How does this relate to spiritual growth and mentoring others?
6. How does the speaker characterize mature ministry? How does this compare with common perceptions of ministry in the church today?
7. Reflect on the statement, "If we build the Lord a house of devotion, he will build us a house of ministry." What practical implications might this have for those seeking to enter ministry?
8. How does the sermon challenge the idea that someone can be "so heavenly minded that they're no earthly good"? Do you agree with the speaker's perspective?
9. Discuss the progression from being "fed" to becoming a "feeder" in spiritual life. What might this look like in practical terms?
10. How does the speaker's interpretation of Song of Solomon 8:8-9 relate to mentoring or discipling others in the faith? How might you apply these principles in your own relationships within the church?
11. What does the speaker mean by emphasizing "Holy Ghost and fire" over "Holy Ghost and tongues"? How might this perspective influence one's approach to spiritual growth and ministry?
12. Discuss the speaker's critique of preparing sermons far in advance. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of this approach to ministry?