The Fellowship of the King [Family Worship lesson in Song of Songs 1:12–14]

In what manner is the church sanctified? Song of Songs 1:12–14 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the church is sanctified through mutually delighted fellowship with her beloved Lord. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from the transcript of the audio: The passage reveals a profound spiritual intimacy between the believer and Christ, portraying divine nourishment not as mere instruction but as shared fellowship at the King’s table, where both parties delight in one another. Central to this communion is the mutual exchange of fragrance—Christ’s sweetness drawing forth the believer’s offering of devotion, and the believer’s heart finding its deepest joy in being sweet to Christ. The imagery of myrrh, henna, and En-Gedi underscores Christ’s abundant, life-giving sweetness and the transformative power of His presence, turning every aspect of life into a place of delight. This relationship is not merely intellectual, but deeply personal, calling the believer to cherish Christ as the most intimate, enduring, and treasured reality—held close like a bundle of myrrh persistently held between the breasts. The passage affirms that spiritual growth occurs through abiding fellowship, where knowing Christ becomes the very means of becoming like Him, sustained by the Holy Spirit’s grace.