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Bible Study: May 25, 2014


NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, LifeWay publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.

This week’s Bible study is adapted from the Explore the Bible curriculum.

Bible Passages: Song of Songs 5:6-8; 6:1-3; 8:4-7

Discussion Questions: How might a husband or wife fail at being physically or emotionally present with their spouse? Is it realistic for a person to expect the undivided attention of their spouse?

Food for Thought:

“He hasn’t been here in a while anyway!” Those were the first words that came out of her mouth when talking about her husband. The physical evidence would say otherwise. There were tools and fresh sawdust in the garage. A set of men’s golf clubs sat nearby with shoes that were obviously recently worn. On top of that, you had just talked to the husband the evening before as he got the mail. The wife repeats the sentence, only this time she emphasizes the word “here” and motions toward herself.

The same kind of sentiment was expressed by the Shullamite in Song of Solomon 5:6-8. She obviously expected her husband to be present. The passage is not clear as to whether Solomon was out of town or distant and preoccupied. Regardless, the result was the same — she did not have his undivided attention. If he continued to remain away or ignore her, their marriage would be in trouble. Even though her husband was a busy king, she still expected him to be present for her.

The same warnings are true for us today. When a husband and wife occupy the same address but fail to invest their attention in each other, their marriage will be in trouble. All kinds of things can get in the way, but ultimately being present comes down to honoring the commitment made when the wedding vows were exchanged. One way of investing in the marriage could be through prayer. What would happen to a marriage if a husband and wife started or ended their week or day by praying together? What if that prayer included asking God to help them give some undivided attention to their spouse? Praying as a couple could be the first step toward being present.

Explore the Bible

Explore the Bible is an ongoing Bible study curriculum that helps groups dig into the key truths of each Bible book, while keeping the group on pace to study through the Bible books in a systematic way. More information can be found on the Internet at LifeWay.com/ExploreTheBible.

Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by LifeWay can be found at LifeWay.com/SundaySchool.
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    About the Author

  • Staff/Lifeway Christian Resources