In The Banquet Hall

In the Banquet Hall

Text: Song of Solomon 2:1-17 esp. v.4

The Gospel is an invitation to the banquet hall of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. In Luke 14 Jesus used the invitation to salvation as an invitation to a Great Supper.

I. THE PREPARATION OF THE BANQUET

It takes much planning and care to have a great feast as is pictured here in Solomon’s writings. The menu must be planned, invitations sent, and the banquet hall must be prepared. It is COSTLY to have such a great feast.

Preparation was made before man was invited to the Gospel Banquet. See 1 Pet. 1:20. The plans were finished when Jesus cried on the cross, "It is finished."

Men are invited to come to the Banquet Hall of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords (Rev. 22:17; Matt. 11:28); Mk. 10:13; Rev. 22:17).

A. The Plan of The Father

It was conceived in the council chamber of the Triune God. The plan involved surrender (Jn. 3:16) and brought salvation .

B. The Price of The Son

The blood of Christ is called "precious" blood in the Word of God (1 Pet. 1:7). It cost God greatly to issue this invitation. No price tag could be placed on the blood of God’s Son.

1. That price secures personal salvation

2. That price secures perpetual salvation

The Father saw the travail of the Son upon the cross and was satisfied. The price Jesus paid was enough.

C. The Pressure of the Spirit

Because of man’s rebellious nature there must be pressure exerted upon him for him to accept the Gospel invitation. He must be ALMOST forced. The Holy Spirit knows how to put the pressure on and how to influence us to accept the Gospel invitation. See Jn. 6:44.

II. THE INVITATION TO THE BANQUET

Read the parable of the Gospel feast in Luke 14.

A. Some Didn’t Want It

Three silly excuses were given. It wasn’t that they could not go, they just didn’t want to go.

1. I have bought a piece of land.(Land)

2. I have bought five oxen.(Labour)

3. I have married a wife. (Love)

We are not responsible for what people’s reactions are to the Gospel invitation, but to give the invitation out to them.

B. Some Wouldn’t Miss It

Lk. 14:21 speaks of the "poor, maimed, halt and blind." Those who didn’t want the invitation did not actually see the need for them to come. These people (poor, maimed, halt, and blind) did not receive an invitation like this very often. They wouldn’t miss the King’s provision.

What are the two classes of people that would come?

1. The distressed- (the poor)

2. The disabled- (crippled, lame, blind)

Note: Man spiritually is blind, lame, and crippled.

C. Some Couldn’t Believe It

Can you image what it would be like to be a tramp on the street, and then receive an invitation to a rich person’s banquet? The pitiful characters in the highways and hedges are invited to come.

Lk.14:23--"Compel" them to come in. It is a forceful word, but speaks of the force of loving persuasion.

To many it seemed too good to be true. We need to feel that we need the Lord.

III. THE APPRECIATION OF THE BANQUET

When seated at the table, the person there finds out there are many delightful and delicious items to eat.

It is much better than the poor person even thought.

A. First Course- Forgiveness of Sins (Eph. 1:7)

If there is a need for forgiveness, we have wronged or offended another person. God is offended by what we are by birth- sinners. Those were sweet words when I heard Him say, "I forgive."

B. Second Course- Peace of Heart (Phil 4:7)

The world does not understand the peace we have.

Our peace does not depend upon circumstances.

Ill: Paul was in prison and still had a song.

C. Third Course- Holiness of Life (1 Pet. 1:16)

There are two ingredients to this portion:

1. Victory over sin.

2. Likeness to Christ.

D. Fourth Course- Knowledge of Sin (Phil.3:10)

We ought to know Him in our experience rather than know any more the control of sin. See. Dan.10:32.

E. Fifth Course- Joy of Service (Ps.100:2)

We should serve God not merely out of necessity, but because we WANT TO. Every time we do something for God, we should be glad because we "get to."

E. Sixth Course- Gladness of Fellowship(1Jn.1:3)

What wonderful fellowship we have with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

F. Seventh Course- The Love of the Scripture-Ps. 119:103

The Bible is a meal in itself. It is spoken of as bread, milk, water, meat and even honey.

G. Eighth Course- Sufficiency For All (2Cor.9:8)

There is never a shortage of what we need.