LET’S GO FOX HUNTING---Song of Solomon 2:15

Foxes abounded in Judea; and did most damage when the clusters were young and tender.

It is likely that these are the words of the bridegroom to his companions, "Take care of the vineyard: set the traps for the foxes, which are spoiling the vines; and destroy their young as far as possible."

Take us the foxes; the bride has listened to the call of the bridegroom, and come forth to active service.  She now visits with him their common vineyard. 

Song of Solomon 7:12--Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give thee my loves.

This must be cleared of every thing that can injure it.  In other words, all hindrances to the fruitfulness of Zion must be removed.

If God's people would enjoy his presence and blessing, they must put away every iniquity and stumbling-block.

Foxes-The disturbers of the vineyard, or the church, seducers or false teachers. 

Little foxes-This he adds for more abundant caution, to teach the church to prevent errors and heresies in the beginnings.  Little foxes can spoil the vines in many ways, by gnawing and breaking the little branches and leaves, by digging holes in the vineyards, and so spoiling the roots. 

Tender grapes-Which are easily spoiled, if great care be not used to prevent it.

I.                   LITTLE FOXES CAN HINDER THE GROWTH

A-Damaging The Clusters

B-Disturbing The Roots

C-Diseasing The Vines

Illustrate: There Are Folks In Churches That Have Been A Part Of The Church For Many Years. They Won’t Get In, And They Hinder Those Who Desire To Get In. They Are Hindering Growth. Beware Of The Little Foxes That Hinder Growth.

II.                LITTLE FOXES CAN HARM THE GUESTS

A-By Growling About Their Presence

B-By Grumbling About Their Position

C-By Griping About Their Possessions

Illustrate: There Are Folks In Churches That Never Welcome Guests. They Are Satisfied With Things As Long As They Know The Congregation And Have Influence In The Congregation. They Don’t Want Any One New To Join Up For Fear Of Losing Their “Pull” In The Church; Therefore, They Do All They Can To Harm The Guests. Beware Of The Little Foxes That Harm The Guests.

III.             LITTLE FOXES CAN HOLD THE GATE

A-By Standing in the Way of Sinners

B-By Sitting in the Seat of the Scornful

C-By Siezing Authority Against God and His Anointed

Illustrate: There are folks inside the church that will discourage a sinner from accepting Christ. Not necessarily verbally, but through their actions. They scorn the Preacher, they scorn the Singers, and the leadership of the church. They will join together in bands to overthrow the authority of the church by taking the authority themselves .Beware of the Little Foxes That Hold the Gate.

Conclusion: Let’s go fox hunting here RIGHT NOW! Look for the little foxes in your life that are hindering your spiritual growth, and let’s kill them here RIGHT NOW. Let’s go looking for those little foxes that harm the guests, and kill them here RIGHT NOW. Let’s go fox hunting and see if there are any little foxes holding the gate here tonight and if we find them…Let’s kill them.  Beware of the Little Foxes, they spoil the vine.