Feb 24: C10 Dating

Goals:
1. To see God's view of dating, love and marriage.
2. To establish Christ-honoring attitudes toward the opposite sex.

God created people to be sexual beings Genesis 1:27-31
God was pleased with his creation of man and woman.
God created us for companionship.
God created us for a sexual relationship with the union of marriage. Genesis 2:24
One flesh - mental, physical and spiritual union.

God created marriage as a gift of companionship between a man and a woman.

John 13 Love one another.
Gal 6 Carry each others burdens.
Phil 2 Consider others better than yourself.
Col 3 Put up with one another, forgive.
1 Thes 5 Encourage each other.
James 5 Confess sins to each other.

*Remember that physical qualities do not make up for character flaws!
*Worldly dating can turn into practice for divorce; full of bitterness, anger, fear, loneliness and sorrow.
*Christian dating should be practice for marriage; full of forgiveness, patience, encouragement, love and hope.

PRINCIPLES FOR CHRISTIAN DATING


1. ALLOW GOD TO CONTROL YOUR DATING AND MARRIAGE PLANS.

a. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33 What does God desire to give His children? Psalm 84:11
Favor and honor.

b. You have the freedom of choice in companionship. Your choice can be made in the flesh or in the spirit. Flesh leads to disappointment, the spirit leads to peace.

c. There is peace in being single. Not all relationships lead to marriage; God created friendships too.

d. Commit your dating life to the Lord. Any date can be with your future spouse.

2. GOD INSTRUCTS CHRISTIANS NOT TO DATE UNBELIEVERS.

a. "Do not be bound together with unbelievers...what has a believer in common with an unbeliever.? II Corinthians 6:14 -15

b. Think about the verses. What things would you not have in a common with a non-Christian date? The word, God's truth, prayer, hope in salvation, Jesus, authentic fellowship, God's favor and honor.

c. Read Titus 3:3 , Ephesians 4:17 to see what the words says about non-Christian traits. What are the dangers of establishing a dating relationship with a person who is controlled by these motives? The dangers associated with foolishness, disobedience, malice, envy, hatred, immaturity, addictions, idols.

d. What are reasons for dating a Christian? To mutually encourage each other, to bring you closer to God, to sharpen each others faith and walk. Proverbs 27:17

3. GOD REVEALS QUALITIES THAT A DATING PARTNER SHOULD POSSESS.

a. Guys should look for girls who:
-Love and seeks after God. Proverbs 31:30
-Has a gracious spirit.
-Is modest in clothes, conversation and conduct.

b. Girls should look for guys who:
-Love and seeks after God. Psalm 27:4
-Is a leader. Ephesians 5:23
-Shows courtesy and thoughtfulness toward others.

4. GOD TEACHES THAT SEX IS TO BE RESERVED FOR MARRIAGE.
God created sex for reproduction (Genesis 1:28), for pleasure (Proverbs 5:18-19) and for marriage (Matthew 19:4-6).

a. Sex is to be reserved for marriage. Matthew 19:4-6
b. Christians are to stay clear of sexual sin. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 -5
c. Realize your body is a temple. Romans 12:1-2
d. Know that love and lust are not the same. Philippians 1:9, 1 Corinthians 13: 1- 13, Colossians 3:5

5 REMEMBER THAT GOD'S WORD ESTABLISHES MARRIAGE AS A PERMANENT UNION.
Matthew 19:6
Who binds the union? God
Who is not to separate the union? Man

When separation happens it is due to selfishness in the flesh and not trust in God.

Even in our selfishness, God can heal the broken hearted and can make the broken new.