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.

Feb 10: C9 Parents

GOAL:
1. To understand the position of authority parents have over children.
2. To gain insights into having a peaceful, healthy relationship as a family.

Parents had good intentions when the decided to bring you into this world. They had dreams of raising you in love and comfort. Their best intentions may be under worldly stress but that doesn't not mean that their hopes and dreams for you are any less. Only your heavenly Father is perfect without mistakes, expect perfection from him and extend his grace to your parents.

WHY PARENTS
God gave you parents to be authority figures in your life. An authority figure is any person God has placed over you to help you accomplish His purpose in your life.

HOW TO HAVE A LOVING RELATIONSHIP
1. See your parents as real people.
a. Your parents were once your age and probably struggled through similar things as you, why don't you ask them? Their authority is because they want to make your life better than theirs.
b. Parents have big dreams for you, your family and for themselves; with these dreams comes many pressures.

2. Maintain good communication with your family.
Spend time with your family so that it's easier for everyone to communicate openly. Show your parents evidence in why they can trust you.
a. Be truthful with your parents. Ephesians 4:25
b. Avoid raising your voice. Proverbs 15:1

3. Take your share of responsibility around the house.
You have an obligation to tend cheerfully to your chores. Increased responsibility equals increased freedom.

4. Obey and Honor your parents.
Take pride in your family and its reputation. Seek to uphold good character in your community and church. Proverbs 22:1
a. Biblical principles found in Proverbs.
1. Proverbs 10:1 wisdom = joy, foolishness = grief to parents

2. Proverbs 13:1 wise children take parents advise and listen to correction
3. Proverbs 15:5 fools reject discipline, accepting correction = exercising good judgment
4. Proverbs 12:1 love for discipline = love for knowledge, those who hate correction are stupid
5. Proverbs 15:20 wisdom = joy, foolishness = despise
6. Proverbs 17:21 foolishness = grief and joylessness
7. Proverbs 22:6 trained children will not turn from what they know
8. Proverbs 22:15 folly is the heart of the immature, discipline destroys folly
b. God uses parents to discipline for the following reasons:
*to give warning
*to help develop you
*to love you
Proverbs 15:31 - 32 accept correction and gain understanding

RESTORING A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP
There is no parent / child relationship that can not be restored.
1. Seek the forgiveness of your parents.
- admit and confess to them attitudes and actions.
2. Cooperate with your parents.
- ask God to help change you
3. Tell your parents your love them.
- thank them for what they have done for you
4. If there needs to be a change of mind in your parents, let GOD bring about that change. Proverbs 21:1

CHRIST AS A TEEN
Luke 2:51 -52
He was obedient, had stature, was wise, favored and treasured.
Be like Christ!