This week was the 3rd week of a 3 week series on Realtionships called "One is the Loneliest Number." We looked at Family, Friends, and lastly Dating relationships. Here are the notes from ths weekend developed by one of our HS team members Patrick Thurman.
Good stuff to keep for yourself
or pass on to friends!
Week 3:DATING
Verses: Ephesians 5:3, 1 Corinthians 15:33-34
1 is the loneliest number…because God designed you to be in relationships
- Deep relationships
- Encouraging relationships
- Godly relationships
But, not all our relationships are godly
SO, we end up “alone”
- Maybe not literally
- We are alone even when we are surrounded by people
- That’s why we do Life Groups!!!
You may think that the solution to not ending up alone is to jump into a dating relationship. Many make this mistake and jump from one relationship to the next. Do not be fooled, if you ignore God’s principles in the end you will end up alone.
Am I READY?!?
Questions to ask yourself…
1. How content are you in your relationship with Christ?
Why do you want a dating relationship?
How well have you pursued your spiritual growth?
2. Have you set physical and emotional boundaries for relationships
you are in or will be in?
3. Would others (family, friends, youth leaders, etc.) say you’re ready?
4. Do you have time for a dating relationship?
If you think you are not ready to date at this point, IT IS OK! Figure out what it is that you may need to work on, and don’t begin dating until you do.
DO NOT FALL INTO THE DIVORCE TRAINING TRAP!
Many people today jump from relationship to relationship. They tell someone they love them and create a relational connection and then they break it off and move onto the next person. This is DIVORCE TRAINING.
Relationship Rule– EPH 5:21
Submit
Selfishness will destroy your dating relationships.
WHO should I date?
1 Corinthians 15:33-34 - “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God - I say this to your shame.”
What causes people to compromise their faith and relationship with God to date non-Christians?
How could dating a non-Christian hurt you? How could it hurt them?
Is it okay to date someone who isn't a Christian? NO
How FAR is TOO FAR?
Ephesians 5:3 - “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.”
Set boundaries early and often.
Physical- Never, ever, erver, ever be alone together with someone of the opposite sex!
Mental- Don’t spend to much time together… (Dates, Phone Calls, Text Messages, etc.)
Spiritual- Never PRAY TOGETHER! Explanation (Prayer is an intimate thing between you and God. When you pray together it can have a powerful effect)
When you cross these boundaries you can create a connection that should of never been there.
DUCT TAPE ANALOGY:
Get some duct tape and place on a guy’s leg. Rub it in while describing crossing these boundaries. Then talk about a nasty break up and rip the tape off. It will be painful and there may be some tears (just like a break up) Then put it on the next guy and talk about how it looses its stickiness. Overtime if you cross these boundaries you the bond you will create with your spouse may not be as tight because of the previous partners you have had.
Slow-Motion Strategies
1. Remember your age.
2. Enjoy group dates as much as possible.
3. Make one-on-one dates short and casual.
4. Delay physical affection and keep clear boundaries.
5. Stay connected with your friends.
6. Don’t pray together.
7. Don’t even think about mentioning MARRIAGE.
God can heal previous bad relationships and make you “sticky” again
Week 3:DATING
Verses: Ephesians 5:3, 1 Corinthians 15:33-34
1 is the loneliest number…because God designed you to be in relationships
- Deep relationships
- Encouraging relationships
- Godly relationships
But, not all our relationships are godly
SO, we end up “alone”
- Maybe not literally
- We are alone even when we are surrounded by people
- That’s why we do Life Groups!!!
You may think that the solution to not ending up alone is to jump into a dating relationship. Many make this mistake and jump from one relationship to the next. Do not be fooled, if you ignore God’s principles in the end you will end up alone.
Am I READY?!?
Questions to ask yourself…
1. How content are you in your relationship with Christ?
Why do you want a dating relationship?
How well have you pursued your spiritual growth?
2. Have you set physical and emotional boundaries for relationships
you are in or will be in?
3. Would others (family, friends, youth leaders, etc.) say you’re ready?
4. Do you have time for a dating relationship?
If you think you are not ready to date at this point, IT IS OK! Figure out what it is that you may need to work on, and don’t begin dating until you do.
DO NOT FALL INTO THE DIVORCE TRAINING TRAP!
Many people today jump from relationship to relationship. They tell someone they love them and create a relational connection and then they break it off and move onto the next person. This is DIVORCE TRAINING.
Relationship Rule– EPH 5:21
Submit
Selfishness will destroy your dating relationships.
WHO should I date?
1 Corinthians 15:33-34 - “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’ Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God - I say this to your shame.”
What causes people to compromise their faith and relationship with God to date non-Christians?
How could dating a non-Christian hurt you? How could it hurt them?
Is it okay to date someone who isn't a Christian? NO
How FAR is TOO FAR?
Ephesians 5:3 - “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.”
Set boundaries early and often.
Physical- Never, ever, erver, ever be alone together with someone of the opposite sex!
Mental- Don’t spend to much time together… (Dates, Phone Calls, Text Messages, etc.)
Spiritual- Never PRAY TOGETHER! Explanation (Prayer is an intimate thing between you and God. When you pray together it can have a powerful effect)
When you cross these boundaries you can create a connection that should of never been there.
DUCT TAPE ANALOGY:
Get some duct tape and place on a guy’s leg. Rub it in while describing crossing these boundaries. Then talk about a nasty break up and rip the tape off. It will be painful and there may be some tears (just like a break up) Then put it on the next guy and talk about how it looses its stickiness. Overtime if you cross these boundaries you the bond you will create with your spouse may not be as tight because of the previous partners you have had.
Slow-Motion Strategies
1. Remember your age.
2. Enjoy group dates as much as possible.
3. Make one-on-one dates short and casual.
4. Delay physical affection and keep clear boundaries.
5. Stay connected with your friends.
6. Don’t pray together.
7. Don’t even think about mentioning MARRIAGE.
God can heal previous bad relationships and make you “sticky” again
1 comment:
Awesome job Brian. Keep up the good fight! Thank you for all you do for the Kingdom and for all your love for our Christian youth. God bless you today and always... kmb
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