Avoiding negative influences, Dating?

Intro: Would you like a big wedding, or small wedding when you get married?

Study

  1. Prov 27:6, 2 Cor 6:14 One of the greatest ways Christians are influenced to do wrong is by dating people who are not Christians, or who are compromising Christians.
    1. Eph 5:6 Many young people are tricked into thinking a relationship is o.k. just because the person says they’re a Christian.
      1. Mt 7:16 The real test is are they living right before God personally, and how active are they in leadership, and serving in the kingdom of God.
      2. Psalms 27:14 Many young people feel they must rush into a relationship, rather than wait on God to bring them the right person at the right time.
    2. S.S. 2:7, 3:5, 8:4, Ecc 3:8 The Bible tells us to not awaken love until Gods timing, the right person at the wrong time, is still wrong if its not Gods timing.
  2. Rom 13:1-3 With dating, we need to come to our pastors for covering, advise, and support, and be willing to let go of the relationship if they see something is not right.
    1. James 4:7 Many people quickly get into relationships and justify them, rather than be willing to humbly submit the relationship to God and to authority.
      1. John 8:44 The devil will lie to us and try to convince us that were lonely, or missing out on something if we don’t have a boyfriend or girl friend.
      2. Hosea 4:6 Once we do feel we have the person God wants for us, are blessed by our covering, we need to set up strong standards and guidelines.
    2. 1 Tim 4:12 We are called to spend our youth in serving Christ, becoming leaders, winning people to Christ, rather than be distracted by godless dating.

Discussion

  1. Has anyone here ever been influenced to do wrong by someone you were dating? What are some of the dangers of awakening love before the right time?
  2. Why is it so important that we learn to wait on God rather than force a relationship? Why is it so difficult at times to wait on God for the right person?
  3. What are some of the standards we should set in place to assure that we are honoring God when we begin a relationship God has ordained?
  4. Is there anyone here tonight who is currently in a dating relationship that is wrong, and is influencing you away from God?

End: Pray for any who are in wrong dating relationships that are influencing them away from God, then take requests.