Ships

So much of the pain we find ourselves facing in life, generally comes from some sort of relationSHIP gone wrong. As we saw last week, the parent/child relationship can be a sticky one. But so can work relationships, best friend relationships, marriage relationships, neighbor relationships, sibling relationships, and DATING RELATIONSHIPS. The easy route to escape the pain is to just avoid people altogether. But the God route is to learn how to navigate the stormy waters and create beautiful connections that can last a lifetime. If you can legitimately say you have one solid relationship that has stood the test of time, then you are a rich man/woman.

Dating RelationSHIPS

SHIP POINT: We need to be taught how to date. The world has a way, but God has a better way.

The modern definition for dating is to go out with someone that you are romantically or sexually interested in.

Short term pleasure almost always causes long term pain. So, it’s better to save yourself from the unnecessary stress, headaches, and problems that come along with casual dating.

Colossians 2:10 (NLV) – When you have Christ, YOU ARE COMPLETE. He is the head over all leaders and powers.

SHIP POINT – The first step toward Godly dating is to develop a relationship with Christ to the extent that I am no longer desperate for a romantic partner

Single (dictionary.com) – Consisting of one part, aspect, or section; not divided; unbroken; separate from others; individual and distinct; honest and undisguised.

If they are not MATE MATERIAL, they are also not DATE MATERIAL.

SHIP POINT – Scripture gives no advice on how to find a good date, but it is full of principles for finding a marriage partner

Seven Principles for CHRISTIAN DATING?
1. HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE PROCESS

2. CLEARLY COMMUNICATE EXPECTATIONS

3. REFUSE TO SETTLE

Don’t be UNEQUALLY YOKED!! Spiritually, financially, educationally, socially, etc…

4. SET PARAMETERS

5. TAKE YOUR TIME

Take time to develop in the stages of the relationship

Give yourself time to see a person in various situations (the good, the bad, and the ugly) to make a true assessment of your choice

6. BE PRAYERFUL

7. MOVE FORWARD OR MOVE ON

When you come to the realization that it is Not Wise or Not the Will of God to move forward, move on without being enemies.

Love yourself enough to know, “If this isn’t it, then God has better in store.”

What can you do to get involved?

Join A Small Group
Get connected, because true growth takes place in the context of relationships! Check out www.weareimpact.com/smallgroups to find and register for a group!

Become a Small Group Leader
Complete the small group leader application at
www.weareimpact.com/leaderapplication and attend a Small Group Leader Training class.

Upcoming Small Group Leader Training Dates:
*Sunday, February 26, 2023 @ 10:00 am

Small Group Training
Training classes are offered each month. Find and register for a class at www.weareimpact.com/training

Got Questions?
Email us at smallgroups@weareimpact.com

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. When you think about dating, what examples of godly dating come to mind? What were you taught as a teen or young adult?

2. Read Colossians 2:10. What does this verse mean? What does it mean to be complete? What is the definition of “single”? Why is this significant?

3. Read Philippians 4:11-13. What does it mean to be “content”? Would you say that you are content? Why or why not?

4. What are some barriers to contentment?

5. Which of the 7 Principles of Christian Dating stands out most to you? Why?

6. Which principle have you found most challenging? Which has been the easiest? Why?

7. If you were to share your expectations in dating to a prospective partner, what would you say?

8. What parameters would you suggest that someone set in dating? Why?

9. If you could go back and counsel your 15-year old self, what would you say?