Dating 101
So You Wanna Go Out
Where does the term
“dating” come from?
1. The Bible NEVER mentions the word dating
· Couples got together from their parents arranging them to be together (forever)
· Couples got together from a dad trading his daughter for money, property or goats
2. Dating is CULTURAL
Seven Habits of Highly Defective Dating
1. Dating that doesn’t have God at the CENTER
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. - Matthew 6:33
2. Dating that is with a NON-CHRISTIAN
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with awlessness? And what communion has light with darkness. - II Corinthians 6:14
3. Dating that skips the “FRIENDSHIP” stage
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. - Romans 12:10
4. Dating that ISOLATES a couple from other vital relationships
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. - Galatians 5:13
5. Dating that distracts a person from thinking about the FUTURE
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future. - Proverbs 19:20
6. Dating that has someone trying to OWN the other person
You were bought at a price ; do not become slaves of men. - I Corinthians 7:23
7. Dating that mistakes a PHYSICAL relationship for love
For this is the will, your sanctification: that you should abstain form sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor; not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God. - I Thessalonians 4:3-5
Why Should I Date
1. Dating helps us to GROW as individuals
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6
2. Dating helps or allows us to contribute to the GROWTH and betterment of another person
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. - Hebrews 10:25
3. Dating helps prepare us for the “RIGHT” MARRIAGE partner
For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. - Ephesians 5:31
One Last Thought
Present choices affect future marriages.
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. - Galatians 6:8-9
