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Marriage is not the Goal. Eccl. 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: marry well and enjoy life: for this is the whole duty of man. Fear God, and keep His commandments:. Two Destructive Errors. 1. Life is meaningless without marriage “What’s wrong with you? You’re single!”
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Marriage is not the Goal • Eccl. 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:marry well and enjoy life:for this is the whole duty of man. Fear God, and keep His commandments:
Two Destructive Errors • 1. Life is meaningless without marriage • “What’s wrong with you? You’re single!” • “Don’t worry, there’s someone out there” • 2. You can only reach marriage by dating • Junior and High School Class on “Dating” • Concept not found in the Bible • Date – couple spending time together with romantic interests and no other company
Purpose for Dating • Recreational • Peer Prestige • Social Interaction • Required before Marriage
Problem With Dating • Disposable Relationships
Disposable Relationships • Fast and Loose with emotions of others • Develop habit of walking away from commitment • Gen. 29:18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
Problem With Dating • Disposable Relationships • Decisions by Immature
Decisions without God • Gen. 6:1-7 married daughters of men • Judges 14:1-4 Samson wanted a Philistine • Culture involved parents making arrangements • Today parents only pay for the wedding • Decisions made by a teen or pre-teen who is filled with Hollywood notions of romance. • Emotions aroused in a person who is not old enough to marry for another 10 years!!!
Problem With Dating • Disposable Relationships • Decisions by Immature • Desires meet Opportunities
Opportunity for Immorality • Gen. 39:11-12 Joseph was a slave who was trapped alone with his master’s wife • Innocent, but no one to verify the truth • Potential for fornication was available • Very real danger of single dating • Girls dress as if they are advertising • Boys do not need much persuading • Most parents feel there are no alternatives
Purpose of Courtship • Protect from Immorality while preparing to marry • Parental Involvement • not pre-arranged marriage • set age, time, place… • Isaac Gen. 24 • Esau Gen. 26:34-35, 27:46, 28:6-9 • Communicate to learn spiritual compatibility
Purpose of Courtship • Preparing yourself for God’s purpose • Ruth 2:1-12 gleaning to aid mother-in-law • Followed Naomi’s advice 3:1-4 • Boaz sought right before self 3:12
Problem With Courtship • Liberated children and permissive parents • Misunderstood • Socially Ingrained: • Movies • Music • Advertising
Purpose for Marriage • Companionship Gen. 2:18 • Lawful fulfillment of sexual desires • I Cor. 7:2, Heb. 13:4 • To bring children into the world • To fear God and obtain heaven Eccl. 12:13