Christian Dating 1

Dating

Dating is actually a very mordern term. In the past, it was common for marriages to be arranged. If a guy spent a lot of time with a girl, it was assumed that they were to be married. Today, dating has become so common. We all enjoy being able to be intimate with someone (physically and emotionally) without committing to marriage. We can try out different partners. We disregard feelings. Surely there is something wrong with the way the world views relationships?

We're going to be discussing what God expects in relationships based on a book: I kissed dating goodbye. There have been people who loved the book but also those who hate it. Some think the suggestions made by the book are impossible to follow. But let's discuss it and see where it brings us. The message of the book is not to pursue romance until you're ready for commitment, enjoy your single years, don't feel like you must have a girlfriend or boyfriend and ultimately, to make God your focus.

As Christians, we are no longer living for ourselves, but for God. This means that we have to deny ourselves certain things that we want doesn't please God. As we go through this series of Bible studies, some of you may feel compelled to follow while others may think it's over-the-top. I believe much of it depends on your own walk with God and how much you want to please Him. I can't expect a non-christian to undertand simply because he feels no need or reason to do what God wants him to. So, search your hearts, and let God speak to you through these studies.

But first, why should we care how we date?

1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

1 Thessalonians 4:3-7
It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

As a Christian, there is no limit to how good we are supposed to be. God expects us to be completely blameless, 100%. We tend to categorise sin into what is acceptable and what is not. We decide for ourselves, what we can or cannot do. That's so wrong. Who are we to think we can decide what's right or wrong. God calls us to be completely Holy because He is Holy.

Think: Purity and Holiness
- What does it mean to be pure and holy?
- Why is it important for us to be so?
- How can we practice that?

We know that as Christians, we have to be different from the world. This should also apply in our B/G relationships. How do you think Christian BGR should be different from secular BGR?