When you go shopping, do you go with something specific in mind, or do you go not having any idea what you are looking for? Either option can work for shopping, but when it comes to dating, if you don’t know what you are looking for you won’t know when you’ve found it. This week, JP teaches through 1 Timothy 4:12, showing us how a message on dating is really a message on discipleship.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
-The more specificity you have when you are looking for something the easier it will be to know when you’ve found it.
-You want to be the one that the person you are looking for is looking for.
-Most people, if they are being really honest, are looking for someone to make them feel a certain way. The problem is, feelings come and feelings go.
-Most marriages fail because people are simply looking to feel a certain way.
-Sadly, today in America, the smallest demographic of marriages are happy and committed. The majority are either divorced or living unhappily un-divorced.
-The word date or dating is an extremely modern idea.
-The world and Hollywood are telling you to date and train your heart opposite to God’s Word.
-Do they set an example in their speech?
-What comes out of their mouth when they are “squeezed”...when they are frustrated?
-Do they set an example in their conduct?
-What is their reputation? Reputation is simply conduct stacked up over time.
-Two tips for online dating: profiles lie and don’t date strangers.
-Past performance is the best indicator of future performance.
-In dating, references are your friend.
-You want someone’s repentance to be as notorious as their rebellion.
-How do they act toward someone who can do nothing for them in return?
-Do they set an example in love?
-What do they love?
-Parents, what would your children say you love most based on what they observe?
-If you act one way throughout the week and then put on a face and show for church on Sunday you will mess children up. Badly.
-What do they give their time, talents, and treasure to? This will show you what they truly love.
-Do they set an example in faith?
-Does the reality of the gospel infiltrate every aspect of their life?
-Are they running the same race at the same place at the same pace as you?
-Half the battle in dating is where you are looking for a spouse.
-You are looking for someone who is well married to Jesus.
-Spend time where Christians spend time.
-Just because someone is in church and has a Bible doesn’t make them a Christian.
-You aren’t looking for a soul mate, you are looking for a sole mate.
-Don’t date thinking you will change someone. Do not date non-Christians...it’s contrary to Scripture.
-Do they set an example in purity?
-What are they entertained by? What informs their heart? Are they entertained by the things Jesus died for?
-Someone who will be intimate with you outside of marriage is telling you they don’t value the marriage covenant and that they will do the same thing with someone else once they are married to you.
-“How far is too far?” is the wrong question to ask. However, as a great rule of thumb, when your body prepares for sex you’ve gone too far. A better question is “What would glorify God”?
-If you are a Christian, your body is not your own. It belongs to God.
MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES
-Suggested Scripture Study: 1 Timothy 4:12; James 1:19; Luke 6:45; Proverbs 20:11; Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 6:21; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
-Book: Outdated (available wherever books are sold)