The Challenge Of

1
The Challenge Of
Dating
Nov. 13, 2005
2
How can a young man keep his way pure? By
guarding it according to your word. (Psalms
1199)
Dating can present difficult challenges for young
people who are striving to do this!
3
The Impact of Our Approach

• What is the purpose of dating?
• Dating A process that leads to marriage
• Not revealed in Gods word Marriages were
  successful without long court-ships
• Understanding datings goal - Is it really wise
  to date before were ready for marriage? (Rom.
  134)

4
The Impact of Our Approach

• This should impact who a Christian dates!
• Is it really wise to develop serious
  relationships with non-Christians? (2 Cor.
  614 Mt. 199)
• What about dating a person who does not have the
  right to marry? (Romans 72-3)
• Look for someone who will draw you closer to the
  Lord! (I Peter 37 Eph. 523ff)
• Trials, parenting, the commitment to marriage,
  and many other things are on a different basis
• What about those who are lost but seeking the
  truth? ...Why not develop a spiritual basis
  first?

5
The Impact of Our Approach

• This should impact how a Christian dates!
• World says, Theyre just objects something you
  can use to fulfill your desires needs
• You are dealing with the life and eternity of
  another child of God! (Mt. 712 Phil. 23 Rom
  1413)
• Pauls instructions Treat with purity! (I Tim.
  52)
• Must be treated with care, respect, and purity!
  They have souls, your brother or sister in
  Christ!

6
Facing The Dangers Challenges

• There must be a determination to remain pure!
• Sex outside of marriage is sinful! (Heb. 134 I
  Thess 43-5 I Cor. 69 - MANY OTHERS!)
• A decision to remain pure is more than just
  avoiding the full blown fornication (Gal. 519)
• Takes a pre-determination! (Dan. 18 Prov.
  420ff)
• Draw distinct lines stand by them!
  Determination will be needed due to passions
  pressures!

7
Facing The Dangers Challenges

• Challenges dangers along the way
• We complicate by the situations we place
  ourselves in (Romans 1313-14)
• Theres danger in convincing ourselves that only
  going one step further is no big deal!
• Must guard our hearts! (Mark 721-22)
• There are wonderful benefits to keeping pure!
• Its not to stifle fun during our youth (Ecc
  119-121)
• Gods word is for our own good! (Prov. 31ff, 8)
• Saves us from guilt and emotional pain
• If already made mistakes have a commitment to
  living righteously from here on out!

8
A Challenging Time!
How can a young man keep his way pure? By
guarding it according to your word. (Psalms
1199)