Promoting A Practice Leading To Godly Marriages

1
Promoting A Practice Leading To Godly Marriages

• Best practices for single people transitioning
  into marriage.

2
Introduction

• Earlier, we looked at the history/courtship and
  its transition into todays dating
  philosophy/practice.
• According to history there has been a shift of
  marriage from a practical and necessary point of
  view to one dominated by a romantic love.
• We also have seen a shift in attitude and
  behavior that is more promiscuous in our society
  since the beginning of colonizing this country.
• Even Christians who desire to be pure can get
  caught into difficult situations by todays
  dating scenarios.

3
Introduction

• The point of this lesson is to promote a healthy
  courting atmosphere which most likely leads to
  blessed marriages.
• Courting practices.
• Betrothal considerations.

4
Courting Practices

• Before courting devote yourself to the Lord in
  preparation for marriage. Cp. Lev. 2728 Gal.
  220
• Refine your character and work on minimizing your
  weaknesses. Eph. 422-24

5
Courting Practices

• To My Godly Loving Father
• Im so so so terribly sorry. I think I know the
  reason why Im being so rebellious. I stayed up
  way way too late. Its always the case after a
  LATE night. And, Im so sorry. So since I cant
  go to sleep _at_ 830 P.M. tonight all of next week
  I promise I will! Again Im so sorry.
• With love sincerely, _______________

6
Courting Practices

• Before courting(cont.)
• Refine your character and work on minimizing your
  weaknesses. Eph. 422-24
• Use it to prepare for your God-given role in the
  marriage (note previous lesson on preparation for
  a blessed marriage). Cp. Tit. 24
• Females Baby-sitting cooking/cleaning to learn
  how to be keepers of the home, etc.
• Males Learning how to be a gentlemen/leader
  learn/work a trade to learn responsibility and
  industry put yourself into a position of being
  a provider.

7
Courting Practices

• Before courting(cont.)
• Refine your character and work on minimizing your
  weaknesses. Eph. 422-24
• Use it to prepare for your God-given role in the
  marriage (note previous lesson on preparation for
  a blessed marriage). Cp. Tit. 24
• Use this time to devote to your (potential)
  future spouse.

8
Courting Practices

• Establish true friendships among boys and girls
  (young men/women).
• The value of friendship before courtship cannot
  be overestimated.
• Parents would do well to take conscientious steps
  to promote gatherings among the young to
  strengthen friendship bonds.
• Parents would do well to train their children to
  (not be limited to, but see the value in)
  potentially court friends they have known for
  years.

9
Courting Practices

• The actual courting/dating endeavors that lead
  to a godly relationship.
• Be in a location (at home or on a date) where
  you can easily be interrupted. 2 Tim. 222
• Study the scriptures together, ask important life
  questions, learn if you can be equally yoked. 2
  Cor. 614
• During courtship, seek parental involvement,
  especially advice. Prov. 620-24 913-18
• Make a commitment to each other before the
  emotions start rolling.

10
Betrothal Considerations

• The commitment/engagement.
• Once courtship has lead to engagement the
  attitude of both parties should be of a binding
  commitment. Cp. Exo. 218
• To back out at this point would follow a biblical
  pattern of sexual immorality on behalf of their
  future spouse. Cp. Matt. 119
• In other words, commitment is no light affair.

11
Betrothal Considerations

• The dowry (dower) and/or bride price.
• NOTE some distinguish between the two but for
  our study they will be considered as one.
• A nuptial present some gift, as a sum of money,
  which the bridegroom offers to the father of his
  bride as a satisfaction before he can receive
  her. Jacob had no dowry to give for his wife, but
  he gave his services (Gen. 2918 3020 3412).
  Easton Bible Dict.
• The principle of the dowry has good wisdom
  starting the new family without debt.

12
Conclusion

• Promoting a wholesome and healthy marriage is
  wise and glorifies our God who desires us to have
  blessed marriages.
• Use this lesson to meditate, consider, and think
  of ways to raise the bar in providing the best
  scenario for your children.