DATING - Some Things to Consider

What is genuine "love" like? - 1 Corinthians 13

• What is genuine love like? (This passage applies to love in any relationship, but in this study, our focus is on its application to the marriage relationship.)

   

• What are some of the ways that 1 Corinthians 13 would apply in dating and marriage?

Genuine love ("commitment love"), contrasted with...

1. LUST
    
   • Based on your understanding of love (1 Corinthians 13), how are love and lust different?

      

   • Which results in joy and companionship? Which results in loneliness and loss? Why?

      

   • Which builds-up the other person? Which tears him/her down? Why?

    

2. EMOTIONAL LOVE and INFATUATION
    
   • What is the difference between commitment love and emotional love?

      

      

The world stresses physical appearance, and often encourages men to evaluate women based on the appearance of their bodies. The world also encourages women to use their bodies to attract and influence men. The Bible gives a totally different perspective.

• What kind of woman is described in Proverbs 31:10-31?  

   

• Other passages in the book of Proverbs describe a totally different kind of woman - one who is sexually immoral. Two of the passages are Proverbs 2:16-19 (which shows how wisdom can protect a man from such a woman) and Proverbs 6:20-35. How does the Bible contrast such a woman's lifestyle with the woman of Proverbs 31?

   

• Some men make physical appearance their primary concern, when looking for a wife. What does the Bible say should be an even greater concern? (Reflect on what Proverbs 31:10-31 tells us, as well as what we read in 1 Peter 3:2-3, and any other related passages you may have found.)  

   

• What should a woman's greatest priority be - enhancing her physical appearance, or what?  

What does the Bible say about DATING?
 

Look up the word "dating" in the Bible. Can you find it?

• Though the Bible might not speak directly about the modern concept of dating, there are many related issues that the Bible does speak directly about.

Describe what the Bible says about...

• Purity

• Lust

• The seriousness of marriage

• The proper attitude about sex and sexuality

• "Flirting" with sin

• The contrast between "love" and "lust"

• The contrast between "the quest for self-gratification," and "building-up the other person"

Dating is not the only option! In fact, the concept of "dating" that many people practice (filled with lust and self-gratification) isn't ever a legitimate option for anybody!

• So what else can you do to get to know someone who could someday be a potential spouse? (Think of some ideas!)

If you do date...

• Think about the values which are reflected by the choices of what you do on your date. Most modern dating accomplishes the opposite of what it is "supposed" to do. Even when there is no sinful conduct, it is often so different from "real life," that it doesn't provide an opportunity for a person to really learn what the other person is like. (Example: "Real life" isn't defined by entertainment, by constantly doing things that cost a lot of money, or by many of the other types of activities that characterize a typical date. Life is not all "fun and games.")

• What role does God have in your dating? (For a follower of Jesus, there is no aspect of life in which God can be ignored. God will impact all that you do.)

What should a husband be like? What should a wife be like?
                   (Things to consider when looking for a spouse.)

The following verses show us not only what we should look for in someone else, but they teach us what our own attitudes and actions should be. Both husband and wife need to follow God's standards, if they want a marriage that has the maximum satisfaction and fulfillment. If the relationship is "one-sided" - if only one of the spouses follows God's ways - there will be much less harmony in the marriage.

List some of the character traits and attitudes described in the following verses, which show the responsibilities of husband and wife to each other.

• What are some of the character qualities mentioned in the Bible, that apply equally to husband and wife? (Since this would include most of the commands and statements that instruct us in how to live, focus on passages that have a strong impact on the way the husband and wife would interact with each other, with their immediate family, and with God.)

Genesis 3:16 gives us the foundational description of the relationship that will be present between husband and wife, because of the nature of male and female. This passage is not given as a command, but simply as a description of reality. When each spouse does his part (obeying the instructions examined in the previous section), this relationship will be harmonious and beneficial for both. If they don't follow the instructions found in the above verses, there will be ongoing hostility, manipulation, abuse and pain.

• How does God describe the nature of this relationship, in Genesis 3:16?

• Examine the following two scenarios. In one, the instructions given in the previous section are obeyed; in the other, they aren't. Contrast the effects that these two attitudes will have on the way that husband and wife interact with each other. (For each scenario, write down some of the consequences that will occur.)

 
• Situation 1 - Each partner focuses on himself and his own interests, wants and needs. (The needs of the other are neglected, ignored, or even "sacrificed" - in an attempt to get one's own needs and desired met.)




• Situation 2 - Each partner focuses on the needs of the other. (Each attempts to make sure that the other's needs are met, and considers that to be more important than getting his own needs met.)

• Consider the passages examined in the previous section (in Colossians, Ephesians and 1 Peter). How do the character traits and attitudes listed in those verses cause the relationship described in Genesis 3:16 to work in harmony?

• If the character traits and attitudes described in the previous section are not present, how can the relationships described in Genesis 3:16 deteriorate into a bad situation? (Note: Either partner is capable of undermining the relationship.)

Dennis Hinks © 2005
051202