Memory Verse
"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:" Colossians 3:5
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 29:11-20
INTRODUCTION
Christian courtship is a period before wedding/marriage where a Christian brother and sister agree about many issues and see if they both share the same vision, hope and aspirations about marriage. Christian courtship involves two people that have agreed to walk together, in the direction of marriage - Amos 3:3.
OUTLINES
1. THE IMPORTANCE OF COURTSHIP
2. LONG COURTSHIP NOT ADVISABLE
THE IMPORTANCE OF COURTSHIP
Courtship is very important and necessary for the intending couple to observe, if they want to enjoy their marriage. It is during the courtship that proper biblical foundation must be laid down in order to have a happy married life. It is a period to get to know each other intimately apart from carnal knowledge and illicit romance.
Before you venture into wedding plans, both of you must agree on a lot of things like what you both want for your marriage. Know each other's strength and weaknesses, likes and dislikes and parents. Both of you must realize what marriage means TILL DEATH DO US PART! Courtship is a time to plan for the wedding and the marriage. One vital issue that must be addressed during this period is to obtain the consent of both parents - Gen.24:54-59. It is a period to undertake marriage counselling lessons. After proposing to a lady and she has agreed to marry you, the next thing to do is to obey the Biblical injunction to prove all things - 1 Thess. 5:21. Secretly indulging in bodily, emotional and sexual pleasure at this stage with your marriage partner is a sin - Romans 12:1-2. It is a potential sign of marital failure.
LONG COURTSHIP NOT ADVISABLE
Long courtship, in the interest of the two partners is not advisable. In. some churches, long courtship of not less than two years is encouraged with the hope that with such time input, the couple will get to know each other properly. This can, however, easily expose the partners to sexual temptation and thus break the divine constitution "Touch not; taste not; handle not." (Col.2:21). Besides, human beings can pretend and hide true identities until after the real marriage. To save the intending couple, therefore, a minimum period of six months and maximum of one year is recommended or advisable.
CONCLUSION
Our heavenly Father is the best friend anyone can have but also the worst enemy a man can have. Remember, He is the one that ordained the institution of marriage. It will be dangerous for anyone to attempt to establish a home without Him. Courtship is not a period to play pranks. Watch and be warned.
QUESTIONS
1. What is courtship?
2. Justify the fact that courtship is still relevant today in spite of the present civilization.
3. Why is long courtship dangerous and not advisable?
BLESSED WEEK WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
MONDAY: Ezekiel 36:26-27 -The Holy Spirit in a heart of flesh enables the believer to do the will of God. Desire Him today.
TUESDAY: Eccles. 3:1-7 -There is time for everything. Wait for God's approved time.
WEDNESDAY: Ephesians 3:16-20 - Strength in the inner man is all that is needed to run the heavenly race correctly.
THURSDAY: Matthew 5: 13 - Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour wherewith shall it be salted? It is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
FRIDAY: 2 Corinthian- 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separated. In order not to conform and spoil your testimony, hold on to God who is able to uphold you to the very end.
SATURDAY: 1 Timothy 6:8 - Anyone without Christ is ungodly and great loser. Hook on to God.
SUNDAY: Numbers 36:3 & 6 - Anyone who marries carnally is alien to the kingdom of God.
