Today, I want to share a few biblical principles that will help you uncomplicate your life from the drama that often comes with dating.

Values are the filters through which we make decisions.

[Isaiah 43:7]

“Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.’”

[John 10:10]

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.”

Unhealthy Motives For Dating?

• I don’t feel validated as a person unless there’s a person who romantically validates me
• I’m not okay by myself

• I just want to have fun

4 Questions To Ask When Dating

WHEN SHOULD I DATE?

• When you’re healthy. You bring all unresolved issues into your relationships
• When you’re mature enough to walk away from a relationship that isn’t taking you where God wants you to go
• When you don’t NEED to date someone

WHO SHOULD I DATE? 

“You’re going to marry someone you date so only date someone you would marry!”

[2 Corinthians 6:14]

“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 

Date someone who has the same values as you do

• What’s most important to you?
• [Amos 3:3] “Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction?”

HOW SHOULD I DATE?

What biblical principles guide the way we treat ANYONE we aren’t married to?

[1 Timothy 5:1-2]

“Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.”

[Proverbs 4:23]

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

WHY SHOULD I DATE?

If the biblical plan for sexuality is marriage, then dating is the evaluation stage.

• Biblically speaking, the end goal of dating should be marriage
• Do you want to be married? If not, dating doesn’t make much sense for the Christian

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Application Questions

1. What stood out to you from this message and why?

2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?

3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?

4. How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?