Message: “Cultivating a Life of Gratitude and Purpose in the New Year” from Joe Summers

Making a decision for a mate Lesson Objective: To continue the discussion on how to make the proper decision relative to finding a mate for marriage. Scripture: • Ephesians 5:25 • "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 • Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Introduction: In the world today we are quick to say I love you with a multitude of songs and movies that portray instant love and love as a requirement for marriage. Is this consistent with the Bible and if not then what do we use as a basis for making mate decisions. Four meaning of the word love used in the Bible • F Eros (ἔρως): physical love or sexual desire. Not found in the NT • Philia (ϕιλία): affectionate regard or friendship. 25 times • Agape (ἀγάπη): selfless love or charity. 116 times in NT • Storge (στοργή): familial love or natural affection. Found once Biblical Perspectives: 1. **Context Setting:** - Introduce the concept of love and marriage from a Biblical perspective. - Explain the purpose of the discussion: to explore the viability of marriages not based on traditional romantic love, in the context of Biblical teachings. 2. **Marriage in the Bible:** - Explore how marriage is depicted in the Bible, including the roles and responsibilities of spouses (Ephesians 5:22-33, Proverbs 31:10-31). Isaac and Rebekah in Genesis 24 3. **Purpose of Marriage in Biblical Times:** - Discuss the historical and cultural context of marriage in Biblical times, including arranged marriages and marriages for reasons other than romantic love. Marriages in the Bible Not Based on Romantic Love 1. **Biblical Examples:** - Examine marriages in the Bible that may not have started with romantic love, such as Jacob and Leah Ruth and Boaz. - Discuss how these relationships evolved and what they teach about the nature of love and commitment. Marriages based on romance In the Bible, there are several instances where marriages are depicted with elements of romance or deep affection. Here are five examples: 1. **Jacob and Rachel (Genesis 29):** - Jacob's love for Rachel is one of the most explicit examples of romantic love in the Bible. He worked seven years to marry her, and the Bible describes his deep affection for her, saying, "Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her" (Genesis 29:20). 2. Solomon and the Shulammite Woman (Song of Solomon):** - The Song of Solomon (also known as the Song of Songs) is a poetic book of the Bible that celebrates romantic and physical love between a man and a woman, traditionally understood to be King Solomon and the Shulammite woman. The entire book is a dialogue between the lovers, expressing their mutual affection and desire. 3. **Boaz and Ruth (Book of Ruth):** - The relationship between Boaz and Ruth is often seen as a blend of love, respect, and duty. Ruth's loyalty to her mother-in-law Naomi brings her to Boaz's field. Boaz is impressed by Ruth's dedication and eventually acts as her kinsman-redeemer, marrying her. Their story is seen as one of mutual respect and affection. The love here is the love that Ruth had for Naomi 4. **Samson and Delilah (Judges 16):** - Although the story of Samson and Delilah is complex and ultimately tragic, it begins with a strong romantic attraction. Judges 16:4 says, "Sometime later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah." Their story is often interpreted as a cautionary tale about misplaced love and betrayal. 5. Discuss the potential benefits of marriages built on foundations other than romantic love, such as shared faith and commitment. Applying Biblical Principles:** 1. - How can Biblical teachings inform decisions about marriage today? 2. - Discuss the relevance of these teachings in contemporary society. 3. How do current societal norms about love and marriage align or conflict with Biblical teachings? **Summary of Key Points:** - Recap the main insights from the discussion, emphasizing the Biblical perspectives shared. - Highlight diverse viewpoints and common themes. 2. **Closing Thoughts:** - Invite final reflections, focusing on how this discussion might impact personal views or actions. Role of God:** In many of these stories, God plays a significant role in guiding relationships and providing for the needs of individuals, which is a central theme in many Biblical marriages. In conclusion, the Bible presents a rich tapestry of marital relationships, showing a range of dynamics from marriages that grew into love to those founded on love. These stories continue to be a source of inspiration, reflection, and guidance for many people today.

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From Series: "Sunday Service"

These are the regularly scheduled Sunday lessons