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Dating & Marrying A Non-Christian Introduction: I want to make a few things plain before going very far into this lesson. First, I realize a lot of Christians have dated and married a non-Christian and either converted their spouse or have a happy marriage. Second, it is not "sinful" for a Christian to date and/or marry a non-Christian. Third, just because you date a non-Christian does not mean you will marry that particular person. Having said this I want to say that who you date and marry will affect the quality of your life. There are some things you should think about when dating and thinking about marriage. I) Who Is Eligible To Date? A) Those who have never been married, Matthew 19.4-5 B) Those whose spouse have died, Romans 7.3-4; 1 Corinthians 7.39 C) Those who have put away their spouse for the cause of fornication, Matthew 19.9 D) Do not date anyone in any other situation, 1 Thessalonians 5.22. 1. Do not date someone in a marriage 2. Do not date someone who is separated from their spouse 3. Do not date someone who either was guilty of adultery or someone who got a divorce for some other reason than adultery. II) Under The Law of Moses A) The Jews were not to marry anyone from the others nations inhabiting the land of Canaan, Deut. 7.3-4 1. This was to keep the lineage of Jesus 2. Because the people of the land would turn the Jews from serving God to serving others gods. Remember the counsel of Balaam. B) Solomon's heart was turned from God to worshipping idols, 1 Kings 11.1-10 1. How was this possible? A man who knew God and had more wisdom than anyone else. 2. He loved his wives, v. 2. 3. His heart was turned from God. How powerful is this lesson? Nehemiah 13.23-27 C) Headaches and heartaches 1. Amos 3.3 How can you work out your problems? 2. Matthew 7.25 What kind of home life will you have? What goals? How will you rear your children? III) Possible Consequences To Marrying A Non-Christian A) Charts 1 & 2 B) Passages that deals with non-Christians and Christians 1. 1 Corinthians 7.12-15 must realize the consequences 2. 1 Peter 3.1 as a Christian C) In marriages that work 1. There must be a respect for the convictions (beliefs) of both parties 2. a silence on the subject of religion 3. Be willing to live your life with someone who is lost, 2 Thessalonians 1.8-9 D) What can you do? 1. Pray for your spouse 2. Provide the right example, 1 Peter 3. IV) In Dating A) Pray for guidance, Genesis 24.12-14 B) Choose someone who is scripturally eligible for marriage 1. Make an effort to study what the Bible says before you start dating. 2. A mistake in this area is hard to correct C) Ask, is the person ready for marriage? 1. Can she cook, clean, does she have the desire to do so? 2. Can he provide for the family? Is he mature enough to settle down? D) Be sure you understand the significance of taking a vow. Covenant breaking is serious. E) Are you prepared to make adjustments? F) Be willing to listen to advice and teaching 1. Seek wise counsel, Proverbs 1.5 Conclusion: Marriage was not designed to be an evangelistic tool. Be prepared to serve God despite the obstacles you face. |