Sunday, December 4, 2011

Gospel-Centered Marriages for a Glorious Church, 3/4

Paul Washer spoke at a session called “Principles of Courtship.”  The complete message is available for download at Sermon Audio.

Here are some points from the talk:
  • We are living in a culture where everyone is encouraged to do what is right in their own eyes (Judges 17:6)
  • Do you believe the Bible is sufficient and inerrant for every aspect of life?
  • Live to the glory of God; study God's will revealed in the scriptures and seek to submit every aspect of life to them.
  • In courtship for singles: Elders can take the place of neglectful parents.
  • Recreational dating meets self-centered, selfish desires
  • Timing of courtship: when a young person awakens to desire the opposite sex, it is not time to participate, but to prepare.
  • Sign of male maturity – unaided devotion to God; moral fortitude (Jeremiah 12:5)
  • Sign of female maturity – could I manage a home?
  • “Society is falling is apart because the family has become a sitcom.”
Principles:
  • Relationship is initiated by the man: trust in prayer & sovereignty of God
  • Carefully examine/evaluate motives - are you attracted to Biblical beauty or sexuality? To virtue or winsome personality?
  • 1 Timothy 3 / Titus 1 – mature man

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