Relationships - Dating as a Disciple

This week, we’ll be diving into the final topic in our series on Relationships - Dating. Though there are no passages in the Bible directly aimed at dating itself, we will discover the Biblical paradigm for romance by looking through the lens of marriage. The goal is to turn students’ hearts away from the pressure of dating and toward becoming a mature son or daughter of the King. In Matt. 19, Jesus shows that marriage is the end goal of romance in God’s design. It requires a spiritually, mentally, and emotionally mature man and woman made one by God. Check out these discussion questions for further conversation: DISCUSS: What were a few points from the message that connected with you the most? Read Matt. 19:3-6. What do you think is the “point” of dating? What do you think your friends at school think is the point of dating? Do you think it’s wise to date without thinking about marriage as the end goal? How do you know if someone is “ready” to enter an exclusive dating relationship? What would you say are the necessary character traits someone should possess to be considered “worth your time” to date? (Homework - Make a list if you haven’t already!) How do you know if you are ready to “leave your father and mother”? What skills (phys., emotional, mental, etc.) would you need to have? Are you building them? How? Read Song of Sol. 2:7. How can we “awaken love” at the wrong time? What are the risks? What does that look like in a relationship? Can you do that outside of dating? What do you think it would look like to “set up” a romantic relationship so that you could date someone without unnecessary regret? What are some ways you could intentionally “evaluate” someone you’re dating to see if they are a good fit for you?