SUNDAY MORNING, AUGUST 23, 2015.
WEEK 34
THE RIGHT WAY OF
PRE-MARITAL RELATIONSHIP
Main Text: Genesis 24
Memory verse: Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to
my feet and a light for my path.”
Introduction
Today’s passage describes how Eliezer, the
servant of Abraham got a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s son. Though the context is
not very common today, the principles are good for our study. The intention of
God for creating Adam and Eve was for them to keep the earth and be a companion
for each other. They were also to give birth so there would always be people on
earth. Again, they were to instruct their children about the will of God and
remind them of God’s instruction. Relationships that are intended to lead to
marriage must have this focus and prospective couples must strive towards this.
The time for premarital relationship is not therefore for sexual exploitation
but for prayer and planning. This is to ensure that the couple can fulfil the
primary will of God in future generations.
Discussion Questions
1. As a Christian how do you understand verses
3-4 concerning who to marry?
2. What lessons do you learn from Eliezer? Verse
12-14, 26-27
3. What qualities did Rebecca portray in the
passage? Verse 15-20,
4. How does the family of Rebecca get involved in
the pre-marital arrangements?
5. How does Isaac become an example to young
people today? Verse 62.
6. What dangers must be avoided during
pre-marital relationship?
7. From the discussions, what have you learnt
about the right way of pre-marital relationship?
Conclusion
Pre-marital relationship is a period of praying,
planning and preparing actively to enter into marriage. In the passage above,
we see the role of Abraham ensuring that his son did marry from his own
relatives because the Canaanites were idol worshippers. In our case as Christians,
it’s not about tribe but Faith. Is the person a Christian? We see good virtues
from Rebecca like diligence, respect and chastity among others. We also learn
that Isaac was meditating in prayer while a wife was being sought for him.
Today, depending on the culture, one’s level of maturity, financial ability and
legal issues, the age to enter into pre-marital relationship may vary from
place to place. People may enter into premarital relationship when they are
mature to marry and the relationship must be within an appreciable time – not
too short and not too long. Some of the dangers associated with prolonged
pre-marital relationship are: pre-marital sex that leads to unwanted
pregnancies, change of minds, broken hearts, among others. Avoid being alone in
dark places, kissing, and anything that has the potential of leading you into
sexual sin. Commit yourself to prayer and make pleasing God a priority not
neglecting proper planning for the future.
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