RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MANUAL 8 MAY 2022

LESSON THIRTY SIX (36)
TOPIC: ‘DATING’: THE CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

Today’s devotional: Open Heaven 8 May 2022

Powerful Declarations: Powerful Declarations For Today 8 May 2022

Today’s Prayer Points: Prayer Points For Open Heavens 8 May 2022

MEMORY VERSE:
“Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews 13:4.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 29:16-20.
[16]And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

[17]Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.

[18]And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.

[19]And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.

[20]And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

INTRODUCTION: The world today puts so much pressure on youths when it comes to what they prefer to call dating. The world tells us to date now and date often and date a lot of different people so we do not “miss out” on any of life’s experiences. God has a different plan for His sons and daughters.

He has a higher standard for us too, one which we, as Christ followers, should strive to reach even if it goes against the world’s standards and expectations. God wants to lead us into proper courtship. Actually, courtship is the more appropriate term, however, as prescribed by the church and supervised by marriage counsellors

OUTLINES:
1. DESCRIPTION AND IMPLICATION
2. FULFILMENT IN CHRIST FIRST

1. DESCRIPTION AND IMPLICATION
Dating, as it is conceived, is a form of friendship or relationship typically between two individuals of the opposite sex with the aim of assessing the other’s suitability as a partner in an intimate relationship or as a spouse. Literarily, it means going out with someone of the opposite sex.

Dating and courtship are methods of beginning a relationship with the opposite sex (Gen.29:18-20). Actually, courtship is the more appropriate term. It should be noted that the result of this may lead to friendship, courtship, marriage or no relationship.

While there are non-Christians who go into relationship with the intention of having a series of intimate sexual relationships, for the Christian this is not acceptable and should never be the reason (Rom.12:2; 1Cor.6:18-20).

While we may not be able to completely close our eyes to this societal trend, Christian youths should see ‘dating’ as a little more than friendship and maintain the friendship aspect of their dating until both people are ready to commit to each other as potential marriage partners.

Ideally, this period should be a time when a Christian finds out if his or her potential partner is also a genuine believer in Christ before making a commitment of a relationship (courtship) that could lead to marriage.

During this time, there should be no sexual relation and closeness that could trigger emotions, as this is something that should wait until marriage (Heb.13:4). There must be boundaries in place and be committed to not crossing them. This type of friendship that may lead to courtship and eventually marriage, should not be between a believer and a non-believer (2Cor. 6:14-15).

2. FULFILMENT IN CHRIST FIRST
In order to be in a God-centred romantic relationship in some years to come, you must first find your personal fulfilment in Christ. The stronger your faith in God, the better you will be able to love another person.

God is a jealous God (Ex.34:14) and until you have a relationship with God that is above everything and anyone else, you will likely have someone who is more important to you than God. It is vital that God is first in your life (Matt.22:37-39). He needs to be the one you run to when you are lonely, bored, sad, etc. No friend (especially the opposite sex) can always be there for you like God can.

People are never meant to take God’s place in our lives and hearts. God has to be everything to you prior to getting into a God-honouring relationship (with marriage in view). As you wait patiently on God and diligently doing His will, He will graciously give you the best match as a spouse.

CONCLUSION:
It is important that a believer finds fulfilment in Christ first before entrusting his/her life into the hand of the opposite sex.

QUESTIONS:
1. Describe the term ‘dating’.
2. Why should relationship with God be a priority in choosing a partner?

FURTHER READING
MON: Rom.12:1-2. TUE: Rom.6:12-13. WED: 1Tim.4:12. THUR: Heb.13:4. FRI: Ex.20:3. SAT: Luke 10:27. SUN: 2Cor.6:14-15.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) of the dangers of dating from the world’s perspective.