ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES
Christians’ Love, Courtship And Marriage
Text: I Thessalonians 4:1-7 IBCSS February 18, 2007
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
We truly believe that Bible education is a priceless treasure for human race, especially for a newly born again person. Having such knowledge will guide a man to walk consistently in the path of truth. Consequently, he will live a life pleasing to God.
The Bible says in II Timothy 3:16-17, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV) Without the Word of God as our guide in the course of life, we cannot live a God-glorifying life. We thank God for the preserved Scriptures because through its principles, we can be rightly directed and have the assurance that we have the right morals in life.
Important areas in life that we must carefully handle and guard are areas of love, courtship and marriage. Before worldly philosophy creeps into the believer’s love life, he must guard himself from such strange principles so he may not be led to conform to the world’s craze.
Certainly, pastors, preachers, teachers and parents have a significant role in educating others concerning love-related subjects. Many Christians, young and old alike, are still ignorant or have little knowledge when it comes to essential doctrines to live by.
It is quite disappointing to see a lot of young people from Christian homes being drawn to worldliness and living a messy love life because of their indifferent attitude toward the Word of God. The devil wants Christian homes to be destroyed, but we must keep in mind that God wants every family to display the power of purity and godly living.
In order for a Christian to avoid experiencing a shameful love life, he must avoid playing with the world. It’s high time for us to seek the principles of Truth and faithfully live by them so we will be able to demonstrate to the whole world the right way of handling love, courtship and marriage.
(I) Appropriated Love
I Thessalonians 4:1-7
Physical love or “eros love” is undeniably present in marriage, but it should not be the sole base of marriage - it should be “Christ-like love”. Eros love should be well-appropriated and not to be used outside marriage. We must keep in mind that love is not all sex as some people think. The heart-breaking love story of Amnon and Tamar surely warns us of the danger of misappropriated fleshly love.
In II Samuel 13:15, it is written, Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone. Love that brings forth hatred is of the flesh; but love that leads us to joy, peace and truth comes from above.
Familiarization, understanding and right application of the different kinds of love such as agape, storge, philia and eros love will lead us to a more meaningful love life. True believers should not be found associated with illicit sex, but should be associated with the principles of Truth. Love that does not behave well is a dangerous lust.
Christians should know how to define love well and how to appropriate love for the glory of God. Be pure and the Lord will bless your love life.
(II) Godly Way Of Courtship
I Thessalonians 4:3
-Within the will of God
One alarming problem that surfaces in Christian circle today is the way some Christians handle their courtship. Many are not behaving well, many are being led by the ways of the lost and many are being victimized by the devil unaware. Beyond doubt, these threatening problems may mount up in a critical level if Christians avoid the blessed will of God for their lives.
In Christian courtship, the will of God is very important to be considered and to be obeyed strictly. Blessings from God flow wonderfully every time we obey His will. Young people who handle their love life within the will of God will surely be blest.
In I Thessalonians 4:3, it is written, For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: (KJV) Following the will of God keeps a man or woman from committing fornication. The enticing ways of the world cannot trap a Christian who wholly obeys the will of God; but a young person who has fellowship with the people of darkness will end up in a tragic love life.
In II Corinthians 6:14, the Bible says, Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (KJV) This Bible passage is an excellent warning to those who are in love and about to choose their life-time partners.
Believers should not overlook the importance of prayer in seeking for the will of God regarding love and courtship. Believers’ courtship is a serious thing and not be handled as “fun and play” as the world presents it.
A true Christian must not welcome the ways of the world, neither desire to apply these ways in his courtship and marriage. Worldly ways of handling love life do not give honor to God, but Word-based principles of life glorify the Lord. Fear God and gain wisdom.
-The absence of immorality
Christians in their courtship stage must keep themselves from flesh-triggered behavior. The absence of immorality during courtship stage will surely lead a couple to a “happy guilty-free marriage.” In I Thessalonians 4:4, it is written, That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; (KJV) This verse from the Bible reminds us of the sanctity of marriage. Christian courtship should not be taken lightly but with the guidance of the Word of God. Truly, courtship outside the will of God is very risky.
Christians who are in their courtship stage must be the model of our society. A godly way of courtship must be displayed by true believers. It would be shameful to God if Christians are being found living in a “world-friendly courtship”.
In Romans 12:1-2, it is written, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (KJV)
(III) Godly Marriage
I Thessalonians 4:4-7 Hebrews 13:4
-Undefiled
Untainted marriage is a blessed marriage. Christian marriage that is guided by the principles of truth truly conveys spiritual message for the whole world to take heed. The great salvation of God and love of Christ are being conveyed through a godly marriage. For such reason, Christian couples must guard the sanctity of their married life so the purpose of their marriage will not be defeated but be fulfilled for God’s glory.
In Hebrews 13:4-5, it is written, Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (KJV)
-Demonstrating Christ love for the Church
Christian couples must clearly demonstrate Christ’s love for the Church through their marriage. In Ephesians 5:25-27, it is written, Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (KJV)
As we see the dying conviction of many toward godly marriage, may we carry out our God-given responsibility to educate and illustrate to the world the significance of honorable marriage. We really need to pray to God so others may realize the blessedness of walking with the Lord in the midst of crooked generation.
We strongly believe that if Christian Homes have deep commitment to show the true marks of godly marriage, lost people in the dark will surely find the way of Truth and come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Keep on shining for Christ and be a blessing to others.
ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH
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