Part 1: Don’t Rush It
Key Takeaways:
- Build a solid foundation of spiritual maturity before you go after marriage.
- Use discernment when you think about a possible partner.
- Don’t rush into relationships that bring suffering and conflict you never needed.
Bible Verses to Study:
- James 1:2-4
- 1 Corinthians 7:8-9
- 1 Peter 5:6-7
Application Questions:
- How can you actively develop your spiritual maturity before pursuing marriage?
- What are some warning signs to watch for when considering a potential partner?
- How can you grow in patience and discernment in your pursuit of a relationship?
Part 2: Real Heart Connection
Key Takeaways:
- Build a real emotional connection with a possible partner, but stay in control of your emotions.
- Don’t arouse or awaken love until the right time.
- Practice self-control and seek God before you let strong feelings or love take over.
Bible Verses to Study:
- Song of Solomon 2:7
- Proverbs 4:23
- 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Application Questions:
- How can you grow in self-control over your emotions when developing connections with potential partners?
- What are some practical steps you can take to seek God’s guidance in your pursuit of love?
- How can you create boundaries and set appropriate timing in your emotional involvement with a potential partner?
Part 3: Practical Wisdom
Key Takeaways:
- When you choose a life partner, weigh practical things right alongside your feelings.
- Relationships are built and kept strong with wisdom, understanding and knowledge.
- Ruth shows us how to use practical wisdom when making decisions.
Bible Verses to Study:
- Proverbs 24:3-4
- Ruth 3:1-6
- Proverbs 3:5-6
Application Questions:
- What practical qualities do you think are important to consider when choosing a life partner?
- How can you grow in wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in your own life and relationships?
- What lessons can you learn from the story of Ruth and apply to your own pursuit of a godly relationship?
Part 4: Lining Up Your Callings: More Than Just a Job
Key Takeaways:
- Before marriage, see how your work, your callings and your life goals fit together.
- Pray, listen to the Holy Spirit and ask your faith community for counsel.
- Picture how your work choices will affect your future family and how your kids grow up.
Bible Verses to Study:
- Proverbs 16:9
- 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
- Ephesians 5:15-17
Application Questions:
- How can you align your professional aspirations with your divine calling and life goals?
- In what ways can you seek guidance from God, prayer, and the faith community in making career-related decisions?
- How can you envision and plan for the impact of your professional choices on your future family life and the upbringing of your children?
Part 5: Core Values: Your Moral Compass
Key Takeaways:
- Make sure you and a possible partner share core values, so you’re not pulling in different moral directions.
- Know each other’s values about family, kids, money and health.
- Your closest relationships shape your character, so shared values matter.
Bible Verses to Study:
- 1 Corinthians 15:33
- Amos 3:3
- Proverbs 22:6
Application Questions:
- How can you ensure shared core values with a potential partner in your pursuit of marriage?
- What are some important values to discuss and understand in relation to family, children, financial stewardship, and health?
- How can you build shared values and maintain a strong moral compass in your relationship?
Part 6: Even Our View of Children Matters
Key Takeaways:
- Make sure you and a possible partner agree on how to raise kids.
- What parents value shapes their kids’ faith and how they grow.
- Kids are a blessing. Make raising them with biblical values a priority.
Bible Verses to Study:
- Psalm 127:3-5
- Proverbs 22:6
- Ephesians 6:4
Application Questions:
- How can you ensure alignment of values related to raising children with a potential partner?
- What are some practical ways to prioritize children’s faith and development in a future marriage?
- How can you embrace children as blessings and build a family environment that promotes biblical values?
Part 7: Adam’s Redeemed Leadership
Key Takeaways:
- Step up, lead and take responsibility in your relationships.
- Seek God and bring your Kingdom Family into your relationship decisions and plans.
- Wait for God’s timing and line up what you do with His will.
Bible Verses to Study:
- Genesis 3:11-12
- Proverbs 11:10
- Habakkuk 2:2-3
Application Questions:
- How can you take a proactive leadership role in your relationships and take responsibility for their direction?
- In what ways can you seek guidance from God and involve the Kingdom Family in your relationship decisions and planning?
- How can you grow in patience and stay in step with God’s timing in your pursuit of a godly relationship?
As you study, think about how all this applies to your own life and relationships. Pray for wisdom as you pursue marriage. Build a strong foundation and honor God every step of the way.
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