Dating. The Christian Perspective.

Opening Prayer: Father, please help me to make you my standard.

Previous Knowledge: The teacher should allow the assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.

Bible Passage: Gen. 29:16-20.

Memory Verse: “Marriage is honourable among all, and the bed undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”– Hebrews 13:4.

LESSON 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.

LESSON AIM: To Teach Christians/Youths the Christians’ perspective of dating.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: At the end of this lesson, students should have learnt:

a. The meaning of dating.

b. The biblical principles concerning dating.

c. Importance of finding their fulfilment in Christ.

TEACHING PLAN: To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, teachers should:

a. Allow the students to recite the memory verse, read the Bible passage, contribute to the discussion, and do class activities and assignments.

b. Allow the Assistant Teacher to see to the well-being of the class, and mark attendance and assignment.

c. Teach the lesson outlines, summarise, conclude, evaluate the lesson and give assignments to the students.

TEXT REVIEW: Genesis 29:16-20.

In this passage:

A. Laban had two daughters…………………………………… and ……………………………….. v16.

B. Leah’s eyes…………………………………………….v17.

Jacob: i……………………………………………………..v18a.

ii…………………………………………………v18b.

D. Laban……………………………………………..v19.

Jacob served Laban for ……………………………….v20a.

The year seemed like a few days because…………………………………v20b.

Teaching Method: Discussion Method.

Time Management: The teacher should apply a two-lesson outline teaching time.

LESSON OUTLINE 1: DESCRIPTION AND IMPLICATION

The teacher should ask the class to discuss the meaning of dating among the youth and guide the class through the following:

A. The meaning of dating.

i. Dating is a form of romantic relationship typically between two individuals of the opposite sex with the aim of assessing each other’s suitability as a partner in an intimate relationship or as a spouse.

ii. Literally, it means going out with someone of the opposite sex.

iii. Dating and courtship are two methods of beginning a relationship with the opposite sex (Gen. 29: 18-20). It should be noted that the result of dating may lead to friendship, intimate relationship (courtship), marriage or no relationship.
B. While there are non-Christians who date with the intention of having a series of intimate relationships, for Christians this is not acceptable and should never be the reason for dating (Romans 12:2; 1 Cor. 6: 18-20).

C. Biblical standpoint: While we may not be able to completely close our eyes to this societal trend, Christian youths should see dating as:

i. 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.

ii. Dating 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.

iii. 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).

iv. The Christian dating couple must have boundaries and be committed to not crossing them. Dating (as well as marriage) should not be between a believer and a non-believer (2 Cor. 6:14-15).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should discuss why youths defile themselves in the process of dating.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: FULFILMENT IN CHRIST FIRST

Teachers should allow the youths to discuss why finding fulfilment in Christ is important.

Important of finding fulfilment in Christ.

i. In order to be in a God-centred romantic relationship in some years to come, you must first find your personal fulfilment in Christ.

ii. The stronger your faith in God, the better you will be able to love another person.

iii. 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.

iv. It is vital that God is first in your life (Matt. 22:37-39).

v. 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.

vi. People are never meant to take God’s place in our lives and hearts.

vii. God has to be everything to you prior to getting into a God-honouring relationship (with marriage in view).

viii. As you wait patiently on God and diligently do his will, He graciously gives you the best match as a spouse.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should discuss how youth can find fulfilment in Christ.

SUMMARY: While it is not out of place for a Christian to date, it is important to beware of some of the ungodly, underlying factors in dating and seek fulfilment in Christ first.

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

EVALUATION: The teacher should ask students to describe dating from a Christian perspective.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, help me to find fulfilment in You first.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) of the dangers of dating from the world’s perspective. (2×5=10 Marks).

It’s time to take action.

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