TOPIC: Intentional Premarital Relationship (Courtship)
MEMORY VERSE: “And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.” – Genesis 24:14 (NKJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 24:1-7 (KJV)
1 And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.
2 And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:
3 And I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:
4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.
5 And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?
6 And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again.
7 The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence.
INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown lots of breakups in premarital relationships because many of the relationships were accidental rather than intentional. Some started the premarital journey (courtship), without purpose, vision, and adequate guidance from God and good counsellors. As a result, the whole experience became moribund.
LESSON OUTLINES:
THE COMPOSITION
THE BEENEFITS
1. THE COMPOSITION
An ideal premarital relationship/courtship should be made up of two full-grown adults (male and female) who have a vision of establishing a godly home (Gen.2:24). It should be purposeful and not wishy-washy. There is a goal of marriage in sight (Gen.2:18). It should be filled with realistic dreams and not ‘eldorados’ (Gen.24:40). The two of them should take time to build a structure with a good base so they do not major on the minor (Lk.6:48). The two adults should have a good understanding of each other (Prov.24:3). It should be deliberate and pure (Matt. 5:8a; Heb.13: 4). It should be well planned with full details of how to move from one point to another (Isa.28:10). It progresses by the day from just seeing each other from a distance to becoming close friends (SOS.1:14). It should be fun-filled and built on trust.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should discuss others component of an intentional premarital relationship.
2. THE BENEFITS
The following are some of the numerous benefits of an intentional premarital relationship during courtship:
It provides a Solid Marital Foundation: If the relationship is well established or grounded, it will serve as a template for the couple on getting married (Ps.11:3). As a result, any kind of ‘wind’ does not blow the marriage away (Prov.10:25).
It makes room for a Direction-Driven relationship: There is a realistic destination in mind. The details of the relationship are known to the two parties involved. They are on the same page (Gen.29:20-21).
The relationship will be filled with hope and assurances: It will be devoid of uncertainty and full of realistic expectations and optimism (Gen.29:18).
A Progressive and Flourishing adventure will be experienced (Ps.92:12).
There will also be Peace and Joy in the relationship: It is void of struggles because there are only two mature adults with positive intentions (Phil.4:7; Gen.24:67).
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should mention the dangers of being unintentional and accidental in premarital relationships?
CONCLUSION: An intentional premarital relationship during courtship ultimately leads to a good and godly marriage.
QUESTIONS:
What are the key components of an intentional premarital relationship/courtship?
Mention some of the benefits of an intentional premarital relationship.
FURTHER READING:
Monday: Deuteronomy 6:13 (KJV) – 13 Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.
Tuesday: Proverbs 10:22 (KJV) – 22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
Wednesday: Hebrews 1:14 (KJV) – 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
Thursday: 1 Samuel 9:11 (KJV) – 11 And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?
Friday: Psalm 37:5 (KJV) – 5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Saturday: Judges 6:17 (KJV) – 17 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me.
Sunday: 1 Peter 4:9 (KJV) – 9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five key challenges of premarital relationships (2×5=10 marks).