Faithful Dating II

Song of Songs 2:1

Song of Songs 2:1

First, we cultivate time together.

Second, we make sure that time we cultivate is in circumstances that make no provision for the flesh.

Third, we communicate in such a way as to cultivate healthy friendship.

Song of Songs 2:3

This man gives her protection.
This friend is to her shade. He protects. He shelters. He puts her at ease.

He nourishes her. He provides for her.

Romans 12:9-10

Compete to outdo one another in showing honor.

This couple has done this and now they have made it clear to one another that they believe they are uniquely and distinctly for each other.

Song of Songs 2:4

Define the Relationship

Song of Songs 2:5

Song of Songs 2:7

Another critical aspect of faithful dating and courtship and that is RESTRAINT.

God has given desire and it has purposes.

Likewise, God has set up the proper context for passion and sexual delight to take place.

Hebrews 13:4

The marriage bed alone is the proper context for desire and passion to be shared.

1 Thes. 4:3-8

So what might restraint look like for the single and the married?

For the single who date: Keep your hands to yourself.

Immediate gratification leads to long term frustration.

Do not wrong each other in this way. Have you? Confess and repent.

For the married, there are times when restraint is necessary with one another.

We must remember that sex is not the goal but rather relationship is.

For single and married, there must be restraint to avoid stirring any passions and desires for any person or image outside of our marriage. (Pornography, romance novels, particular shows and movies are wisely fled from in order that sinful passions not be stirred).

In his commentary, J.A. Moyter writes, ““Don’t start the process of loving exchange until the opportunity and appropriate occasion is present for its consummation.”

You ARE NOT tied to your past. You are NOT slave to your heritage.
You are NOT handcuffed by your former ways nor are you to continue in them.
2 Cor. 5:17

1 Cor. 6:9-11

Every desire you have is ultimately a pointing to Christ who is the only satisfaction.

All desire is ultimately a marker of our need for Jesus.

Isaiah 4:5-6 and Psalm 121:5-8 reminds us that He is the shade and protection we long for.

John 6:35 reminds us that Jesus is the nourishment and fruit that satisfies.

Exodus 17:15 reminds us that Our God has placed His banner over us.

He has defined His relationship to us as He said, “I will be your God and you shall be my people.”

Psalm 42:1-2 - As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

Come to the One you desire and be satisfied.