This document provides an introduction to practical Christian living as it relates to dating. It discusses how God created humans as social beings and desires relationships leading to marriage. Dating is presented as a means for teenagers to learn how to relate socially and get to know someone of the opposite gender, though dating does not necessarily imply courtship, which refers to the final phase before marriage. The document encourages listening to parents' advice on dating and provides questions for reflection on topics like distinguishing between dating and courtship and learning about another person through dating.

1. Practical Christian Living: Dating Introduction A teenage boy and girl looking at each other.No one wants to be alone. As human beings we desire relationships with others. God created us as social beings. Genesis1:18 states: "And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.' " Then God instituted marriage (Genesis 1:24). Here we see that God desires for men and women to develop relationships leading to marriage.

2. . But how do we decide whom we will marry? Do we date only people we wish to marry? In this Bible study we will learn ways God wants us to develop Christian relationships through dating.

3. What Dating Is And Isn't? Question to focus! What Dating Is And Isn't?

4. PROVERBS 4: 7 "Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding."

5. COMMENT: Because we will likely live with a mate in marriage and within a community around us, God wants us to learn how to live in harmony with others. God has given us laws and wise policies to insure peace and enjoyable, uplifting relationships. In our culture, dating is a means to learn how to relate socially with that half of the population that is of the opposite gender. Dating is also a means of getting to know someone better.

6. Courtship is that final phase before marriage when a man and a woman are BOTH deciding whether they truly want to marry and are truly suitable for one another. ALL dating is NOT courtship. Dating MAY lead to courtship, and courtship will include dating, but dating need not have romantic overtones. It can be just companionship in a mutually pleasing activity.

7. QUESTION TO REFLECT 1. Do you think some teens sometimes confuse dating with courtship? Do you think our culture confuses the two? What clues reveal there may be confusion? 2. It's been said that common dating practices today prepare one for divorce. Why doesn't modern dating promote healthy relationships? 3. What can one learn about another person on a date? 4. What are some wrong reasons to date?

8. PROVERBS 3:1-2: "My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you." PROVERBS 4:1-2: "Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law."

9. 5. What are some rules your parents have regarding dating? 6. Why do you think they give you those rules? COMMENT: Parents are the people who know you best and always have your best interests at heart. Keep this in mind when they discuss dating rules (such as curfew), and when they give answers or counsel to questions pertaining strictly to you alone such as, when you can start dating, how often to date, and when you are mature enough to begin dating one-on-one. Who to Date

10. COMMENT: Parents are the people who know you best and always have your best interests at heart. Keep this in mind when they discuss dating rules (such as curfew), and when they give answers or counsel to questions pertaining strictly to you alone such as, when you can start dating, how often to date, and when you are mature enough to begin dating one-on-one. Who to Date

11. PROVERBS 11:14 "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety." 1. To whom do you go for counsel? 2. Give reasons why counselors urge teens to group date.

12. The End of Bible Study “ Let God Make a Way for Us”