Messed Up Church: Great Relationships

1 Corinthians 7:17, Genesis 24:1-20

Read 1 Corinthians 7:17

No matter what our relationship status is, what does God want us to do, and why?
(God has called us to be faithful and honor Him. An intimate relationship with Jesus is the most important calling on our life.)

Read Genesis 24:1-4

Why didn't Abraham want Isaac to marry a Canaanite woman? What can you learn from this?
(Abraham wouldn't compromise Isaac's marriage with a pagan woman. God must be at the center of everything important in our lives.)

What idols do you tend to value in a relationship more than God?
(outward appearances, personality, abilities, etc.)

Read Genesis 24:5-11

Being in the right place at the right time is important to attaining God's blessings. What kind of places are you in that are clearly not where the Lord has called you? What about how you use your time?

Read Genesis 24:12-14

How do you pray for your spouse, kids, family, or friends? What kind of things do you pray for?
(Pray for your relationship, their relationship with God, protection from sin, perseverance in following God's will, their growth, etc.)

Read Genesis 24:15-16

Why is purity a beautiful attribute?
(Think about how God is holy, sinless, perfect, and what that means for us.)

What does purity look like in a woman/man? How does a woman/man of purity act, dress, think, and feel? And what does she/he do?
Philippians 4:8 - purity of thoughts and desires
Matthew 5:8 - purity of heart
Psalm 19:14 - purity of speech
Proverbs 31:30 - pure in appearance
1 Timothy 3:11 - personal discipline
1 Corinthians 6:18 - sexual purity 

Read Genesis 24:16-20

Why is the act of service a great indicator of love?
(We show love by serving others. Serving is the link between God's love for us and our love for others.)

Next Steps:

How can you apply Abraham's spouse searching technique if you are struggling in marriage?
(Put God first, pray, remain pure, and serve God and others.)

What is one goal you will commit to in your relationship, and what tactical next step will you take to achieve it?

What needs to be replaced or removed from your life in order to prioritize God first? Repent, ask God and others for forgiveness, and move forward.