Love Romance Biblical vs Kosmos Views Alternative Views

Love & Romance Biblical vs. Kosmos Views

Alternative Views of Romance 1. The Social Contract Sexual behavior is determined by social norms. Problem: since rape is historically condoned, is it acceptable?

Alternative Views of Romance 1. The Social Contract 2. As a Mating Instinct A sex drive - a biological function. Problem: this view lacks the sense of meaning human sexuality requires.

Alternative Views of Romance 1. The Social Contract 2. As a Mating Instinct 3. As Self-Expression The need to self-actualize: I got a need… Problem: relationships are transient and unpredictable.

Alternative Views of Romance 1. 2. 3. 4. The Social Contract As a Mating Instinct As Self-Expression Post-Modern: Romance is Mystical 1. An unpredictable “force”. 2. A personal preference, an “orientation”…

Alternative Views of Romance 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. The Social Contract As a Mating Instinct As Self-Expression Post-Modern: Romance is Mystical The World’s definitions… – Self-centered, conditional. – All-encompassing, utilitarian, immature, and ultimately demeaning

Co-Habitation Success Rate

The Biblical View of Romance: Matthew 19: 3 -6 1. Nothing is more important than love: 1 Cor. 13; 1 Jn. 4, 5

The Biblical View of Romance: Matthew 19: 3 -6 1. Nothing is more important than love 2. The Bible is clear in its definition 1. Eros = What the world thinks love is 2. Phileo = Very natural, famlial… 3. Agape = a comittment 1. 2. 3. 4. In spite of feelings: love enemies (Mt. 5: 43 ff) Definition: 1 Jn. 3: 16, 17 = A commitment to GIVE “Fell out of love”: not possible w/ Agape You don’t fall in love, you BUILD into love …

The Biblical View of Romance: Matthew 19: 3 -6 1. Nothing is more important than love 2. The Bible is clear in its definition 3. Agape is needed to make marriage work 1. Love feelings desert you No longer a party. 2. NO SUCH THING as magical, sustained love 1. Get used to it! (else adulterous affairs occur)

The Biblical View of Romance: Matthew 19: 3 -6 1. 2. 3. 4. Nothing is more important than love The Bible is clear in its definition Agape is needed to make marriage work Agape is a learned ability. 1. 1 Jn. 4: 19 Goes against our natures 2. Lifelong habits built of loving incorrectly 3. Should be learned before marriage

The Biblical View of Romance: Matthew 19: 3 -6 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Nothing is more important than love The Bible is clear in its definition Agape is needed to make marriage work Agape is a learned ability. Marriage is the ultimate expression of love

The Biblical View of Romance: Matthew 19: 3 -6 1. Built into our design. And some Pharisees came to Him, testing Him, and saying, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause at all? " 2. A Unity of Relationship. And He answered and said, "Have you not read, that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH'? Consequently they are 3. A Permanence no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God of joined Relationship. has together, let no man separate. "

Implications 1. Understand your uniqueness as a Christian. 1. Don’t team up [lit: become bound] with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6: 14 -15

Implications 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Understand your uniqueness as a Christian. Understand God’s view of love and romance. Invest the time & effort to become a good lover. Prioritize marriage. Flee Fornication & Adultery. “Flee immorality. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body. ” 1 Cor. 6: 18