St Marys Coptic Orthodox Church DATING SEMINAR 2015

St. Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church DATING SEMINAR 2015

What is “Dating”?

Different definitions of “Dating” Friendship Courtship Hanging Out Liking Boyfriend & Girlfriend Peer pressure

Here are some of what teenagers and others say about dating: Some teenagers use dating just to be part of the crowd and to follow the stream of the surrounding society. It is an outing or a meeting between two persons from the opposite sex and frequently leads to physical intimacy. Dating is usually for the sake of having fun in a very temporary relationship driven by peer pressure. Teenagers think that this is the way to prove their maturity especially when they are in a transition from childhood to adulthood.

Some of the consequences that others say happen to them: 1. Pre-occupation with the physical aspect of the opposite sex. 2. Daydreaming and decreased concentration during studying and school leading to poor performance and results. 3. Pre-occupation with own physical appearance and dress in unsuitable clothing to emphasize the body features. 4. Inappropriate behavior in the presence of the opposite sex to attract attention and to gain acceptance from peers. 5. The most important and the most serious consequence is neglecting and ignoring the adolescent spiritual and inner growth.

What does the Bible say? 1 Corinthians 6: 9 -7: 19 (command to be pure, seriousness of sexual sin and instructions regarding marriage) 1 Thessalonians 4: 1 -8 (do not wrong or defraud one another in relationships — by implying a relationship or commitment by your words or conduct that does not actually exist) Song of Solomon 2: 7 ("do not awaken love before it pleases" — i. e. before the proper time, meaning marriage) Proverbs 6: 20 -7: 27 (warning to avoid sexual sin and foolish relationships) James 1: 13 -15 (temptation is to be taken very seriously) Romans 13: 8 -14 (love others, work for their soul's good; don't look to please self) Romans 14: 1 -15: 7 (favor others, not self. . . value what's good to their souls) 1 Timothy 5: 1 -2 (treat single women as sisters in Christ, with absolute purity) Titus 2: 1 -8 (young men and women should focus on self-control/godliness) John 14: 15 (if you love Christ, you will obey His commands — read: above your own desires — and live biblically)

Glorify Jesus in everything you do! 1 Corinthians 10: 23 -24 All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor. … 1 Corinthians 6: 12 "I have the right to do anything, " you say--but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"--but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 8: 9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling …

Recommendations & thoughts Center everything around Christ and everything will fall where it should…. Do everything for His Glory! What would Jesus do? Friendship vs dating! Groups vs individuals. Do not force things onto yourself beause of what others are doing. Do not hurt others by your actions. Become co-laborers in God’s Word

“ Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord Ephesians 5: 19 ”