Preached @ Metro 19th February 2006 Jeff Williams

We are looking at the whole issue of choices, and the choices we have to make in life. One of the biggest we have to make, is choosing a life partner.

The bible tells us that it is not good for man to be alone, I will make for him a mate.

What do we make our decisions based upon?

• what is pleasing to the senses ?
  
• what will generate the most income ?
  
• What will affect us most and not thinking how it may affect others ?
• 1st impressions ?
  
• Outward appearances ?
  

Can I find a Partner?

Proverbs 31:10-12 tells us, "A noble wife, who can find?" I'm sure that many people say a similar thind? Finding a spouse is the 2nd , most important decision a person will make.

Compatability

Marriage is about the 2 becoming one! We need to ask ourselves the question. Can we both become one?

ARE WE BOTH COMPATABLE?

Life dreams compatibility

What and where are you heading? It  is so important that you find a person who has similar ambitions in life. Couples need to talk with each other about what some of their hope and aspiriations in life are.

Spiritual Compatibility

2 Cor 6:14-15
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial[a]? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?

1 Corinthians 7:39, as a believer a widow  must only marry a believer: “A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord

Sharing in a common treasure.  - Jesus

Marriage involves sharing the most precious aspects of our lives with each other.

Jesus, who is so precious and central to your life, will be something you will have to keep separate from the marriage relationship if you choose to marry an unbeliever. . He will end up being a separating issue in the relationship.

Building from a common blueprint. Imagine 2 carpenters trying to build a house with 2 different sets of plans.

• Will affect what you do with your money
• How you raise your children
• How you spend your time.

Some practical guidelines

• Learn to love the qualities (in a person) that God loves, you will end up choosing what you like. 
• Get out of pornography, as pornography makes the physical appearance more compelling.
• Stop watching the standard movies and tv programs, as this will cause our thinking of relationships to be influneced by the words standards, instead of God's.
• Pray regulary for God's provision of a husband or a wife.
• Pay attention to character quality rather than beauty.
• Observe the way your prospective spouse responds to their mother or father, as this can be an indication of how they will respond to you.
• Grow in your own character so he or she will like you.
  

FINALLY - TRUST IN THE LORD

Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight