WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.200 My life is a symphony, praise the man of Galilee. 00:00:09.200 --> 00:00:17.199 kome for a stranger, he is the arranger of my symphony. 00:00:17.199 --> 00:00:19.000 kome 00:00:19.000 --> 00:00:27.199 Once my life was all discordant, 00:00:27.199 --> 00:00:36.200 using in a minor key. 00:00:36.200 --> 00:00:44.200 Then one day I met a master, 00:00:44.200 --> 00:00:50.200 and he changed a bad army. 00:00:50.200 --> 00:00:59.200 I hear the symphony, tis the man of Galilee. 00:00:59.200 --> 00:01:03.200 I changed my discourse into song, 00:01:03.200 --> 00:01:08.200 when I speak the whole day long. 00:01:08.200 --> 00:01:17.200 My life is a symphony, praise the man of Galilee. 00:01:17.200 --> 00:01:26.200 No more a stranger, he is the arranger of my symphony. 00:01:26.200 --> 00:01:41.200 If you find your life discordant, then you long for harmony. 00:01:41.200 --> 00:01:50.200 At the cross you'll meet the master, 00:01:50.200 --> 00:01:56.200 then you'll sing along with me. 00:01:56.200 --> 00:02:05.200 My life is a symphony, tis the man of Galilee. 00:02:05.200 --> 00:02:10.199 I change my discourse into song, 00:02:10.199 --> 00:02:14.199 when I speak the whole day long. 00:02:14.199 --> 00:02:23.199 My life is a symphony, tis the man of Galilee. 00:02:23.199 --> 00:02:32.199 My life is a symphony, tis the man of Galilee. 00:02:32.199 --> 00:02:39.199 My life is a symphony, tis the man of Galilee. 00:02:39.199 --> 00:02:46.199 Since the man of Galilee. 00:02:46.199 --> 00:02:50.199 Since the man of Galilee changed my discourse into song. 00:02:50.199 --> 00:02:54.199 My life is a twin, the holy love. 00:02:54.199 --> 00:02:57.199 Life is a symphony, 00:02:58.199 --> 00:03:03.199 praise the man of Galilee. 00:03:03.199 --> 00:03:11.780 No more a stranger he is, he a major of my symphony. 00:03:14.119 --> 00:03:23.979 No more a stranger he is, he a major of my symphony. 00:03:33.199 --> 00:03:53.500 Why have you chosen me out of millions your child to be? 00:03:53.500 --> 00:04:01.979 You know all the wrong that I've done. 00:04:01.979 --> 00:04:21.000 And how can you pardon me, forgive my iniquity, to save me give Jesus your Son. 00:04:21.000 --> 00:04:31.000 But Lord, help me be what you want me to be. 00:04:31.000 --> 00:04:39.000 Your will I will strive to obey. 00:04:41.000 --> 00:04:50.980 My life I now give, for you I will live. 00:04:50.980 --> 00:04:58.980 And walk by your side all the way. 00:04:58.980 --> 00:05:10.439 I am amazed to know that a God so great could love me so, 00:05:10.680 --> 00:05:16.980 His willing and wanting to bless. 00:05:16.980 --> 00:05:28.980 His grace is so wonderful, His mercy so bountiful. 00:05:28.980 --> 00:05:34.980 I can't understand it, I confess. 00:05:34.980 --> 00:05:47.980 But Lord, help me be what you want me to be. 00:05:47.980 --> 00:05:54.980 Your will I will strive to obey. 00:05:54.980 --> 00:06:06.980 My life I now give, for you I will live. 00:06:06.980 --> 00:06:13.980 And walk by your side all the way. 00:06:13.980 --> 00:06:14.980 And walk by your side all the way. 00:06:14.980 --> 00:06:25.980 God, Lord, help me be what you want me to be. 00:06:25.980 --> 00:06:35.980 Your will I will strive to obey. 00:06:35.980 --> 00:06:35.980 00:06:35.980 --> 00:06:44.980 My life I now give, for you I will live. 00:06:44.980 --> 00:06:54.980 And walk by your side all the way. 00:06:54.980 --> 00:07:05.980 I'll walk by your side all the way. 00:07:14.980 --> 00:07:34.980 I will ask you to do what Paul asked the Corinthian church to do with him on one occasion. 00:07:34.980 --> 00:07:39.980 When he said, you'll have to excuse me for my foolishness. 00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:44.980 As I sat here tonight looking you over, 00:07:44.980 --> 00:07:56.980 I could not help but think of the various groups of people that the Lord has allowed me to be with on various occasions in the last six years. 00:07:56.980 --> 00:08:07.980 And to be reminded in a fresh way of the great work that the Lord is doing in the hearts of people. 00:08:07.980 --> 00:08:17.980 It's great to know that there are people just like you who love the Lord and who meet regularly in their localities across the state of Ohio, 00:08:17.980 --> 00:08:21.980 across these United States, and really around the world. 00:08:21.980 --> 00:08:24.980 Oh, the time zones may be a little bit different. 00:08:24.980 --> 00:08:28.980 But the vineyard of the Lord is very broad. 00:08:28.980 --> 00:08:35.980 And it's a great thrill to have just a little taste of what the Lord is doing in various places. 00:08:35.980 --> 00:08:43.980 And so I couldn't help but mention that to you and to let you know my mind had wandered just a little bit there for a few moments. 00:08:43.980 --> 00:08:55.980 At the same time, as I looked you over, I was reminded also of how much of a blessing faithful people are. 00:08:55.980 --> 00:09:05.980 I don't know if you have a concept of what a blessing you are just as by your attendance and by your faithful loyalty. 00:09:05.980 --> 00:09:11.980 That means so much in any day, really. 00:09:11.980 --> 00:09:19.980 People by their faithfulness, just the fact that they are here regularly, you can almost set your clock by them. 00:09:19.980 --> 00:09:26.980 It's a wonderful blessing to people who look out this way to see faithful people. 00:09:26.980 --> 00:09:32.980 And I think you are to be commended for your faithfulness. 00:09:32.980 --> 00:09:36.980 And I just wanted to mention that to you as well. 00:09:36.980 --> 00:09:44.980 I guess the greatest privilege that I feel of being here tonight is not just being with you, although that's a wonderful privilege, 00:09:44.980 --> 00:09:47.980 and I understand that, I want you to understand that. 00:09:47.980 --> 00:09:57.980 But the Lord Jesus did say, where two or more are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst. 00:09:57.980 --> 00:10:03.980 The Lord Jesus Christ himself is here. 00:10:03.980 --> 00:10:08.980 It's great to be with the people of God and it's great to be with him. 00:10:08.980 --> 00:10:15.980 That's what makes the church service different from the PTA and a few other social events. 00:10:15.980 --> 00:10:20.980 The Lord Jesus himself is meeting with us tonight. 00:10:20.980 --> 00:10:30.980 And I trust that you are glad to be here and that you have a sensitivity to what is going on in the scriptures tonight. 00:10:30.980 --> 00:10:41.980 It may strike you as being somewhat odd to have a message on the single life in a family series. 00:10:41.980 --> 00:10:48.980 But when you think about it a little further, you realize, begin to realize, that it's really not as odd as it may appear. 00:10:48.980 --> 00:10:58.980 There are many people in our churches who are not married, who are single. 00:10:58.980 --> 00:11:08.980 There are many young people who are, as they grow, are thinking about marriage and married life and a mate and all of these kinds of things. 00:11:08.980 --> 00:11:20.980 I think there is a whole segment in our churches that is a forgotten segment, pretty much an ignored segment. 00:11:20.980 --> 00:11:28.980 We gear our church life and activities to families, to people with husbands, wives, and children. 00:11:28.980 --> 00:11:33.980 And we tend to gear and to promote and advertise, etc. 00:11:33.980 --> 00:11:35.980 Cultivate the family. 00:11:35.980 --> 00:11:40.980 We tend also then to ignore the single person. 00:11:40.980 --> 00:11:54.980 Sometimes, single people are even looked down upon as being somehow a little less than desirable, some type of a reject who couldn't quite make it in life. 00:11:54.980 --> 00:12:01.980 And we really have some pretty poor attitudes towards a single person. 00:12:01.980 --> 00:12:16.980 Therefore, I think it appropriate and I think it necessary that in this brief series, we take a swat, a biblical swat, as it were, at this whole matter of the single life. 00:12:16.980 --> 00:12:21.980 We're going to actually begin where we left off this morning. 00:12:21.980 --> 00:12:30.980 You will recall that in the book of Genesis, we discovered that it was not good for the man to be alone. 00:12:30.980 --> 00:12:47.980 And if that were all of the scripture that we had, if that were the last word that we had on life and on marriage, then we would have to conclude logically that every individual person must marry. 00:12:47.980 --> 00:12:57.980 However, I mentioned this morning that it's a general principle and that it implies that most everyone will or should marry. 00:12:57.980 --> 00:13:02.980 Because you see, we have further word from heaven. 00:13:02.980 --> 00:13:08.980 Genesis 2.18 is not the last word that we have on the single life. 00:13:08.980 --> 00:13:13.980 There is what is called in scripture a progress of revelation. 00:13:13.980 --> 00:13:20.980 That is, the Lord will mention something early on and then he will bring it up again and then he will bring it up again. 00:13:20.980 --> 00:13:26.980 And each succeeding mention of something refines. 00:13:26.980 --> 00:13:33.980 And gives additional information or insight with regard to that subject. 00:13:33.980 --> 00:13:34.980 We need to understand that. 00:13:34.980 --> 00:13:39.980 Something mentioned in Genesis and picked up in the gospels and then picked up again in the epistles. 00:13:39.980 --> 00:13:42.980 It's the progress of revelation. 00:13:42.980 --> 00:13:52.980 And therefore, on the basis of that biblical principle, the progress of revelation, I'm going to suggest to you tonight, 00:13:52.980 --> 00:14:01.980 I'm going to say to you tonight, that the single life is a live option. 00:14:01.980 --> 00:14:07.980 It is a viable option for people. 00:14:07.980 --> 00:14:21.980 We dare not force every believer into the marriage mold and think that somehow because they do not marry for whatever reason, they are out of the will of God. 00:14:21.980 --> 00:14:28.980 The single life is a viable option. 00:14:28.980 --> 00:14:33.980 Now the message tonight is somewhat similar to this morning. 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:38.980 But I want to give you my outline again so that you will know where I am. 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:40.980 As you know, I don't always do that. 00:14:40.980 --> 00:14:46.980 And to be perfectly honest with you, I don't like to do that because I like the element of suspense in preaching. 00:14:46.980 --> 00:14:49.980 I think people ought to wonder where you're going. 00:14:49.980 --> 00:14:52.980 That helps them to stay awake just a little bit. 00:14:52.980 --> 00:15:03.980 But on certain occasions, I like to just lay it all out before you, before people, so that they can relax and listen to where I happen to be at the moment. 00:15:03.980 --> 00:15:07.980 We're going to begin with what I simply am going to call some instructions. 00:15:07.980 --> 00:15:10.980 Just simply some biblical instructions. 00:15:10.980 --> 00:15:19.980 We're going to look at two crucial passages and just think our way through them as to what the scriptures do actually say. 00:15:19.980 --> 00:15:24.980 So instruction will be our beginning note. 00:15:24.980 --> 00:15:29.980 From that, we're going to move to what I'm going to call advice. 00:15:29.980 --> 00:15:31.980 Advice. 00:15:31.980 --> 00:15:39.980 Not scripture, but my own personal advice or opinion. 00:15:39.980 --> 00:15:46.980 When we get there, I will let you know to make a clear distinction between what God has to say and what my advice is. 00:15:46.980 --> 00:15:48.980 I want you to know there is a difference. 00:15:48.980 --> 00:15:50.980 At least I know there is a difference. 00:15:50.980 --> 00:15:53.980 I'm sure you know. 00:15:53.980 --> 00:15:54.980 If I didn't, you'd tell me. 00:15:54.980 --> 00:15:57.980 So at any rate, there is a difference there. 00:15:57.980 --> 00:16:03.980 Then when we get done with that, we're going to go to what I'm going to call resolves. 00:16:03.980 --> 00:16:04.980 Resolves. 00:16:04.980 --> 00:16:05.980 Resolves. 00:16:05.980 --> 00:16:13.980 It seems to me we need to come to a climactic point of some holy resolves in our life. 00:16:13.980 --> 00:16:19.980 Some deep-seated convictions with regard to life itself. 00:16:19.980 --> 00:16:21.980 So that's the flow tonight. 00:16:21.980 --> 00:16:22.980 That's where we're going. 00:16:22.980 --> 00:16:25.980 And I invite you to come with me on this little journey. 00:16:25.980 --> 00:16:32.980 1 Corinthians 7 will be our beginning point. 00:16:32.980 --> 00:16:34.980 1 Corinthians 7. 00:16:34.980 --> 00:16:40.980 We want to look at some instructions from the Word of God. 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:51.980 When you come to 1 Corinthians 7, you are coming right smack dab in the middle of this book of 1 Corinthians in terms of Paul's development of it. 00:16:51.980 --> 00:16:56.980 In the first half of the book, we have Paul rebuking. 00:16:56.980 --> 00:17:01.980 He is rebuking them for a number of different manifestations of carnality. 00:17:01.980 --> 00:17:07.980 But when you come to chapter 7 and following, Paul is no longer rebuking them. 00:17:07.980 --> 00:17:12.980 Now he is replying to their questions. 00:17:12.980 --> 00:17:21.980 Apparently, the Corinthian assembly had come up with a number of questions. 00:17:21.980 --> 00:17:26.980 And they had taken the time and the effort to write them all down and shoot them off to Paul. 00:17:26.980 --> 00:17:31.980 And in response, he writes back this letter. 00:17:31.980 --> 00:17:39.980 In chapter 7, he questions somewhat relating to marriage and to the single life. 00:17:39.980 --> 00:17:45.980 Chapters 8 and 9, a question regarding the matter of the offering. 00:17:45.980 --> 00:17:49.980 Chapters 10 and 11, things with regard to worship. 00:17:49.980 --> 00:17:54.980 Chapters 12 to 14, various kinds of gifts and so on. 00:17:54.980 --> 00:17:57.980 But he is answering their questions. 00:17:57.980 --> 00:18:01.980 I want to pick up just a few verses in chapter 7. 00:18:01.980 --> 00:18:09.980 Because in these verses, Paul gives to us his opinion with regard to singleness. 00:18:09.980 --> 00:18:13.980 I think you can pick it up for yourself as I read the verses. 00:18:13.980 --> 00:18:16.980 Please notice, 1 Corinthians 7, 1. 00:18:16.980 --> 00:18:21.980 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me, 00:18:21.980 --> 00:18:26.980 It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 00:18:26.980 --> 00:18:32.980 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, 00:18:32.980 --> 00:18:37.980 and let every woman have her own husband. 00:18:37.980 --> 00:18:46.980 Now when he says here, it is good for a man not to touch a woman. 00:18:46.980 --> 00:18:52.980 He is not referring to the matter of a man laying his hand upon a woman's hand, 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:55.980 not to come in contact with her. 00:18:55.980 --> 00:18:57.980 He is not talking about that. 00:18:57.980 --> 00:19:00.980 It is a different word in the original text. 00:19:00.980 --> 00:19:04.980 It is the word for sexual relationship. 00:19:04.980 --> 00:19:13.980 Paul is saying, it is good, that is, it is an inherently okay thing, 00:19:13.980 --> 00:19:20.980 for a man not to enter into sexual relationship with a woman. 00:19:20.980 --> 00:19:29.980 Now frankly, we do not know what the question was that the Corinthian assembly had written to Paul. 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:31.980 Nobody knows what that question is. 00:19:31.980 --> 00:19:37.980 It is up to a certain amount of guess work, frankly, depending on the reading of these verses. 00:19:37.980 --> 00:19:43.980 But it seems to me, if I understand this question, this reply correctly, 00:19:43.980 --> 00:19:46.980 the question must have been something like this. 00:19:46.980 --> 00:19:51.980 Paul, is it okay to be single? 00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:54.980 Or do we have to marry? 00:19:54.980 --> 00:20:01.980 Is the single wife a viable way to go? 00:20:01.980 --> 00:20:08.980 And if that were the question, then Paul's reply fits right into that particular question. 00:20:08.980 --> 00:20:20.980 When he says, it is good, it is a morally excellent thing for a man not to marry. 00:20:20.980 --> 00:20:25.980 Then he goes on to say in verse 2, nevertheless, to avoid fornication. 00:20:25.980 --> 00:20:31.980 Let every man have his own wife and every woman her own husband. 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:38.980 Now this is a little bit of an aside here, frankly, in verse 2, from the particular topic that we are after tonight. 00:20:38.980 --> 00:20:42.980 But since I have read the verse, I want to make a comment on it. 00:20:42.980 --> 00:20:50.980 Some folks, when they read verse 2, react to it, back off in almost holy horror and say, 00:20:50.980 --> 00:20:56.980 Oh my goodness, what is Paul making of us? 00:20:56.980 --> 00:21:08.980 It sounds as though Paul is making us to be but animals, lowering us from the plane of humanity to just mere animals moved by all kinds of passions. 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:13.980 And if we don't marry, we are going to fall into terrible sin and immorality. 00:21:13.980 --> 00:21:18.980 So you better marry in order to contain these uncontrollable passions. 00:21:18.980 --> 00:21:23.980 And some have responded or reacted to that verse in a very negative way. 00:21:23.980 --> 00:21:27.980 And said, well, you know, it makes us sound very animal-ish. 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:36.980 The real answer to that is that Paul is not making us animal-ish. 00:21:36.980 --> 00:21:40.980 Paul is simply being very realistic. 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:46.980 Paul knows, and you and I know, that God has created a man a man and a woman a woman. 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:52.980 And that in that creative act was included our human sexuality. 00:21:52.980 --> 00:21:58.980 God is the one who puts that sexual drive in a man. 00:21:58.980 --> 00:22:02.980 God is the one who puts that sexual drive in a woman. 00:22:02.980 --> 00:22:14.980 God is the one who is responsible for the magnetism between the two and the attractiveness of the one to the other because he made us that way. 00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:16.980 It is very normal. 00:22:16.980 --> 00:22:23.980 It is very normal to have strong sexual feelings toward the opposite sex. 00:22:23.980 --> 00:22:25.980 That is normality. 00:22:25.980 --> 00:22:28.980 That is the way God created us. 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:35.980 Now, Paul knows what normality is, what reality is. 00:22:35.980 --> 00:22:45.980 And so in dealing with that, he is saying, listen, God has not only given you the ability to perform sexually, 00:22:45.980 --> 00:22:57.980 but God has also given you the legitimate arena in which to express that sexuality. 00:22:57.980 --> 00:23:00.980 And that is marriage. 00:23:00.980 --> 00:23:01.980 I look at it this way. 00:23:01.980 --> 00:23:02.980 I look at it this way. 00:23:02.980 --> 00:23:03.980 This helps me. 00:23:03.980 --> 00:23:05.980 I hope it will help you. 00:23:05.980 --> 00:23:13.980 When God created man and woman, he gave to us the ability to consume food. 00:23:13.980 --> 00:23:17.980 It is a built-in ability. 00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:19.980 We like it. 00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:34.980 Just remember last Thursday and you will realize how much we like it and how much we take advantage of that ability, that drive, that passion that the Lord has built right into us. 00:23:34.980 --> 00:23:41.980 Now, suppose God gave you the ability to eat and to drink, and he has. 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:44.980 And then he says to you, now listen to me. 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:53.980 I made you that way, but I never want you to eat, and I never want you to drink a thing. 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:58.980 What kind of a being would God be? 00:23:58.980 --> 00:24:03.980 Suppose he made a creature that had the ability to sleep. 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:10.980 And then he said to that creature, now if you really want to be spiritual and you really want to be like me, I never want you to go to sleep. 00:24:10.980 --> 00:24:12.980 Oh, I know you can go to sleep. 00:24:12.980 --> 00:24:17.980 I gave you the ability to go to sleep, but there's never a time in your life when you want to go to sleep. 00:24:17.980 --> 00:24:20.980 I'm against it. 00:24:20.980 --> 00:24:25.980 I think we would all cry out against such a God and say, why did you make me like this? 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:33.980 Why did you give me the ability to eat and to drink and to sleep, and you never gave me the opportunity to express that? 00:24:33.980 --> 00:24:35.980 That's unfair. 00:24:35.980 --> 00:24:46.980 Well, what is true of those physical passions is also true of our sexuality. 00:24:46.980 --> 00:24:48.980 God is not unfair. 00:24:48.980 --> 00:24:54.980 God has built within us normal sexual drives and desires. 00:24:54.980 --> 00:24:59.980 And then he has not said, now don't you ever express it, ever. 00:24:59.980 --> 00:25:10.980 Rather, having given us those abilities, he has also given us the legitimate arena of expression, marriage. 00:25:10.980 --> 00:25:19.640 marriage. And Paul knows that. And dealing with the realities of his day and the realities of 00:25:19.640 --> 00:25:28.400 the human person, he says, it's an okay thing to be single, but the vast majority of you ought to 00:25:28.400 --> 00:25:35.940 have your own partner. There's nothing inherently wrong, however. That's what verse 1 is saying. 00:25:35.940 --> 00:25:47.900 There is nothing inherently wrong with remaining or being single. Now, notice, please, verses 6 through 8. 00:25:48.740 --> 00:25:55.500 Paul comes back to this theme in these verses, and I'm skipping verses, what are they, 3 through 5, 00:25:55.920 --> 00:26:02.279 simply because they do not pertain directly to our theme tonight. That's why I'm jumping over them. 00:26:02.279 --> 00:26:04.500 Verse 6, he says, 00:26:04.579 --> 00:26:14.420 But I speak this by permission and not of commandment. For I would that all men were even as I myself. 00:26:15.359 --> 00:26:22.879 But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner and another after that. 00:26:22.880 --> 00:26:33.920 I say, therefore, to the unmarried and to the widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I. 00:26:35.160 --> 00:26:43.120 Now, Paul gives his opinion. He says, I speak this by permission. It's not a thus saith the Lord, 00:26:43.240 --> 00:26:49.600 even for Paul. And Paul is not laying it upon the church at Corinth or the one here in Columbus 00:26:49.599 --> 00:26:55.959 as being a thus saith the Lord. But Paul says this, if I had my druthers, 00:26:56.740 --> 00:27:03.240 if I could share with you my opinion, Paul says, I just assume you remain single. 00:27:06.399 --> 00:27:07.579 Isn't that what he says? 00:27:08.579 --> 00:27:14.619 To the unmarried, to the widows, he says, I wish that you could abide even as I. 00:27:14.619 --> 00:27:18.819 Paul enjoyed being single. 00:27:22.479 --> 00:27:25.719 Now, those who are married say, well, what was wrong with Paul? He was some kind of a kook. 00:27:27.299 --> 00:27:29.279 Now you're putting marriage in the wrong light. 00:27:31.079 --> 00:27:32.979 Paul is simply recommending 00:27:32.979 --> 00:27:36.079 the single life. 00:27:36.079 --> 00:27:41.439 Now, he gives us at least a little bit of rationale for that. 00:27:42.659 --> 00:27:46.299 If you allow me to take you down to verses 32 00:27:46.299 --> 00:27:48.179 through 35. 00:27:48.960 --> 00:27:50.299 Paul gives us 00:27:50.299 --> 00:27:52.699 something of his reasoning 00:27:52.699 --> 00:27:55.220 why he recommended 00:27:55.220 --> 00:27:56.559 singleness. 00:27:57.619 --> 00:27:59.679 He says, 1 Corinthians 7 00:27:59.679 --> 00:28:02.079 and let's see, verse 32. 00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:03.539 He says, 00:28:03.619 --> 00:28:06.799 But I would have you without carefulness 00:28:06.799 --> 00:28:09.319 or without anxiety, 00:28:10.439 --> 00:28:13.059 a life filled with fretting 00:28:13.059 --> 00:28:14.179 and worry. 00:28:15.119 --> 00:28:16.759 He that is unmarried 00:28:16.759 --> 00:28:19.259 careth for the things 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:21.059 that belong to the Lord, 00:28:22.059 --> 00:28:23.139 how he may 00:28:23.139 --> 00:28:24.659 please the Lord. 00:28:25.619 --> 00:28:27.439 But he that is married 00:28:27.439 --> 00:28:29.919 careth for the things of the world, 00:28:29.920 --> 00:28:32.840 how he may please his wife. 00:28:33.940 --> 00:28:36.220 Now, we're going to read a couple of more verses, 00:28:36.380 --> 00:28:36.920 but please, 00:28:37.200 --> 00:28:39.700 please notice that Paul is not 00:28:39.700 --> 00:28:41.820 faulting married people. 00:28:43.440 --> 00:28:44.740 He does not say, 00:28:44.900 --> 00:28:47.460 you nasty, dirty, lousy, rotten Christian 00:28:47.460 --> 00:28:48.279 if you're married 00:28:48.279 --> 00:28:50.140 and you're concerned about your wife. 00:28:50.240 --> 00:28:52.500 I mean, that really is a terrible thing to do. 00:28:53.480 --> 00:28:54.759 He doesn't say that. 00:28:55.480 --> 00:28:57.600 He is simply stating a fact. 00:28:57.599 --> 00:29:00.779 If you are married to a wife, 00:29:01.079 --> 00:29:04.579 you are going to care about pleasing her 00:29:04.579 --> 00:29:06.459 and vice versa. 00:29:07.779 --> 00:29:09.939 Whereas the one who is single 00:29:09.939 --> 00:29:13.619 can give his or her full attention 00:29:13.619 --> 00:29:15.779 without distraction 00:29:15.779 --> 00:29:17.959 to the Lord. 00:29:19.019 --> 00:29:20.139 That's all he said. 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:22.500 Well, a couple of more verses. 00:29:23.439 --> 00:29:24.059 Verse 34, 00:29:24.199 --> 00:29:25.319 There is a difference also 00:29:25.319 --> 00:29:27.279 between a wife and a virgin. 00:29:28.099 --> 00:29:29.299 The unmarried woman 00:29:29.299 --> 00:29:30.899 careth for the things of the Lord, 00:29:31.059 --> 00:29:32.279 that she may be holy, 00:29:32.859 --> 00:29:34.439 both in body and in spirit. 00:29:35.159 --> 00:29:36.359 But she that is married 00:29:36.359 --> 00:29:37.919 cares for the things of the world, 00:29:38.339 --> 00:29:41.639 herself to the Lord. 00:29:42.939 --> 00:29:45.319 In an undistracted way, 00:29:46.299 --> 00:29:48.779 without having your concentration 00:29:48.779 --> 00:29:50.799 and your attention 00:29:50.799 --> 00:29:52.639 siphoned off here 00:29:52.639 --> 00:29:54.259 and shunted off there, 00:29:54.460 --> 00:29:56.160 you can give yourself 00:29:56.160 --> 00:29:58.220 with a concentrated effort 00:29:58.220 --> 00:30:00.660 to the things of the Lord. 00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:02.759 And Paul says, 00:30:02.879 --> 00:30:03.960 I would just really like 00:30:03.960 --> 00:30:05.819 to save you some trouble. 00:30:08.619 --> 00:30:10.139 Now, in case that bothers you, 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:11.700 I think we need to, again, 00:30:11.839 --> 00:30:12.839 come back to the matter 00:30:12.839 --> 00:30:14.240 of being very realistic here. 00:30:14.240 --> 00:30:17.319 Beloved friends, 00:30:17.839 --> 00:30:19.700 when we get married, 00:30:21.200 --> 00:30:22.940 we do take on 00:30:22.940 --> 00:30:25.019 real responsibility. 00:30:26.160 --> 00:30:26.720 Don't we? 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:30.460 When you say to that young lady 00:30:30.460 --> 00:30:31.660 or to that young man 00:30:31.660 --> 00:30:32.559 at that altar, 00:30:33.420 --> 00:30:34.920 I will love, 00:30:35.660 --> 00:30:36.039 honor, 00:30:36.880 --> 00:30:37.240 cherish, 00:30:37.500 --> 00:30:38.480 and the young lady says, 00:30:38.599 --> 00:30:41.620 submit to or obey that man. 00:30:41.619 --> 00:30:45.679 When we agree to meet 00:30:45.679 --> 00:30:47.559 one another's sexual needs 00:30:47.559 --> 00:30:48.519 for life, 00:30:49.579 --> 00:30:52.199 when we agree to cherish 00:30:52.199 --> 00:30:54.779 and to provide for the needs 00:30:54.779 --> 00:30:56.339 of one another for life, 00:30:57.439 --> 00:30:59.939 is that not a real responsibility? 00:31:01.919 --> 00:31:03.839 And when the Lord blesses 00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:05.519 that home with children, 00:31:05.519 --> 00:31:11.240 is there not a time-consuming 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:13.319 responsibility there 00:31:13.319 --> 00:31:15.819 that the single person 00:31:15.819 --> 00:31:16.879 does not have? 00:31:18.180 --> 00:31:19.619 I think if we're honest 00:31:19.619 --> 00:31:20.920 and objective about it, 00:31:20.960 --> 00:31:21.599 we have to say, 00:31:21.680 --> 00:31:22.119 well, yes, 00:31:22.220 --> 00:31:22.960 there really is. 00:31:23.519 --> 00:31:25.240 There really is 00:31:25.240 --> 00:31:26.980 a difference. 00:31:28.559 --> 00:31:30.440 Have I told you about Sundays? 00:31:31.299 --> 00:31:32.660 Did I mention that to you? 00:31:32.660 --> 00:31:35.340 the difference between Sunday morning 00:31:35.340 --> 00:31:36.380 and Sunday morning? 00:31:36.980 --> 00:31:37.820 Did I mention that? 00:31:38.860 --> 00:31:39.779 I've forgotten. 00:31:42.600 --> 00:31:44.060 Sunday morning is the time 00:31:44.060 --> 00:31:45.120 when kids sleep in. 00:31:46.920 --> 00:31:48.440 Sunday morning can be 00:31:48.440 --> 00:31:50.200 terrifically difficult. 00:31:51.620 --> 00:31:53.160 Now, when you just have yourself, 00:31:54.340 --> 00:31:55.660 you get up Sunday morning 00:31:55.660 --> 00:31:57.100 and you can have your 00:31:57.100 --> 00:31:58.340 leisurely cup of coffee 00:31:58.340 --> 00:31:59.620 and comb your hair 00:31:59.620 --> 00:32:00.600 two or three times 00:32:00.599 --> 00:32:01.459 read the paper 00:32:01.459 --> 00:32:02.000 and look over 00:32:02.000 --> 00:32:03.939 the Sunday school deal, 00:32:04.079 --> 00:32:04.319 you know, 00:32:04.379 --> 00:32:05.779 and you drive in leisurely 00:32:05.779 --> 00:32:06.659 into the parking lot 00:32:06.659 --> 00:32:07.459 at 9.15 00:32:07.459 --> 00:32:08.419 and shoot the breeze 00:32:08.419 --> 00:32:09.159 with your friends 00:32:09.159 --> 00:32:10.419 and get all ready 00:32:10.419 --> 00:32:11.659 for Sunday school to start. 00:32:11.779 --> 00:32:11.919 You say, 00:32:11.980 --> 00:32:12.779 man, this is great. 00:32:14.539 --> 00:32:15.419 And then you decide 00:32:15.419 --> 00:32:16.159 to get married. 00:32:17.799 --> 00:32:19.179 And then a little while later 00:32:19.179 --> 00:32:20.279 you have a little one 00:32:20.279 --> 00:32:20.959 or maybe two 00:32:20.959 --> 00:32:21.639 or maybe three 00:32:21.639 --> 00:32:22.519 or four or more. 00:32:24.359 --> 00:32:25.679 Then comes Sunday morning. 00:32:25.680 --> 00:32:30.519 And what used to be 00:32:30.519 --> 00:32:31.519 a leisurely, 00:32:31.660 --> 00:32:34.039 nice Sunday morning time 00:32:34.039 --> 00:32:34.799 going to church 00:32:34.799 --> 00:32:35.779 becomes really quite 00:32:35.779 --> 00:32:36.560 a little hassle 00:32:36.560 --> 00:32:38.200 because the time 00:32:38.200 --> 00:32:39.340 you get yourself up 00:32:39.340 --> 00:32:41.240 and yourself dressed, 00:32:41.779 --> 00:32:43.120 then you get them up 00:32:43.120 --> 00:32:45.060 and get them dressed 00:32:45.060 --> 00:32:47.019 and give them breakfast 00:32:47.019 --> 00:32:49.160 and get some of them redressed. 00:32:49.160 --> 00:32:53.500 And then you try 00:32:53.500 --> 00:32:54.560 to get the coat on 00:32:54.560 --> 00:32:56.019 and all these other things on 00:32:56.019 --> 00:32:56.279 and you say, 00:32:56.320 --> 00:32:57.279 where is that boot 00:32:57.279 --> 00:32:58.480 and where is that glove? 00:32:58.560 --> 00:32:59.740 I saw it last Tuesday. 00:33:00.140 --> 00:33:01.240 And you grab this 00:33:01.240 --> 00:33:02.120 and you grab that 00:33:02.120 --> 00:33:03.180 and you head for the car 00:33:03.180 --> 00:33:04.240 and you race 00:33:04.240 --> 00:33:05.620 to Maranatha parking lot 00:33:05.620 --> 00:33:06.340 and you pull in here 00:33:06.340 --> 00:33:07.580 at 9.40 or whatever 00:33:07.580 --> 00:33:09.120 and you look at yourself 00:33:09.120 --> 00:33:10.340 and you look at each other 00:33:10.340 --> 00:33:10.620 and you say, 00:33:10.720 --> 00:33:11.480 holy mackerel. 00:33:12.980 --> 00:33:14.380 Oh, for the good old days. 00:33:14.380 --> 00:33:17.600 Now listen, 00:33:18.180 --> 00:33:19.160 who's supposed to raise 00:33:19.160 --> 00:33:19.780 those children? 00:33:20.700 --> 00:33:22.260 Who's supposed to love that wife? 00:33:22.340 --> 00:33:23.280 Who's supposed to obey 00:33:23.280 --> 00:33:23.880 that husband? 00:33:24.380 --> 00:33:24.960 The Lord? 00:33:25.720 --> 00:33:26.560 No, you are. 00:33:27.160 --> 00:33:29.040 You took that responsibility 00:33:29.040 --> 00:33:30.940 with its time 00:33:30.940 --> 00:33:32.360 and with its effort 00:33:32.360 --> 00:33:33.860 and all of the energy 00:33:33.860 --> 00:33:34.700 that it takes 00:33:34.700 --> 00:33:36.280 to take care of those things. 00:33:37.380 --> 00:33:39.000 And that's all Paul is saying. 00:33:39.380 --> 00:33:40.500 When you get married, 00:33:40.680 --> 00:33:43.480 you take on real responsibility 00:33:43.480 --> 00:33:45.980 and you cannot shirk it. 00:33:47.319 --> 00:33:47.940 You cannot. 00:33:50.860 --> 00:33:52.319 Therefore, Paul says, 00:33:53.000 --> 00:33:54.480 it's okay to be single. 00:33:55.299 --> 00:33:57.519 It's really not such a bad way to go. 00:33:58.220 --> 00:33:59.539 And it can save you 00:33:59.539 --> 00:34:00.940 a lot of care, 00:34:01.140 --> 00:34:02.579 a lot of fretting, 00:34:03.140 --> 00:34:04.599 a lot of frustration. 00:34:06.519 --> 00:34:07.620 That's what he's saying. 00:34:08.760 --> 00:34:09.380 Now again, 00:34:09.460 --> 00:34:10.460 that's Paul's opinion. 00:34:10.619 --> 00:34:12.240 He does not give that to us 00:34:12.239 --> 00:34:12.839 as a, 00:34:13.319 --> 00:34:14.239 thus saith the Lord, 00:34:14.359 --> 00:34:15.319 therefore don't marry. 00:34:16.279 --> 00:34:17.879 What he's really saying is, 00:34:18.419 --> 00:34:18.859 think. 00:34:20.819 --> 00:34:23.019 Realize what you're getting into 00:34:23.019 --> 00:34:25.579 before you marry. 00:34:25.799 --> 00:34:26.679 That's what he's saying. 00:34:28.079 --> 00:34:28.619 You say, 00:34:28.659 --> 00:34:29.079 where in the world 00:34:29.079 --> 00:34:29.799 did he get that? 00:34:31.159 --> 00:34:32.459 Paul didn't like women 00:34:32.459 --> 00:34:34.039 or some other such thing. 00:34:35.239 --> 00:34:36.519 Where did he get it? 00:34:36.519 --> 00:34:40.539 Matthew 19. 00:34:41.619 --> 00:34:42.599 Will you turn there 00:34:42.599 --> 00:34:43.539 for just another moment? 00:34:44.780 --> 00:34:45.800 Matthew 19. 00:34:52.400 --> 00:34:54.739 I did fail to point out to you 00:34:54.739 --> 00:34:56.480 back in 1 Corinthians 7 00:34:56.480 --> 00:35:00.239 that Paul used the word gift. 00:35:00.239 --> 00:35:02.500 Paul says, 00:35:02.719 --> 00:35:05.459 each man has his own gift. 00:35:05.819 --> 00:35:07.000 One after this sort 00:35:07.000 --> 00:35:08.699 and another after that. 00:35:10.159 --> 00:35:11.179 He speaks of, 00:35:11.299 --> 00:35:11.659 I think, 00:35:11.699 --> 00:35:13.039 a gift of singleness. 00:35:14.339 --> 00:35:15.879 But here's where he got it. 00:35:16.639 --> 00:35:17.719 Matthew 19. 00:35:18.539 --> 00:35:19.639 Look at verse 10. 00:35:20.779 --> 00:35:21.719 Look at verse 10. 00:35:22.859 --> 00:35:24.879 His disciples say unto him, 00:35:24.880 --> 00:35:26.320 and by the way, 00:35:26.380 --> 00:35:27.340 this is right after 00:35:27.340 --> 00:35:28.500 a divorce debate. 00:35:28.840 --> 00:35:30.440 That's a totally different issue. 00:35:31.000 --> 00:35:31.539 But he says, 00:35:31.640 --> 00:35:32.880 his disciples say unto him, 00:35:32.980 --> 00:35:34.380 if the case of the man 00:35:34.380 --> 00:35:35.700 be so with his wife, 00:35:35.900 --> 00:35:37.400 it is not good to marry. 00:35:38.579 --> 00:35:39.920 But he said unto them, 00:35:40.079 --> 00:35:41.660 all men cannot receive 00:35:41.660 --> 00:35:42.380 this saying, 00:35:42.920 --> 00:35:44.400 save they to whom 00:35:44.400 --> 00:35:45.619 it is given. 00:35:45.820 --> 00:35:46.700 Notice that word, 00:35:46.940 --> 00:35:47.320 given. 00:35:47.720 --> 00:35:48.019 Same, 00:35:48.320 --> 00:35:49.320 the verb form 00:35:49.320 --> 00:35:50.240 of the word gift. 00:35:51.599 --> 00:35:52.220 Then he goes on 00:35:52.220 --> 00:35:53.019 to explain it. 00:35:53.360 --> 00:35:54.860 For there are some eunuchs, 00:35:54.880 --> 00:35:56.700 who were so born 00:35:56.700 --> 00:35:58.019 from their mother's womb. 00:35:58.900 --> 00:36:00.460 And there are some eunuchs 00:36:00.460 --> 00:36:02.519 which were made eunuchs of men. 00:36:03.480 --> 00:36:04.660 And there be eunuchs 00:36:04.660 --> 00:36:07.680 which have made themselves eunuchs 00:36:07.680 --> 00:36:10.200 for the kingdom of heaven's sake. 00:36:10.940 --> 00:36:12.680 He that is able to receive it, 00:36:13.539 --> 00:36:14.539 let him receive it. 00:36:15.840 --> 00:36:16.760 A eunuch 00:36:16.760 --> 00:36:18.940 is a man 00:36:18.940 --> 00:36:20.619 who has been castrated, 00:36:20.800 --> 00:36:24.619 who has had his sexual organ removed. 00:36:25.880 --> 00:36:27.039 And the Savior is saying 00:36:27.039 --> 00:36:28.700 there are three kinds of eunuchs. 00:36:29.380 --> 00:36:31.579 One who is born that way, 00:36:31.700 --> 00:36:34.720 who was born in a deformed manner. 00:36:35.940 --> 00:36:37.019 There is a eunuch 00:36:37.019 --> 00:36:38.460 who has been made that way 00:36:38.460 --> 00:36:39.720 by other men, 00:36:40.440 --> 00:36:42.099 apparently by defeat 00:36:42.099 --> 00:36:44.280 in some military campaign. 00:36:44.400 --> 00:36:46.340 And men made them eunuchs, 00:36:46.860 --> 00:36:48.340 made away by others. 00:36:48.340 --> 00:36:50.800 And there is a third kind of eunuch, 00:36:51.140 --> 00:36:54.140 those who have made themselves eunuchs. 00:36:54.240 --> 00:36:54.640 That is, 00:36:54.980 --> 00:36:56.760 those who have voluntarily 00:36:56.760 --> 00:36:59.380 decided not to marry. 00:37:01.059 --> 00:37:04.700 And their motivation is for the kingdom of heaven's sake. 00:37:05.760 --> 00:37:07.260 They have decided not 00:37:07.260 --> 00:37:09.240 to enter into marriage. 00:37:09.239 --> 00:37:09.319 marriage. 00:37:09.739 --> 00:37:10.439 He says, 00:37:10.519 --> 00:37:11.419 it is for those 00:37:11.419 --> 00:37:12.559 to whom it is given. 00:37:13.059 --> 00:37:14.500 And Paul picks up on that 00:37:14.500 --> 00:37:15.000 and he says, 00:37:15.139 --> 00:37:17.019 not everybody can receive this. 00:37:17.119 --> 00:37:18.559 One man has a gift this way 00:37:18.559 --> 00:37:19.919 and another man has a gift another. 00:37:22.259 --> 00:37:23.359 But Paul says, 00:37:23.360 --> 00:37:25.720 I recommend 00:37:25.720 --> 00:37:27.680 the single life. 00:37:28.480 --> 00:37:29.780 Now you're thinking well with me. 00:37:29.840 --> 00:37:30.500 You're probably thinking 00:37:30.500 --> 00:37:31.420 a little too seriously 00:37:31.420 --> 00:37:32.180 at this moment. 00:37:32.860 --> 00:37:33.980 But I guess that's alright. 00:37:36.039 --> 00:37:37.920 Does a person have to be married 00:37:37.920 --> 00:37:40.519 to be a success in life? 00:37:42.440 --> 00:37:45.079 Can a single believer 00:37:45.079 --> 00:37:48.000 be a successful Christian? 00:37:48.000 --> 00:37:53.739 I'm going to let you answer that question. 00:37:55.800 --> 00:37:58.219 Can you think of anybody in the Bible 00:37:58.219 --> 00:38:00.679 who was single 00:38:00.679 --> 00:38:03.219 and successful 00:38:03.219 --> 00:38:04.980 as a believer? 00:38:06.360 --> 00:38:07.960 Now we're going to take away Paul 00:38:07.960 --> 00:38:10.199 because we've already been talking about Paul. 00:38:11.280 --> 00:38:12.480 You talk to me. 00:38:13.639 --> 00:38:14.460 Can you name any? 00:38:15.719 --> 00:38:17.980 The Lord Jesus Christ himself. 00:38:18.000 --> 00:38:20.920 Who else? 00:38:23.059 --> 00:38:23.599 Elijah 00:38:23.599 --> 00:38:26.260 and his successor. 00:38:27.679 --> 00:38:28.400 Elisha. 00:38:29.760 --> 00:38:30.639 Can you name any others? 00:38:32.619 --> 00:38:33.800 John the Baptist. 00:38:35.179 --> 00:38:36.039 Can you name any others? 00:38:38.980 --> 00:38:40.300 Don't be afraid now. 00:38:42.099 --> 00:38:43.500 You've heard of Mary 00:38:43.500 --> 00:38:44.980 and Martha 00:38:44.980 --> 00:38:47.360 and Lazarus. 00:38:48.000 --> 00:38:49.639 Three single adults. 00:38:50.519 --> 00:38:52.380 Ever heard of a guy named Daniel? 00:38:54.380 --> 00:38:56.960 Ever hear of a person named the Apostle John? 00:38:56.960 --> 00:39:02.099 They weren't exactly slouches in the Bible. 00:39:04.300 --> 00:39:04.960 Were they? 00:39:06.480 --> 00:39:06.940 No. 00:39:07.059 --> 00:39:08.720 These were some of the most intimate. 00:39:08.960 --> 00:39:11.039 These were some of the most godly people 00:39:11.039 --> 00:39:12.659 that we know. 00:39:14.980 --> 00:39:16.099 And they were single. 00:39:16.099 --> 00:39:29.279 One single life is a viable option. 00:39:29.279 --> 00:39:32.000 Each one must determine for themselves 00:39:32.000 --> 00:39:34.719 what is the will of God 00:39:34.719 --> 00:39:36.279 on the matter. 00:39:36.280 --> 00:39:40.280 We've done this, there's one third here. 00:39:40.720 --> 00:39:45.720 And we're going to move now to my advice, my opinion. 00:39:46.900 --> 00:39:50.040 And I do this with a little bit of timidity, 00:39:50.300 --> 00:39:52.960 to be honest with you, and rightly so. 00:39:53.040 --> 00:39:54.240 Who am I to give you advice? 00:39:55.540 --> 00:39:57.240 But I want to make it very clear to you 00:39:57.240 --> 00:39:59.000 that as far as I am personally concerned, 00:39:59.000 --> 00:40:02.880 my advice carries no more weight than yours. 00:40:02.880 --> 00:40:06.700 We are believers in the Lord. 00:40:08.079 --> 00:40:10.180 And I'm not a biggie and you're a littlegie. 00:40:10.300 --> 00:40:11.640 That's not the way it is. 00:40:12.780 --> 00:40:15.500 And you have a right to disagree with my opinions. 00:40:15.860 --> 00:40:18.440 And I will still love you and you will have to love me 00:40:18.440 --> 00:40:21.760 because we preached on it last Sunday night. 00:40:25.180 --> 00:40:27.720 There is a certain amount of love that's supposed to flow 00:40:27.720 --> 00:40:29.280 even when you don't agree necessarily. 00:40:29.280 --> 00:40:31.340 But I have some advice to share 00:40:31.340 --> 00:40:33.700 with those of you who are single. 00:40:35.240 --> 00:40:37.260 Before I give you that though, I've got to say this too. 00:40:38.220 --> 00:40:40.140 The advice that I give you is not worthless. 00:40:42.920 --> 00:40:43.480 Take it. 00:40:43.519 --> 00:40:47.460 You've got to consider the source of the advice you get. 00:40:49.200 --> 00:40:51.800 I speak to you as one who does love you. 00:40:51.800 --> 00:40:57.800 And I speak to you as one who has no personal axe to grind with you. 00:40:58.940 --> 00:41:02.260 I have nothing to gain from you, frankly. 00:41:03.120 --> 00:41:04.840 Oh, you may not want me back next Sunday, 00:41:04.920 --> 00:41:06.860 but you know that we'll all get over that. 00:41:07.900 --> 00:41:11.180 I have nothing to gain as far as I'm personally concerned. 00:41:11.179 --> 00:41:17.899 Also, take it from one who has been through this single stage of life 00:41:17.899 --> 00:41:21.039 and is now on the other side of marriage by 18 years. 00:41:21.879 --> 00:41:23.139 A true old foge. 00:41:24.879 --> 00:41:26.719 But here is my advice to you. 00:41:28.039 --> 00:41:30.839 I direct this to the young people among us, 00:41:30.840 --> 00:41:37.820 particularly those who are really in this matter of thinking about marriage and so on. 00:41:39.059 --> 00:41:40.620 Two little bits of advice. 00:41:41.900 --> 00:41:42.840 Bit number one. 00:41:44.700 --> 00:41:47.019 Date wisely. 00:41:49.200 --> 00:41:51.220 Date wisely. 00:41:51.219 --> 00:41:51.299 Date wisely. 00:41:53.419 --> 00:41:55.339 Now, that's a broad generalization. 00:41:56.519 --> 00:41:58.039 I've got to put some meat on that. 00:41:59.699 --> 00:42:00.879 Date wisely. 00:42:02.079 --> 00:42:03.859 Now, some of your parents are about to say, 00:42:03.980 --> 00:42:05.419 Amen, amen, give it to them. 00:42:05.939 --> 00:42:08.879 And you may say, 00:42:08.919 --> 00:42:10.819 I'll never darken the door of Cedarville College again. 00:42:11.639 --> 00:42:12.159 Et cetera. 00:42:13.879 --> 00:42:14.779 I don't care. 00:42:15.179 --> 00:42:15.939 Yes, I do. 00:42:19.000 --> 00:42:20.459 Forgive me for teasing with you. 00:42:21.219 --> 00:42:23.000 But do date wisely. 00:42:23.179 --> 00:42:24.759 Use your head when you date. 00:42:25.879 --> 00:42:27.639 Just some disconnected thoughts. 00:42:27.779 --> 00:42:28.279 Young people, 00:42:29.159 --> 00:42:30.439 a dating relationship 00:42:30.439 --> 00:42:32.419 should begin with friendship 00:42:32.419 --> 00:42:35.379 and then move to courtship 00:42:35.379 --> 00:42:37.299 and then move to mateship. 00:42:38.799 --> 00:42:40.119 Don't get in a big hurry. 00:42:41.480 --> 00:42:43.439 Don't rush into anything. 00:42:44.859 --> 00:42:45.579 Somebody says, 00:42:45.659 --> 00:42:47.699 Oh, man, we fell in love so quickly. 00:42:47.779 --> 00:42:48.699 We're going to fall out of it. 00:42:48.739 --> 00:42:49.539 We better do something. 00:42:49.539 --> 00:42:52.199 That's ridiculous. 00:42:54.500 --> 00:42:55.239 You say, 00:42:55.300 --> 00:42:57.019 Well, I'm not going to see her for the whole summer. 00:42:57.179 --> 00:42:57.599 Woo! 00:42:58.380 --> 00:42:59.159 Three months? 00:42:59.239 --> 00:42:59.860 I don't know. 00:43:00.759 --> 00:43:02.460 She may find somebody else. 00:43:02.719 --> 00:43:03.380 Et cetera. 00:43:04.779 --> 00:43:05.259 Listen, 00:43:05.779 --> 00:43:08.279 the acid test of the real thing 00:43:08.279 --> 00:43:09.239 is time. 00:43:10.199 --> 00:43:11.779 And if it won't last three months, 00:43:11.820 --> 00:43:13.079 it'll never last a lifetime. 00:43:13.079 --> 00:43:16.079 And if it doesn't last three months, 00:43:16.759 --> 00:43:20.099 thank God that he showed you when he did. 00:43:21.159 --> 00:43:23.319 There is no rush, believe it or not. 00:43:24.500 --> 00:43:26.119 There is no rush. 00:43:26.199 --> 00:43:26.940 Take your time. 00:43:27.539 --> 00:43:28.340 Be wise. 00:43:29.000 --> 00:43:29.699 Use your head. 00:43:29.699 --> 00:43:33.139 Don't get in a big hurry. 00:43:34.779 --> 00:43:35.359 By the way, 00:43:35.419 --> 00:43:35.859 this is not, 00:43:35.980 --> 00:43:36.960 Thus saith the Lord now. 00:43:37.019 --> 00:43:37.299 This is, 00:43:37.379 --> 00:43:38.159 Thus saith Warren. 00:43:39.579 --> 00:43:40.759 Please remember that. 00:43:41.799 --> 00:43:44.619 Although I think there's some valid Christian experience 00:43:44.619 --> 00:43:45.699 along the line here. 00:43:48.099 --> 00:43:49.399 Another little bit of advice 00:43:49.399 --> 00:43:51.819 on what I'm going to call dating wisely. 00:43:51.820 --> 00:43:54.940 When you do date people, 00:43:55.860 --> 00:43:57.380 you ought to date those 00:43:57.380 --> 00:43:59.559 whom you would be proud to marry. 00:44:01.180 --> 00:44:02.120 After all, 00:44:02.240 --> 00:44:03.980 is not the dating game 00:44:03.980 --> 00:44:05.780 really about the whole thing 00:44:05.780 --> 00:44:06.780 of mate selection? 00:44:07.760 --> 00:44:09.380 Aren't we really testing 00:44:09.380 --> 00:44:10.820 one another's personalities? 00:44:12.360 --> 00:44:14.160 Seeing how we fit together 00:44:14.160 --> 00:44:15.920 with the thought of finding a mate? 00:44:16.120 --> 00:44:18.240 Isn't that the ultimate goal? 00:44:20.240 --> 00:44:21.500 I say to you that 00:44:21.500 --> 00:44:24.019 if that is the ultimate goal in dating, 00:44:25.480 --> 00:44:27.139 then why fiddle around with people 00:44:27.139 --> 00:44:29.079 whom you would not think of marrying? 00:44:31.139 --> 00:44:33.559 We ought to be dating those people 00:44:33.559 --> 00:44:36.400 and associating ourselves with those people 00:44:36.400 --> 00:44:40.599 and checking out our personality match 00:44:40.599 --> 00:44:41.900 with those people 00:44:41.900 --> 00:44:44.300 whom we would be proud to marry. 00:44:47.500 --> 00:44:50.199 Another bit of homespun wisdom, I think. 00:44:51.500 --> 00:44:55.219 is that we ought not to be going to places 00:44:55.219 --> 00:44:59.760 where our old sinful nature 00:44:59.760 --> 00:45:02.099 is going to be stirred up. 00:45:04.000 --> 00:45:05.980 Now, I'm going to base that one on Scripture. 00:45:06.139 --> 00:45:07.619 That is not an opinion, frankly. 00:45:07.619 --> 00:45:11.759 Would you look at me at 1 Peter 2? 00:45:14.159 --> 00:45:15.500 I'm talking to you now 00:45:15.500 --> 00:45:17.739 as if I had been your pastor for 10 years. 00:45:18.739 --> 00:45:20.319 10-year pastors can get away 00:45:20.319 --> 00:45:22.199 with a lot more than a one-year pastor. 00:45:22.880 --> 00:45:24.219 So I say 10 years, 00:45:24.299 --> 00:45:25.859 and you can throw me out the door this, 00:45:27.159 --> 00:45:27.859 you know, tomorrow. 00:45:28.000 --> 00:45:28.900 I understand that. 00:45:29.739 --> 00:45:31.019 But you're not going to do that. 00:45:31.019 --> 00:45:33.679 1 Peter 2.11. 00:45:34.679 --> 00:45:36.940 You know, I might as well say it. 00:45:37.239 --> 00:45:38.199 Young people say, 00:45:38.320 --> 00:45:40.800 well, why can't we go to the movies? 00:45:41.000 --> 00:45:44.380 Or why can't we go to this disco place? 00:45:44.420 --> 00:45:46.699 Or why can't we do this and so on? 00:45:46.739 --> 00:45:48.960 You plug in whatever the option is. 00:45:49.500 --> 00:45:51.199 And then, oh, those funny-duddy parents 00:45:51.199 --> 00:45:53.059 and those miserable Christians at Maranatha. 00:45:53.280 --> 00:45:54.019 Brr, brr, brr, brr. 00:45:54.019 --> 00:45:56.360 Or Christianity, negative, bye-bye. 00:45:58.259 --> 00:45:59.500 I was young once. 00:46:01.139 --> 00:46:03.239 And you say, where is the verse in the Bible 00:46:03.239 --> 00:46:05.539 that says you can't do this and you can't do that? 00:46:07.199 --> 00:46:08.960 Who said there's supposed to be one 00:46:08.960 --> 00:46:10.780 that nails every particular sin? 00:46:12.139 --> 00:46:12.800 Is there? 00:46:13.219 --> 00:46:14.219 Well, of course not. 00:46:15.039 --> 00:46:16.340 We'll talk about that down the road. 00:46:16.420 --> 00:46:17.179 That's another subject. 00:46:18.139 --> 00:46:19.099 But look at this verse. 00:46:20.480 --> 00:46:21.320 Dearly beloved, 00:46:21.320 --> 00:46:24.000 I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, 00:46:24.019 --> 00:46:29.079 abstain from fleshly lusts 00:46:29.079 --> 00:46:32.519 which war against the soul. 00:46:33.340 --> 00:46:35.699 My opinion, that is the finest verse 00:46:35.699 --> 00:46:36.780 in the New Testament 00:46:36.780 --> 00:46:39.900 telling me to stay away from the dance hall 00:46:39.900 --> 00:46:41.579 and stay away from the movies 00:46:41.579 --> 00:46:44.539 and stay away from all kinds of worldly pleasures. 00:46:45.000 --> 00:46:45.759 Do you know why? 00:46:46.659 --> 00:46:50.460 Because there is within my own heart 00:46:50.460 --> 00:46:53.199 a fleshly nature 00:46:53.199 --> 00:46:56.419 and there are places of entertainment 00:46:56.419 --> 00:46:58.259 and there are styles of music 00:46:58.259 --> 00:46:59.439 and movies, etc. 00:46:59.679 --> 00:47:03.099 that just war against my soul. 00:47:04.379 --> 00:47:05.319 And you may say, 00:47:05.439 --> 00:47:07.539 I don't see anything wrong with them. 00:47:07.639 --> 00:47:08.739 That's not the question. 00:47:09.000 --> 00:47:10.739 Is there anything right with them? 00:47:11.299 --> 00:47:12.839 What do they do for me? 00:47:13.219 --> 00:47:14.739 They don't do anything for me. 00:47:14.819 --> 00:47:16.419 They war against my soul. 00:47:16.420 --> 00:47:19.860 And what does Peter say about those things? 00:47:20.539 --> 00:47:21.019 Abstain. 00:47:23.099 --> 00:47:23.980 Say no. 00:47:24.320 --> 00:47:25.480 Steer clear of them 00:47:25.480 --> 00:47:28.440 so that in your dating, 00:47:29.940 --> 00:47:31.840 yes, you're going to have to be creative. 00:47:32.980 --> 00:47:34.220 Yes, you're going to have to think, 00:47:34.300 --> 00:47:35.480 now where can we go 00:47:35.480 --> 00:47:37.380 that will be wholesome and healthy 00:47:37.380 --> 00:47:39.180 and we're going to have to work hard 00:47:39.180 --> 00:47:40.240 at this kind of thing. 00:47:40.239 --> 00:47:41.239 But, beloved friends, 00:47:41.759 --> 00:47:43.199 there are places 00:47:43.199 --> 00:47:45.179 and there are activities 00:47:45.179 --> 00:47:46.959 and there are things to do 00:47:46.959 --> 00:47:48.879 if you want to find them. 00:47:49.619 --> 00:47:50.199 They're there. 00:47:52.799 --> 00:47:55.500 So, in dating wisely, 00:47:56.459 --> 00:47:59.319 do not think you have to get 00:47:59.319 --> 00:48:00.719 as close as you can 00:48:00.719 --> 00:48:02.279 to the worldly activities. 00:48:02.799 --> 00:48:03.500 You don't. 00:48:03.500 --> 00:48:05.639 And the major reason 00:48:05.639 --> 00:48:06.519 is not because 00:48:06.519 --> 00:48:08.079 the church says so 00:48:08.079 --> 00:48:09.579 or here's this rule book 00:48:09.579 --> 00:48:10.300 I've got to keep. 00:48:10.480 --> 00:48:11.880 No, that's not the reason. 00:48:12.840 --> 00:48:14.059 The reason is because 00:48:14.059 --> 00:48:15.480 in my own heart 00:48:15.480 --> 00:48:17.179 there's a propensity 00:48:17.179 --> 00:48:19.199 for every wicked thing 00:48:19.199 --> 00:48:21.000 if I just turn it loose. 00:48:22.260 --> 00:48:23.099 And you know what? 00:48:23.519 --> 00:48:25.019 You've got a heart just like mine. 00:48:26.900 --> 00:48:28.019 So be wise 00:48:28.019 --> 00:48:29.880 with whom you go 00:48:29.880 --> 00:48:31.559 and be wise 00:48:31.559 --> 00:48:32.599 where you go. 00:48:33.820 --> 00:48:35.260 I'll go one step further. 00:48:36.260 --> 00:48:37.280 Be wise when you go. 00:48:39.760 --> 00:48:40.760 Be yourself. 00:48:43.260 --> 00:48:44.460 You know, you get all nervous 00:48:44.460 --> 00:48:45.360 those early days. 00:48:45.460 --> 00:48:46.480 Oh, what do we talk about? 00:48:46.559 --> 00:48:47.119 What do we do? 00:48:47.280 --> 00:48:47.500 Ooh. 00:48:50.320 --> 00:48:51.159 By the way, 00:48:51.260 --> 00:48:52.280 if you feel that way, 00:48:52.519 --> 00:48:53.059 you're normal. 00:48:55.500 --> 00:48:56.659 Thank God you're normal. 00:48:58.300 --> 00:48:59.519 But be yourself. 00:49:01.039 --> 00:49:02.159 Learn to talk. 00:49:02.159 --> 00:49:05.000 Learn to be a good conversationalist. 00:49:06.019 --> 00:49:06.759 This is where 00:49:06.759 --> 00:49:08.440 double dating helps so much. 00:49:08.539 --> 00:49:09.819 Group dating helps kids 00:49:09.819 --> 00:49:10.599 to get started 00:49:10.599 --> 00:49:12.599 so they can learn to talk 00:49:12.599 --> 00:49:14.059 instead of touch. 00:49:16.119 --> 00:49:17.039 Now there's a time 00:49:17.039 --> 00:49:18.079 and a place for touching. 00:49:19.239 --> 00:49:20.940 It happens to be in marriage. 00:49:22.299 --> 00:49:23.199 Not before. 00:49:23.339 --> 00:49:24.839 And I'll not back down on that. 00:49:25.379 --> 00:49:27.480 Touching is for marriage. 00:49:27.480 --> 00:49:29.280 We ought not to be fondling 00:49:29.280 --> 00:49:30.519 one another's bodies 00:49:30.519 --> 00:49:31.659 outside of marriage. 00:49:33.059 --> 00:49:33.539 Absolutely. 00:49:35.079 --> 00:49:36.760 But there is a time for talk 00:49:36.760 --> 00:49:38.119 and we need to learn to talk. 00:49:38.740 --> 00:49:40.219 To carry on a good, 00:49:40.320 --> 00:49:41.639 intelligent conversation 00:49:41.639 --> 00:49:43.300 with one another. 00:49:45.500 --> 00:49:46.820 And keep our hands off 00:49:46.820 --> 00:49:47.420 of each other. 00:49:49.519 --> 00:49:50.780 And I'll go one step further. 00:49:51.139 --> 00:49:52.139 I'm getting that limb out 00:49:52.139 --> 00:49:52.880 further and further 00:49:52.880 --> 00:49:53.599 and they're just going 00:49:53.599 --> 00:49:55.280 that's okay. 00:49:56.840 --> 00:49:57.740 That's my opinion. 00:49:57.880 --> 00:49:58.380 There it is. 00:49:58.480 --> 00:49:59.320 You're going to get it though. 00:50:01.500 --> 00:50:03.079 I say this with all seriousness. 00:50:04.300 --> 00:50:05.300 Save your kisses 00:50:05.300 --> 00:50:07.480 for the one you marry. 00:50:07.680 --> 00:50:09.140 Oh, you're crazy. 00:50:09.400 --> 00:50:09.880 You're nuts. 00:50:10.119 --> 00:50:11.400 Oh, whoever does that. 00:50:11.599 --> 00:50:13.579 You're really in another generation. 00:50:14.700 --> 00:50:15.760 I'll say it again. 00:50:16.320 --> 00:50:17.300 Save your kisses 00:50:17.300 --> 00:50:18.680 for the one you're going to marry. 00:50:18.860 --> 00:50:19.340 You know why? 00:50:19.840 --> 00:50:20.800 It'll be worth it. 00:50:20.800 --> 00:50:23.580 It'll be worth it. 00:50:23.720 --> 00:50:24.920 Sometimes we have the notion 00:50:24.920 --> 00:50:27.000 that a goodnight kiss 00:50:27.000 --> 00:50:28.840 is the way the girl pays 00:50:28.840 --> 00:50:29.920 the young man back 00:50:29.920 --> 00:50:30.680 for a goodnight. 00:50:33.200 --> 00:50:34.580 You don't owe him 00:50:34.580 --> 00:50:35.519 a goodnight kiss. 00:50:36.660 --> 00:50:37.960 You owe him a thank you. 00:50:39.100 --> 00:50:40.740 But you don't owe him your body. 00:50:42.300 --> 00:50:43.380 Beloved young people, 00:50:43.940 --> 00:50:45.600 be wise 00:50:45.600 --> 00:50:47.960 in your dating. 00:50:47.960 --> 00:50:52.300 That was thought number one. 00:50:53.780 --> 00:50:54.860 Thought number two. 00:50:56.159 --> 00:50:58.199 Not only date wisely, 00:50:59.340 --> 00:51:00.780 but secondly, 00:51:01.760 --> 00:51:03.659 date widely. 00:51:05.980 --> 00:51:06.619 Widely. 00:51:07.079 --> 00:51:08.400 Warren, that is your opinion? 00:51:09.280 --> 00:51:10.240 Dad told you that. 00:51:11.679 --> 00:51:12.679 It's all this. 00:51:12.679 --> 00:51:14.579 But I'll bet you 00:51:14.579 --> 00:51:15.519 there's some parents 00:51:15.519 --> 00:51:17.239 who've told you that too. 00:51:19.079 --> 00:51:20.679 Date widely. 00:51:21.819 --> 00:51:22.819 Now we've got a problem 00:51:22.819 --> 00:51:23.739 along this line. 00:51:23.859 --> 00:51:25.219 We really do have a problem, 00:51:25.339 --> 00:51:26.259 and I'm very serious 00:51:26.259 --> 00:51:27.179 when I say this. 00:51:28.319 --> 00:51:30.000 When I was a kid in school, 00:51:30.099 --> 00:51:31.159 and that was in the dark ages, 00:51:31.199 --> 00:51:32.039 you already know that, 00:51:33.480 --> 00:51:34.579 going steady 00:51:34.579 --> 00:51:35.579 was the big thing 00:51:35.579 --> 00:51:36.239 in high school. 00:51:36.879 --> 00:51:38.419 And she had his sweater 00:51:38.419 --> 00:51:39.599 and this great big ring 00:51:39.599 --> 00:51:40.219 that didn't fit her. 00:51:40.219 --> 00:51:41.299 she had to put tape 00:51:41.299 --> 00:51:42.839 and all kinds of things 00:51:42.839 --> 00:51:43.299 around it, 00:51:43.339 --> 00:51:43.500 you know, 00:51:43.539 --> 00:51:44.139 and sometimes they 00:51:44.139 --> 00:51:45.059 walked around their neck 00:51:45.059 --> 00:51:45.799 and they walked around 00:51:45.799 --> 00:51:46.379 like this. 00:51:49.099 --> 00:51:50.259 That was the big thing 00:51:50.259 --> 00:51:50.959 in high school. 00:51:52.839 --> 00:51:54.219 Now it's the big thing 00:51:54.219 --> 00:51:55.159 in the fourth grade. 00:51:57.939 --> 00:51:59.219 You think I'm teasing. 00:51:59.980 --> 00:52:01.159 How about the second grade? 00:52:01.159 --> 00:52:04.980 That's right. 00:52:05.039 --> 00:52:05.219 You say, 00:52:05.279 --> 00:52:05.440 oh, 00:52:05.480 --> 00:52:06.739 that's only in a public school. 00:52:07.159 --> 00:52:07.460 No, 00:52:07.539 --> 00:52:07.899 it isn't. 00:52:09.819 --> 00:52:10.420 You see, 00:52:10.519 --> 00:52:11.379 our young people 00:52:11.379 --> 00:52:12.420 are getting pushed 00:52:12.420 --> 00:52:14.000 more and more, 00:52:14.579 --> 00:52:15.619 younger and younger, 00:52:16.099 --> 00:52:16.940 into this business. 00:52:17.059 --> 00:52:17.980 You've got to pair up, 00:52:18.119 --> 00:52:18.699 team up, 00:52:19.079 --> 00:52:19.879 separate out. 00:52:20.899 --> 00:52:22.119 Johnny's got a girlfriend, 00:52:22.500 --> 00:52:23.659 Johnny's got a girlfriend, 00:52:24.019 --> 00:52:24.279 you know. 00:52:24.280 --> 00:52:26.220 What's wrong 00:52:26.220 --> 00:52:27.360 with having a friend 00:52:27.360 --> 00:52:29.140 who happens to be a girl? 00:52:30.640 --> 00:52:31.519 Whatever happened 00:52:31.519 --> 00:52:32.300 to the concept 00:52:32.300 --> 00:52:33.240 of friendship 00:52:33.240 --> 00:52:36.300 across the lines here? 00:52:38.740 --> 00:52:40.780 There is an exclusiveness 00:52:40.780 --> 00:52:42.040 that comes in 00:52:42.040 --> 00:52:43.180 to relationships 00:52:43.180 --> 00:52:45.960 all too early. 00:52:48.860 --> 00:52:49.380 Why? 00:52:49.380 --> 00:52:52.400 I don't want to be 00:52:52.400 --> 00:52:53.840 too hard on young people. 00:52:54.059 --> 00:52:54.980 I want them 00:52:54.980 --> 00:52:56.160 to understand that. 00:52:57.400 --> 00:52:57.920 But young people, 00:52:58.019 --> 00:52:58.559 I'd like you to 00:52:58.559 --> 00:52:59.920 analyze something with me. 00:53:00.599 --> 00:53:01.480 Why do you have 00:53:01.480 --> 00:53:02.200 to go steady? 00:53:03.800 --> 00:53:04.240 Why? 00:53:06.140 --> 00:53:07.619 I honestly do not think 00:53:07.619 --> 00:53:08.640 it's because of love. 00:53:09.920 --> 00:53:10.360 Oh, 00:53:10.539 --> 00:53:11.700 I just love him, 00:53:11.760 --> 00:53:12.660 I just love her, 00:53:12.720 --> 00:53:13.840 et cetera. 00:53:14.660 --> 00:53:15.660 And even if you say 00:53:15.660 --> 00:53:16.460 it's puppy love 00:53:16.460 --> 00:53:17.660 that leads to a dog's life, 00:53:17.760 --> 00:53:19.360 it's still not that strong. 00:53:19.380 --> 00:53:23.579 Why do young people 00:53:23.579 --> 00:53:24.160 go steady? 00:53:24.260 --> 00:53:24.860 Why do they want 00:53:24.860 --> 00:53:25.480 to go steady? 00:53:26.960 --> 00:53:28.420 As I have observed it, 00:53:28.660 --> 00:53:29.660 here are some reasons. 00:53:30.840 --> 00:53:31.200 Fear. 00:53:33.280 --> 00:53:34.039 There's a little bit 00:53:34.039 --> 00:53:34.820 of security. 00:53:35.160 --> 00:53:35.360 You know, 00:53:35.519 --> 00:53:37.160 I'm not alone 00:53:37.160 --> 00:53:38.780 and I don't have 00:53:38.780 --> 00:53:39.320 to worry about 00:53:39.320 --> 00:53:39.860 whether I'm going 00:53:39.860 --> 00:53:40.539 to have a date 00:53:40.539 --> 00:53:41.340 or not for this 00:53:41.340 --> 00:53:42.260 or that function. 00:53:43.619 --> 00:53:44.200 There's a bit 00:53:44.200 --> 00:53:45.440 of insecurity there. 00:53:46.720 --> 00:53:47.240 And so we think 00:53:47.240 --> 00:53:48.059 if we can nail 00:53:48.059 --> 00:53:49.000 somebody down, 00:53:49.000 --> 00:53:49.920 and they've got 00:53:49.920 --> 00:53:50.539 our ring 00:53:50.539 --> 00:53:51.300 or something, 00:53:51.400 --> 00:53:53.380 maybe just not even 00:53:53.380 --> 00:53:54.460 in the open relationship, 00:53:54.619 --> 00:53:55.400 just, you know, 00:53:55.460 --> 00:53:56.280 we got it. 00:53:56.980 --> 00:53:57.519 He's mine, 00:53:57.599 --> 00:53:58.079 she's hers, 00:53:58.159 --> 00:53:58.500 et cetera. 00:54:00.219 --> 00:54:00.659 Security. 00:54:03.739 --> 00:54:04.179 Fear. 00:54:04.179 --> 00:54:06.940 I think sometimes 00:54:06.940 --> 00:54:07.759 kids get sucked 00:54:07.759 --> 00:54:08.199 into this 00:54:08.199 --> 00:54:08.679 just because 00:54:08.679 --> 00:54:09.440 it's the thing 00:54:09.440 --> 00:54:09.839 to do. 00:54:11.960 --> 00:54:12.319 Conformity 00:54:12.319 --> 00:54:12.799 to the group, 00:54:12.879 --> 00:54:13.480 everybody else. 00:54:13.559 --> 00:54:14.199 And Johnny's going 00:54:14.199 --> 00:54:14.919 with Susie 00:54:14.919 --> 00:54:15.619 and Mike's going 00:54:15.619 --> 00:54:16.019 with Sally. 00:54:16.079 --> 00:54:16.559 I've got to go 00:54:16.559 --> 00:54:17.299 with somebody else. 00:54:17.379 --> 00:54:18.000 I'm on the outside 00:54:18.000 --> 00:54:18.919 looking in around here. 00:54:20.679 --> 00:54:21.299 Just a little bit 00:54:21.299 --> 00:54:21.879 of security, 00:54:22.039 --> 00:54:22.440 a little bit 00:54:22.440 --> 00:54:23.239 of conformity. 00:54:24.199 --> 00:54:25.219 I'm saying to you, 00:54:25.460 --> 00:54:25.839 think. 00:54:25.840 --> 00:54:29.019 don't allow yourself 00:54:29.019 --> 00:54:29.920 to get locked 00:54:29.920 --> 00:54:31.640 in too quickly. 00:54:33.460 --> 00:54:34.760 You need to have 00:54:34.760 --> 00:54:36.160 a random dating 00:54:36.160 --> 00:54:37.100 experience 00:54:37.100 --> 00:54:38.380 where you learn 00:54:38.380 --> 00:54:39.340 what various 00:54:39.340 --> 00:54:40.320 kinds of 00:54:40.320 --> 00:54:41.100 personalities 00:54:41.100 --> 00:54:42.539 are like. 00:54:43.059 --> 00:54:44.059 You also need 00:54:44.059 --> 00:54:44.680 to do that 00:54:44.680 --> 00:54:45.860 so you will learn 00:54:45.860 --> 00:54:47.579 what you are like. 00:54:48.300 --> 00:54:49.140 Because believe it 00:54:49.140 --> 00:54:49.519 or not, 00:54:49.680 --> 00:54:50.680 you don't know you. 00:54:50.679 --> 00:54:53.019 And if you lock 00:54:53.019 --> 00:54:53.940 yourself in 00:54:53.940 --> 00:54:55.039 to one person, 00:54:55.399 --> 00:54:56.319 you're probably 00:54:56.319 --> 00:54:57.399 asking for some 00:54:57.399 --> 00:54:58.219 real heartache 00:54:58.219 --> 00:54:59.819 and some real 00:54:59.819 --> 00:55:00.759 jolts. 00:55:02.619 --> 00:55:03.199 Now I have 00:55:03.199 --> 00:55:03.980 counseled a lot 00:55:03.980 --> 00:55:04.559 of young people 00:55:04.559 --> 00:55:05.399 in college. 00:55:06.399 --> 00:55:07.279 And almost 00:55:07.279 --> 00:55:07.919 to a man 00:55:07.919 --> 00:55:08.500 they say, 00:55:08.599 --> 00:55:09.419 oh we prefer 00:55:09.419 --> 00:55:10.599 to date one person 00:55:10.599 --> 00:55:11.619 for two or three 00:55:11.619 --> 00:55:12.379 or four months 00:55:12.379 --> 00:55:13.239 and if the thing 00:55:13.239 --> 00:55:13.940 drops out 00:55:13.940 --> 00:55:14.919 we bomb it, 00:55:14.980 --> 00:55:15.519 we'll pick up 00:55:15.519 --> 00:55:16.239 somebody else 00:55:16.239 --> 00:55:17.199 and go two or three months 00:55:17.199 --> 00:55:17.719 and I'm going to tell you 00:55:17.719 --> 00:55:18.019 something, 00:55:18.399 --> 00:55:19.079 that's a hard 00:55:19.079 --> 00:55:19.599 road to go. 00:55:20.679 --> 00:55:21.859 And I realize 00:55:21.859 --> 00:55:22.279 there's something 00:55:22.279 --> 00:55:23.239 else going on too. 00:55:23.619 --> 00:55:24.379 That's this whole 00:55:24.379 --> 00:55:25.279 concept of 00:55:25.279 --> 00:55:26.419 when all the kids 00:55:26.419 --> 00:55:26.980 at school 00:55:26.980 --> 00:55:28.000 see him and her 00:55:28.000 --> 00:55:28.500 on a date 00:55:28.500 --> 00:55:28.799 and they say, 00:55:28.839 --> 00:55:29.339 ah, 00:55:29.440 --> 00:55:29.879 they're on the 00:55:29.879 --> 00:55:30.679 marriage trail 00:55:30.679 --> 00:55:31.179 already. 00:55:31.980 --> 00:55:32.940 One date. 00:55:33.859 --> 00:55:34.679 Maybe two. 00:55:34.839 --> 00:55:35.460 They're engaged 00:55:35.460 --> 00:55:36.179 after three. 00:55:37.940 --> 00:55:38.379 You know, 00:55:38.440 --> 00:55:39.319 there's this whole 00:55:39.319 --> 00:55:40.559 rating system 00:55:40.559 --> 00:55:41.460 of the kids, 00:55:41.579 --> 00:55:42.399 they've got everybody 00:55:42.399 --> 00:55:43.139 hooked together 00:55:43.139 --> 00:55:44.059 whether they're 00:55:44.059 --> 00:55:44.779 hooked or not. 00:55:45.839 --> 00:55:46.779 I'd like to just 00:55:46.779 --> 00:55:47.819 go boom, 00:55:48.079 --> 00:55:48.719 forget the whole 00:55:48.719 --> 00:55:49.059 thing. 00:55:50.679 --> 00:55:51.539 and date 00:55:51.539 --> 00:55:52.599 widely. 00:55:54.419 --> 00:55:55.279 You'd be glad 00:55:55.279 --> 00:55:55.639 you did. 00:55:56.399 --> 00:55:57.399 That's Warren's opinion. 00:55:57.539 --> 00:55:57.960 I told you 00:55:57.960 --> 00:55:59.019 that's all it was. 00:56:00.079 --> 00:56:00.819 But it does fit 00:56:00.819 --> 00:56:01.679 about single living. 00:56:02.659 --> 00:56:03.279 And there is 00:56:03.279 --> 00:56:03.779 some good 00:56:03.779 --> 00:56:04.239 biblical 00:56:04.239 --> 00:56:05.859 principle, 00:56:06.440 --> 00:56:07.579 not scripture, 00:56:07.839 --> 00:56:08.719 but principle 00:56:08.719 --> 00:56:10.259 and thinking 00:56:10.259 --> 00:56:10.960 and Christian 00:56:10.960 --> 00:56:11.879 experience 00:56:11.879 --> 00:56:13.919 behind it. 00:56:13.920 --> 00:56:15.240 Okay, 00:56:15.300 --> 00:56:15.760 we move away 00:56:15.760 --> 00:56:16.280 from that 00:56:16.280 --> 00:56:17.340 to one final 00:56:17.340 --> 00:56:18.119 third 00:56:18.119 --> 00:56:19.659 on the single 00:56:19.659 --> 00:56:20.059 life. 00:56:21.180 --> 00:56:22.000 You've forgotten 00:56:22.000 --> 00:56:22.480 it by now 00:56:22.480 --> 00:56:22.940 so I've got to 00:56:22.940 --> 00:56:23.480 remind you. 00:56:24.680 --> 00:56:25.280 Resolves. 00:56:26.820 --> 00:56:27.420 Resolves. 00:56:29.019 --> 00:56:30.019 I would like you 00:56:30.019 --> 00:56:30.579 to go out 00:56:30.579 --> 00:56:31.280 of this place 00:56:31.280 --> 00:56:31.740 tonight 00:56:31.740 --> 00:56:34.960 with some 00:56:34.960 --> 00:56:35.960 godly 00:56:35.960 --> 00:56:37.460 determinations 00:56:37.460 --> 00:56:38.539 in your 00:56:38.539 --> 00:56:38.840 heart. 00:56:40.420 --> 00:56:41.240 Whether you 00:56:41.240 --> 00:56:41.800 are young 00:56:41.800 --> 00:56:42.360 or old, 00:56:42.480 --> 00:56:43.000 single or 00:56:43.000 --> 00:56:43.420 married, 00:56:44.340 --> 00:56:45.000 although it 00:56:45.000 --> 00:56:45.500 won't fit 00:56:45.500 --> 00:56:46.079 to everybody 00:56:46.079 --> 00:56:46.519 in those 00:56:46.519 --> 00:56:47.059 categories. 00:56:49.440 --> 00:56:49.960 Resolve 00:56:49.960 --> 00:56:50.699 number one, 00:56:51.300 --> 00:56:52.019 growing out 00:56:52.019 --> 00:56:52.519 of all that 00:56:52.519 --> 00:56:53.099 we've said. 00:56:53.960 --> 00:56:54.440 By the way, 00:56:54.500 --> 00:56:54.880 this is not 00:56:54.880 --> 00:56:55.619 opinion now. 00:56:56.440 --> 00:56:57.280 This is based 00:56:57.280 --> 00:56:57.900 on scripture. 00:56:59.500 --> 00:57:00.099 Resolve 00:57:00.099 --> 00:57:00.720 number one, 00:57:00.719 --> 00:57:04.279 I will 00:57:04.279 --> 00:57:05.399 marry 00:57:05.399 --> 00:57:07.299 only 00:57:07.299 --> 00:57:09.299 if it is 00:57:09.299 --> 00:57:09.619 the will 00:57:09.619 --> 00:57:10.199 of God 00:57:10.199 --> 00:57:11.179 for me. 00:57:13.319 --> 00:57:13.959 You see, 00:57:14.039 --> 00:57:14.480 the question 00:57:14.480 --> 00:57:15.219 really should 00:57:15.219 --> 00:57:16.079 not be 00:57:16.079 --> 00:57:17.179 who will 00:57:17.179 --> 00:57:17.759 I marry? 00:57:18.139 --> 00:57:18.519 At least 00:57:18.519 --> 00:57:18.879 that's not 00:57:18.879 --> 00:57:19.239 the first 00:57:19.239 --> 00:57:19.679 question. 00:57:20.319 --> 00:57:21.019 The first 00:57:21.019 --> 00:57:21.519 question is 00:57:21.519 --> 00:57:22.359 to back up 00:57:22.359 --> 00:57:22.959 one step 00:57:22.959 --> 00:57:23.359 and say, 00:57:23.739 --> 00:57:24.359 is it 00:57:24.359 --> 00:57:24.980 God's will 00:57:24.980 --> 00:57:25.559 for me 00:57:25.559 --> 00:57:26.439 to marry? 00:57:27.939 --> 00:57:28.639 If the 00:57:28.639 --> 00:57:29.319 single life 00:57:29.319 --> 00:57:30.199 is a 00:57:30.199 --> 00:57:31.099 viable option, 00:57:31.099 --> 00:57:31.739 if I have 00:57:31.739 --> 00:57:32.259 interpreted 00:57:32.259 --> 00:57:33.019 those passages 00:57:33.019 --> 00:57:33.599 correctly, 00:57:33.679 --> 00:57:34.139 and I think 00:57:34.139 --> 00:57:34.579 I have, 00:57:34.639 --> 00:57:35.079 honestly, 00:57:36.659 --> 00:57:37.019 then it 00:57:37.019 --> 00:57:37.379 behooves 00:57:37.379 --> 00:57:38.439 every believer 00:57:38.439 --> 00:57:39.199 to ask 00:57:39.199 --> 00:57:39.579 him or 00:57:39.579 --> 00:57:39.980 herself 00:57:39.980 --> 00:57:40.559 the question 00:57:40.559 --> 00:57:41.059 at some 00:57:41.059 --> 00:57:41.539 time in 00:57:41.539 --> 00:57:42.039 his Christian 00:57:42.039 --> 00:57:42.699 experience, 00:57:43.139 --> 00:57:43.559 is it 00:57:43.559 --> 00:57:43.839 the will 00:57:43.839 --> 00:57:44.199 of God 00:57:44.199 --> 00:57:44.539 for me 00:57:44.539 --> 00:57:44.919 to marry 00:57:44.919 --> 00:57:45.419 or isn't 00:57:45.419 --> 00:57:45.599 it? 00:57:46.879 --> 00:57:47.399 And I'm 00:57:47.399 --> 00:57:47.980 not suggesting 00:57:47.980 --> 00:57:48.719 months of 00:57:48.719 --> 00:57:49.539 introspection, 00:57:50.419 --> 00:57:52.159 but I am 00:57:52.159 --> 00:57:52.779 saying we've 00:57:52.779 --> 00:57:53.339 got to face 00:57:53.339 --> 00:57:54.039 that question. 00:57:55.139 --> 00:57:55.879 Is it 00:57:55.879 --> 00:57:56.299 the will 00:57:56.299 --> 00:57:56.759 of God 00:57:56.759 --> 00:57:57.559 for me 00:57:57.559 --> 00:57:59.039 to marry? 00:58:00.199 --> 00:58:00.879 Or should 00:58:00.879 --> 00:58:01.319 I remain 00:58:01.319 --> 00:58:01.699 single? 00:58:02.659 --> 00:58:03.199 You mean, 00:58:03.319 --> 00:58:03.719 Mr. Warren, 00:58:03.779 --> 00:58:04.159 that even 00:58:04.159 --> 00:58:04.819 a question 00:58:04.819 --> 00:58:05.339 of that 00:58:05.339 --> 00:58:06.039 magnitude, 00:58:06.480 --> 00:58:06.879 who I'm 00:58:06.879 --> 00:58:07.159 going to 00:58:07.159 --> 00:58:07.379 marry, 00:58:07.480 --> 00:58:07.819 I have 00:58:07.819 --> 00:58:08.339 to submit 00:58:08.339 --> 00:58:09.239 even that 00:58:09.239 --> 00:58:09.679 to the 00:58:09.679 --> 00:58:10.019 will of 00:58:10.019 --> 00:58:10.599 God? 00:58:11.299 --> 00:58:11.859 I have 00:58:11.859 --> 00:58:12.079 to do 00:58:12.079 --> 00:58:12.460 the will 00:58:12.460 --> 00:58:12.759 of the 00:58:12.759 --> 00:58:12.980 Lord 00:58:12.980 --> 00:58:13.179 with 00:58:13.179 --> 00:58:13.559 regard 00:58:13.559 --> 00:58:13.779 to 00:58:13.779 --> 00:58:14.379 marriage? 00:58:16.980 --> 00:58:17.439 If you 00:58:17.439 --> 00:58:17.819 really want 00:58:17.819 --> 00:58:18.039 to be 00:58:18.039 --> 00:58:18.599 happy as a 00:58:18.599 --> 00:58:18.879 Christian, 00:58:19.039 --> 00:58:19.219 you do. 00:58:24.000 --> 00:58:24.480 We have 00:58:24.480 --> 00:58:24.619 some 00:58:24.619 --> 00:58:25.159 misconceptions 00:58:25.159 --> 00:58:25.799 about the 00:58:25.799 --> 00:58:26.099 will of 00:58:26.099 --> 00:58:26.439 God. 00:58:26.440 --> 00:58:29.179 the best 00:58:29.179 --> 00:58:29.440 thing I 00:58:29.440 --> 00:58:29.720 can say 00:58:29.720 --> 00:58:29.900 to you 00:58:29.900 --> 00:58:30.280 about the 00:58:30.280 --> 00:58:30.539 will of 00:58:30.539 --> 00:58:31.440 God is 00:58:31.440 --> 00:58:31.740 that it 00:58:31.740 --> 00:58:32.119 is the 00:58:32.119 --> 00:58:32.780 best thing 00:58:32.780 --> 00:58:33.059 in the 00:58:33.059 --> 00:58:33.460 world. 00:58:34.760 --> 00:58:35.220 It's 00:58:35.220 --> 00:58:36.079 wonderful to 00:58:36.079 --> 00:58:36.500 be in the 00:58:36.500 --> 00:58:36.800 will of 00:58:36.800 --> 00:58:37.039 God. 00:58:39.119 --> 00:58:39.740 Being in 00:58:39.740 --> 00:58:40.059 the will 00:58:40.059 --> 00:58:40.780 of God 00:58:40.780 --> 00:58:41.880 is better 00:58:41.880 --> 00:58:43.960 than being 00:58:43.960 --> 00:58:45.619 married to 00:58:45.619 --> 00:58:46.240 the wrong 00:58:46.240 --> 00:58:46.820 person. 00:58:50.240 --> 00:58:51.039 It really 00:58:51.039 --> 00:58:51.460 is. 00:58:52.980 --> 00:58:53.619 Being in 00:58:53.619 --> 00:58:53.960 the will 00:58:53.960 --> 00:58:54.440 of God 00:58:54.440 --> 00:58:55.340 is better 00:58:55.340 --> 00:58:55.980 than being 00:58:55.980 --> 00:58:56.519 married, 00:58:57.159 --> 00:58:58.059 if that's 00:58:58.059 --> 00:58:58.639 the choice. 00:59:00.380 --> 00:59:00.920 So come 00:59:00.920 --> 00:59:01.320 at it with 00:59:01.320 --> 00:59:02.019 that resolve. 00:59:02.220 --> 00:59:02.900 I will 00:59:02.900 --> 00:59:04.019 marry if 00:59:04.019 --> 00:59:04.740 it is 00:59:04.740 --> 00:59:06.260 the will 00:59:06.260 --> 00:59:06.619 of God 00:59:06.619 --> 00:59:07.079 for me. 00:59:07.159 --> 00:59:07.519 Here's a 00:59:07.519 --> 00:59:08.340 second resolve 00:59:08.340 --> 00:59:08.800 I'd like you 00:59:08.800 --> 00:59:09.360 to take home 00:59:09.360 --> 00:59:09.780 with you 00:59:09.780 --> 00:59:10.920 in your 00:59:10.920 --> 00:59:11.260 heart. 00:59:12.700 --> 00:59:13.599 If I do 00:59:13.599 --> 00:59:14.039 marry, 00:59:15.460 --> 00:59:16.220 I will 00:59:16.220 --> 00:59:17.639 marry only 00:59:17.639 --> 00:59:19.119 a believer.