A Super Job Description for Single Adults

Home Work: Straight-A Families, part 5 of 5
Pastor Vince DiPaola

I Singleness: overcoming the myths

1. Some adults are single for character reasons.

2. Some adults are single for circumstance reasons.

3. Some adults are single for calling reasons.

4. Some adults are single for commitment reasons.

II. A job description for single adults

Jesus said: “For there are different reasons why [people] cannot marry…some, because they are born that way; Others, because men made them that way; And some refuse to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone who can, accept my statement.” (Matthew 19:12, TEV & LB

“I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.” (1 Corinthians 7:35, NLT)

Observations

1. Singleness is a decision involving personal freedom choices.

2. Singleness is a decision concerning serving God priorities.

3. Singleness is a decision dealing with other people concerns.

Job title for single adults: ” free agents”

III. Practical homework for single adults

1. Remain true to God and to who you really are.

“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8, KJV)

2. Take maximum advantage of your life flexibility

“In everything you do, I want you to be* free from the concerns of this life*.” (1 Corin.7: 32,NIV)

3. Make the right call on any future marriage

“Stay single” signs:

a. I want to get married to feel better about myself

“Dear brothers and sisters. don’t let marriage be their major concern. Happiness or sadness or wealth should not keep anyone from doing God’s work.” (1 Corinthians 7:29–30, NLT)

b. We have differences but we’ll correct them in marriage

“However, I am trying to spare you the extra problems that come with marriage.” (1 Corinthians 7:28, NLT)

” Don’t be teamed up with those who do not love the Lord, for what do the people of God have in common?… How can a Christian be a partner with one who does not believe?” (2 Corinthians 6:14–15, LB)

“Pursue marriage” signs:

a. I want to get married to give myself fully to them

” The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband also gives authority over his body to his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:4, NLT)

b. We have a relationship that draws me closer to God

“…Live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:35b, NIV)

4. Remember to embrace the nearness of God

“Be content. Because God has said, ’ Never will I leave you ; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ’ The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.” (Hebrews13:5–6, NIV)

Home”Work: This week, meet with your boy/girl friend or some single friends (whichever is appropriate) to discuss the matters covered here! This week’s reading: Special Handout in your bulletins Community Groups “Marriage vs. Singleness” notes provided at group