Engagement: God's Ideal

This second message on Biblical marriage zeros in on the time of engagement, also known as a betrothal. Dating or courtship involves a general opportunity to get to know a variety of members of the opposite sex, whereas engagement/betrothal is a specific commitment to one individual in preparation for marriage. Four areas must be managed in this commitment: (1) the DANGER of sexual temptation; (2) the DUTY of sexual relations (only in marriage); (3) the DEVOTION of sexual restraint; and (4) the DECISION of sexual abstinence. Marriage is a lifelong decision that is not to be entered into lightly or without serious preparation. Each believer has their gift from God (v.7), and must act upon that gift by either pursuing marriage or by remaining single - both for the glory of God.