Sunday School | Amos 1:3–5
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If you joined us last week we discussed the topic of preparation before dating. Before we even begin to date or look for love, we should take the time in our single life to prepare.
In life we prepare for tests, sporting events, or even work. But many of us fail to prepare for being in a relationship. If we preformed any of the previously mentioned tasks without preparation, we would probably expect to not do well, so why should we approach dating in such a manner?
If you remember in the first class, I asked you to list 3-5 things you look for in a person. Values are important. The topic of values comes into question often in our lives.
Ask based on number of people in class:
I want everyone to take a moment and look around you. Based on the data that we collected, there is a potential match for singles in this very room.
The data shows that almost everyone responded that honesty and loyalty were important to them. Almost without fail it was on someone’s list.
I want you to ask yourself:
How important are values in a relationship?
What values are ‘make or break’?
How important is faith in a relationship?
These are questions that we must ask ourselves and must settle them before we begin looking for a potential partner.
These questions will determine who we will consider and eliminate people who do not meet certain standards.
The standards you set will determine the standard you require as well.
I have witnessed many people who will meet someone, start dating, and consider them to be a ‘good person’ but this is typically a coping mechanism that we use to justify our decision when entering or being in a relationship with that person.
I want us to consider a thought from scripture today.
I remembered this one verse from my pastor Clay McNeese when I was still a teenager. I wish then I would have applied the wisdom from this one scripture. But we will look at a few verses and I want to use them as a means in which we approach the topic of values.
3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Israel at this was under the rule of Jeroboam II, he was considered by Israel to be a king that brought prosperity and military victory. In the eyes of the prophets, he was considered to be one of the worst kings as his wealth and success had led to apathy. He allowed the worship of idols and as a result of these things led to injustice throughout.
Here in chapter 3 of Amos, we find God making some declarations regarding his judgment against Israel for forsaking Him and following idols.
Now that we have some context to the book of Amos, lets consider the passage and make application.
What is interesting here is that there are a series of rhetorical questions here in Amos 3.
Between Amos 3:3-6, what type of questions are being asked here?
hint: are they genuine questions or rhetorical?
Rhetorical questions.
You might be asking yourself here then why does this matter, and how does this apply to my relationship life?
That is a great question.
Let’s answer the first and most important question here:
Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
No!
Can two walk together except they be agreed?] Unless they meet together, and appoint time and place, when and where they shall set out, what road they will take, and whither they will go; without such consultation and agreement, it cannot be thought they should walk together; and not amicably, unless united in friendship, and are of the same affection to each other, and of the same sentiments one with another; or it is much if they don’t fall out by the way. The design of these words is to shew, that without friendship there’s no fellowship, and without concord no communion; as this is the case between man and man, so between God and man; and that Israel could not expect that God should walk with them, and shew himself friendly to them, and continue his favours with them, when they walked contrary to him; when they were so disagreeable to him in their sentiments of religion, in their worship, and the rites of it, and in the whole of their conduct and behaviour.
I really believe we should ask ourselves this question a lot in life, whether it is regarding friends or relationships. Because it will determine the quality of friends and relationships that we develop.
Lets apply our data on values to the question:
Can two be loyal, if only one is loyal?
Can two be honest, if only one is honest?
See how we can apply values to questions that will help us remain true to the standard we set?
If you ask yourselves these questions before you enter a relationship, it will help to rationally consider your values and the other person’s values.
So what values should a person have in their life?
A Devoted Relationship with God
A Devoted Relationship with God
It may sound simple, but everyone here today is either seeking or has desire to find that person. Some here have found that person.
Look at the scripture here. The prophet relates the relationship between Israel and God like family. When you are with family, you act differently, you are typically more real and more relaxed. Relaxed is not a term that means we have become lax on our faith but it is a term that shows our level of comfort with a person.
Does the person have a relationship with God that seeks to glorify Him not simply in word but also in deed?
What about me?
Do I also have a devoted relationship with the LORD?
It is easy for us to have a standard for someone and not live up to the same on our end.
Does success or prosperity alter their relationship with God?
The people in Israel under Jeroboam’s time were seeing what seemed like success and wealth, that can change people.
What about failure?
A person that has a devoted relationship with God should be honest, loyal, and seek above all to have Christ likeness in their life.
They remain faithful through the good and the bad, not only to the LORD but also to their partner.
When Lissa and I were getting married, we made a vow that whether rich or poor, in good health or bad, we would stand by each other’s side.
For your potential partner:
How much time do they give to the LORD; each week? each day?
There are some people who believe that if they give God only an hour a week, that is sufficient for their relationship with God.
I am here to tell you that may be better than nothing at all, but it is not sufficient.
Entering into a relationship with someone who does not give God time now, will not give God more time if they add you into their schedule as well.
It is no secret that being in a relationship takes a lot of time. Sometimes as a married couple, you feel like you are only cohabiting a place with your spouse. Often due to schedule differences and such, but it is still our duty and our desire to spend time with each other. Such is a relationship with God.
Sometimes, precious sleep must be sacrificed to spend time with the LORD.
Fruit of the Spirit
Fruit of the Spirit
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Do they have the fruit of the Holy Spirit in their life?
Do I have the fruit of the Spirit in my life?
In our lives, we seem to look for certain characteristics in a person, oftentimes looks overshadows everything.
Our society has taught us that a person with certain looks is attractive because they will have all the qualities that a person desires. The truth is that is movies and not reality.
The reality is that, yes someone may be attractive, but what should always attract us first, is the fruit they bear in their life.
Are you loving?
Are you patient?
This one hits hard, as it becomes a greater struggle for me in the current world.
Do I have self-control (temperance)?
Does the person provoke you?
Provoke means:
stimulate or give rise to (a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one) in someone.
Relationships are difficult enough without your partner provoking you. It is also a reminder to us not to be an instigator of things.
Remember:
Marriage only enhances what already exists in a relationship.
That includes both the good and the bad.