Audio for the Series “What the Bible Says About Romance and Relationships”
Message #1: Why Peter Pan Wasn’t Ready for a Relationship (And Why You Might Not Be Either)
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Discussion Questions:
1. What goes on in the Jr. High world that encourages you to stir up the emotions of love before it’s the right time? How should you respond?
2. What songs, TV shows, or movies tell teenagers not to grow up, but to focus on fun and avoid responsibility?
3. What childish, selfish ways of thinking do you need to completely remove from your mind so that you can start loving others rather than yourself?
4. How does the gospel of Jesus push you to love God and others more than yourself?
5. Based on what the Bible says about who is ready for a relationship and who isn’t, are you ready for one? Yes, or no?
Message #2: What the Bible Says You Should Look for in a Guy or a Girl (apologies: we had an unknown technical issue that resulted in this message not being recorded).
Discussion Questions:
1. What things should guys look for in girls or girls look for in guys? Which passages pointed those things out?
2. How are those different from what our culture wants out of a guy or girl? Are any of them similar?
3. How do these things to look for in a guy or a girl relate to Jesus?
4. Why can’t people who don’t know Jesus expect to have a healthy relationship?
5. What does this message mean for a Christian who is attracted to a non-Christian? What does this message mean for a Christian who is attracted to another Christian who is not following eagerly after Jesus with repentance and obedience?
Message #3: How to Encourage Your Peers Towards Purity
Discussion Questions:
1. Why is it so important that we are careful not cause other’s to sin?
2. Recap the ways we can be discouraging to members of the opposite sex in thought, word, and deed. What sinful desires cause us to act out in these ways?
3. Recap the ways we can be encouraging to members of the opposite sex in thought, word, and deed. How does remembering what Jesus did for us motivate us to encourage others toward purity?
4. Which discouraging actions are you guilty of – be specific! How will you fight that sin by the power of the Spirit, so that you can be encouraging instead?
Message #4: How to Enjoy Entertainment in a Sex-Crazed World
Discussion Questions:
1. Recap the five questions to ask to figure out if a movie, TV show, or song is spiritually worth paying attention to. What shows, movies, or songs fit each question?
2. Recap the three ways you should respond a show, movie, or song that you do decide to watch/listen to. Pick a movie you have seen, and brainstorm something to fit each one.
3. What is it about how we are created that makes entertainment such a draw for us? Ultimately, how will our craving for entertainment be satisfied?
4. Think about your own habits regarding entertainment. In light of the Bible and what God has done for us, what changes do you need to make?
5. How will you keep the gospel of Jesus at the center of those changes, rather than just creating another list of rules to keep?
Message #5: The Green, Yellow, and Red Lights of Dating
Discussion Questions:
1. Recap: what are the green, yellow, and red lights of dating? How are they different from what our culture says?
2. Why is it important to determine what the green, yellow, and red lights of dating are before you start dating?
3. Are there some green lights that you are afraid to go through? What fears do you have?
4. Are there some red lights you are going through? Will you turn from your sin now that you know what God’s word says? How?
5. How does what Jesus has done – and the way he did it – change your perspective on what is and isn’t appropriate in a dating relationship.
