Singles Seminar, Stony Brook University -
Singles Seminar, LICOC Chapel, Central Islip, - June 24, 2006
How to make the most of
your singlehood
Part 1
Making the most of your YOUTH
Focus: Ecclesiastes 12
Remember God while you are young – “Make sure you have a relationship with God in your youth”
I- We take for granted the blessing of youth (vs 1 – 5)
A. Physical
life is less enjoyed as you get older if your focus is not on God
1. Bitterness settles in easier – Proverbs 19:3
2. There will be more sad moments than happy moments
3. Innocence of youth vanishes
4. You have more direct responsibilities
5. You realize you have limits
B. Maladies
of the flesh as it ages
1. Your body will loose strength
2. You wont enjoy food, sight or sound
3. Your body changes
a. Hair turns white or is gone
b. Little noises bother you
c. You startle easier
d. You get uglier
C. Emotional
challenges
1. Your confidence is less
2. Your logic and reasoning fail
3. Your desire and energy wane
II- You will die soon (vs 6 – 7)
A. Your
body will cease to function
1. Nervous System ceases to respond
2. The Brain ceases to communicate
3. The Heart Stops
4. Circulation Stops
B. Dust
returns to dust and spirit to spirit
1. Two separate natures – Romans 7:4-6, 14-25 & 8; Galatians 5:16-26
a. Flesh
b. Spirit
2. Which nature will you follow?
a. The earthly nature to the grave?
b. The Spirit back to God?
c. Where’s Your Allegiance? Romans 7:4
III- Your pursuit vs. God’s Way (vs 8 – 14)
A. Difference
between Reasoning and Revelation
1. Reasoning – Your Way – Proverbs 3:5-8
a. It is meaningless!
b. It comes from your heart
c. Only wearies the body
d. You can’t figure life out!
e. You will be bitter
f. You will be empty
g. God will judge you
2. Revelation – God’s Way
a. Comes from the Bible
b. Upright
c. True
d. They fix you firmly onto the right path
e. You will fulfill your duty as a man
f. You will be judged rightly by God
B. The
Conclusion
1. Fear God
a. Believe Him!
b. Don’t be double minded
2. Obey His Commands
a. Surrender to Him!
b. He will judge you
c. He will bring you to Eternity
Part 2
Making the most of your SINGLEHOOD
Focus: 1 Corinthians 7:7-9, 17, 20, 24, 26-35
Living the
I- Do you have the Gift? (vs 7-9)
A. Do
You Have To Get Married?
1. Societal Pressures
2. Family Pressures
3. Peer Pressure
B. Why
Do You Want To Get Married?
1. Because everyone does it…
2. It is expected of me…
3. Women
a. I met Prince Charming
b. I want to have kids
c. I want to get away from my parents
4. Men
a. I want to have sex
b. I want to settle down
c. I want to be served
II- Making the Most in Your Situation – God’s Command! (vs 17, 20, 24)
A. Retaining
Your Place in Life
1. Don’t do stuff that would make you think you would be better off
2. Don’t think yourself a better planner than God
3. Don’t try to become better on your own thoughts
4. Keep your viewpoint on the Gospel!
B. God
has stuff for you to do in the same place and condition you are in now
1. If you see God opens a door, go through it!
2. If you don’t, remain there for God has something for you to do
3. Keep your work in the Kingdom!
C. Your
responsibility to God’s calling
1. Don’t Change Your Situation Until Your responsibility is fulfilled
2. Seek the Kingdom First, not your own goals or plans!
3. Keep you loyalty undivided!
III-
Living the
A. Life
is Short
1. Don’t be engrossed in the things of the world
2. Worldly aspirations cause many troubles you don’t need to go through
B. Don’t
focus on the flesh
1. Be free from concern – the world brings trouble!
2. Don’t be restricted by your own desires, trust in God
3. Be concerned about pleasing God!
C. Learn to be undivided in your allegiance – Romans 7:4
1. It has to do with serving within your situation
2. It has to do with fulfilling your responsibility to God
3. It has to do with serving God with your body and spirit
4. It has to do with finding a compatible mate if you:
a. Don’t have the gift
b. Are burning with passion