Bible Study

Title: Your Children and Dating
Date: Aug 2, 2005
Topic(s): Sex/Sexuality
Scripture: Proverbs 22:6, Psalm 119:9, 1 Corinthians 6:18

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There's an old riddle that asks, "What is it that everyone wants to give but no one wants to take?" The answer is "advice."

You may have found as a parent that your child is less than eager to take your advice. It seems every generation thinks the previous generation lived a lot farther in the past than they actually did. The younger generation may think: How could Mom or Dad give me advice when all they had to worry about was getting stepped on by a dinosaur?

What Does God Say?

Despite any misconception your child might have, God's Word says in Proverbs 22:6:

"Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it."

• What have you done to "train up" your child? Do you feel you've been successful?
• What promise is found in this verse?

A young person especially needs instruction in the areas of relationships--and in particular when it comes to the opposite sex. So, what should you tell them?

The Bible can help you there as well. For example, Psalm 119:9 declares:

"How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Your word" (NASB).

• Put this verse into your own words so that your son or daughter will understand it.
• How can you help your child follow God's Word in his or her life?

In addition 1 Corinthians 6:18 urges us to, "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body."

• In one sense, "sin is sin." But in another sense, the apostle Paul sets sexual immorality apart. How would you explain this to your son or daughter?
• What is the appropriate response when faced with the temptation to commit sexual sin? List some practical ways you could do this.

My Thoughts

• How do you think your child might react if approached with this subject?
• How could you overcome any resistance he or she might show?

My Part

Your child needs your guidance. If you feel inadequate to discuss issues like sex and relationships, visit your local Christian bookstore to see what they might have to help you. You also can talk to your pastor or youth pastor to see if a Bible study on these topics might be offered through the youth group. Ultimately, however, the responsibility rests with you.

Additional scripture to read: Proverbs 1:10-15, Proverbs 5:3-6, Ephesians 6:4

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