Text: Psalm 32:8; 37:23; Genesis 27:l9, 24; 3:4-5; 2 Corinthians 6:l4-l6; Psalm 25:9
What is Choice? It is selection of things: a variety of things, people, or possibilities that are the best.
What does it mean to be Deceptive? It is misleading, dishonest, false, unreliable, illusive, disingenuous, devious, etc. A number of people choose their life partners on all the wrong criteria. Some live with their choice unhappily, enduring rather than enjoying for the rest of their lives.
A woman must be matured in these six solid areas before marriage - Spritual, Social, s3xual, Emotional/Psychological, Financial and Physical. We must recognise that marriage requires sacrifice and selflessness. Before marrying, a sister should study the roles and duties of a wife, read books on marriage written by Pastor W.F Kumuyi, Pastor E.A Adeboye and other true and anionted men of God (Ephesians 5:22-3l; Colosians 3:l8; l Peter 3:l-6). Also know that no matter your age or maturity, you need to firmly wait for the will of God for it will surely come.
What are the likely things you discover when a man is deceptive?
i. The person you're communicating with doesn't answer questions directly.
ii. The person gives little detail where it matters.
iii. He gives irrelevant details where it does not count and he changes topic when you need a fact.
iv. He pause a lot while answering questions.
v. He tries to avoid eye contact.
vi. There are inconsistencies in his speeches.
vii. When he appears as though he is reading from a script in his head.
viii. When he avoids a Yes-or-No question and he begins to explain it out.
ix. When he cannot substantiate how he knew the will of God to you.
l. The Predicament of Making a Wrong Choice in a Deceptive World.
Text: I Samuel 25:25, 36; Esther l:l0-l2, l9; Proverbs l2:4
There are different ways in which wrong choices are made, and such unrighteous ways have serious consequences. Examples of such wrong ways are
i. Polygamy (the wisest man and king erred in it) - l Kings ll:l-3, 9; Nehemiah l3:26
ii. Unequal yoke (partnership with unbelievers) - 2 Corinthians 6:l4; Nehemiah l3:23-25
iii. Co-habiting - Judges l6:4
iv. Online dating - Daniel l2:4; so follow the ancient landmark of God.
v. Back door arrangement (violating set rules and church protocol).
vi. Pregnancy induced choice - Genesis 38:l-4
vii. Unnatural union - Romans l:22-27; Leviticus 20:l3
viii. Experimenting through s3xual relationship - Genesis 34:l-4
Consequences of wrong choicer are backsliding, unfaithfulness, oppression, diseases, loss of job, career retogression, divorce, wayward children, failure in ministry, loneliness, miserable life and premature death.
2. The Pitfalls to Avoid While Making a Choice in a Deceptive World.
Text: Ezekiel l4:3-4; Judges l4:l-3; l John 2:l5-l7; II Corinthians 6:l4-l6
Choice of marriage partner must not be on the basis of material possession, idol in the heart and physical consideration. On no account should a Christian get married to an unbeliever.
We should avoid those who lie (Proverbs 6:l7), those who have "flattering tongues" - Proverbs 28:23, and those who lack self-control - Proverbs 25:28. A person who lacks self-control has no defense against harm. Ruin and destruction will be his poison because he cannot keep his emotions and desires under control. l Timothy 5:8 admonishes sisters to be weary of a man who dodges responsibilities (at least one of you should be gainfully employed). Be creative. Though you have certificate, don't despise the small beginnings of doing something meaningful to earn income.
Never marry a man recommended to you by your Pastor (or other concerned bethren). Match-making remains the prerogative of the Holy Spirit. Though age is not on your side, do not eat toad which is by the pond when the Lord is preparing a bouquet table in a mansion for you.
3. The Possibilities of Making a Right Choice in a Deceptive World.
Text: Genesis 2:22-33; 4:67; Acts l8:26; Psalm 32:8; John l0:27
Knowing the will of God in marriage is undoubtedly a hard nut for many sisters to crack today. The reason is not far-fetched. Some do not pray enough for God's perfect will while others do not pray at all. They simply size up their intending spouses and hastily make up their minds to marry them. This largely accounts for the unprecedented manner in which marriges are breaking down. Most people get married today not because they love their partners but because of their wealth, popularity, certificate or connections.
The will of God is discovered by praying and patiently waiting for an answer from God. The following methods are often used to reveal God's will in marriage.
¤ Audible voice: John l0:3-5; Isaiah 30:20,2l.
¤ Spritual intuitive perception: I Samuel 3:4-l0; Acts 27:9-ll.
¤ Inner witness of the Spirit: Acts l0:l9-2l; John l6:l3; I Corinthians 2:9-l2; I Samuel 9:l5-l9; Proverbs 20:27.
¤ Spirit's confirmation of a series of events: Acts 9:26-28; ll:22-26, 29-30; l3:l-3.
¤ Spirit's restraint in our spirit: Acts l6:6-l0; I Samuel l6:6-l2.
¤ Direct revelation: Job 33:l4-l7,23,24; Acts 2:l7, l8; 8:26-29; 9:l0-l5.
¤ Divenly imparted unquenchable love: Songs of Solomon 8:6, 7; Ephesians 5:22-29; 2 Corinthians l3:l-7; l John 3:l6, l7.
A firm and watchful sistes who weeps at the feet of the Master shall receive worthy welcome as He lifts and strengthens the bent, the broken and the bruised.
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