What should be the first and mayor consideration in choosing a spouse?
(Psalm 71; 1 Cor. 10:1-13; 15:24-27) Blog Apr. 14-20, 2019
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
REVIEW: Freedom of will is a gift from God. This he gave to Adam and Eve at creation. Their free choice to sin robbed all their descendants of the freedom to choose and do right. This freedom is now given to those who hear and believe God’s Word. Apart from hearing the Gospel we are free to choose only that which promotes our selfish desires. Relationships made apart from true freedom have little chance of long term good for they are made by unregenerate people. Only when the Gospel comes to us proclaiming freedom in Christ are we given the freedom to choose and to do right. The three great choices we have in life are: Who will we worship? What will be our life work? & Who will we marry? In each a covenant should precede a relationship. Blessed is the person who makes them in that order under the guidance of God’s Spirit for they will affect not only their life but the lives of many others.
A Psalm of Preparedness for confronting life (Psalm 71:1-35; Acts 2:11)
1. When pleading for deliverance in the first six verses of Psalm 71 of what does David remind God? That God has already delivered him from his mother’s womb & kept him pure in his youth.
2. When others thought that God had abandoned David in his old age according to verses 7-16 in what did he put his hope? He didn’t put his hope in his obedience but rather he trusted only in God’s righteousness.
3. When asking God in verses 17-19 not to forsake him in his old age, for what reason does David request more life? That he might declare God’s power to save (by HIS righteousness) to the generations to come (the Psalms must be a fulfillment of this request).
4. When considering his trials and failures in verses 20-21 in what future hope does David take courage? In the hope of resurrection & eternal life.
5. When considering God’s great redemption and his protection from his enemies what was David determined to do continually? To speak of sing of & give praise all day long for God’s saving acts, his glory, & especially for HIS righteousness (see verses 8, 14, 15, & 22-24).
6. When filled with God’s Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost of what did the disciples speak? Of the wonderful works of God.
Preparation for the Stages of Life’s (Jud. 13:1-25; 1 Kings 2:1-4; Psa. 71:1-35; 90:10; Amos 3:3; 1 Cor. 15:24-26; 2 Cor. 6:13; Heb. 9:27-28)
7. What should be the first and mayor consideration in choosing a spouse? Are they a true believer in the present truth?
8. What should a couple consider before having children? Are they physically, emotionally, and financially able to properly raise and educate the child?
9. What should a person consider before growing old? How will he support himself? How will he maintain good health? Where will he live?
10. What should a person consider before facing death? That his salvation is secure in Christ & that his estate is in order with designated beneficiaries.
Hindrances to preparedness (1 Cor. 10:1-13; 9:27; Rom. 11:22; Gal. 5:4; Heb. 6:4-6)
11. According to 1 Corinthians 10:1-4 what kind of people does Paul offer as an example believers?
Baptized church members who studied the Bible and were guided by God’s Spirit – our spiritual parents.
12. What happened to the majority of those who followed Moses out of Egyptian bondage? They died in the wilderness
13. What five sins does Paul warn us of that could cause our spiritual death as Christians? lusting after evil things, idolatry, fornication, tempting Christ, & murmuring.
14. According to 1 Corinthians 10:12 is it possible for a true Christian to lose their salvation? Yes.
15. What hope for overcoming temptation does Paul give believers in 1 Corinthians 10:13? You’re your temptations are no different than those of other people & God will never allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to resist with his help which is always supplied when you are tempted.