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God wants the best for us in our relationships
So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, ". . . I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell; but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac." -Genesis 24:2-4 (NKJV)
Every godly dad wants the best for his children, and Abraham was no exception. When his son Isaac reached the age for marriage, Abraham went all out to secure the very best bride for him. Abraham sent his chief servant on a long journey to bring back a bride from among his own people. He wasn't willing to settle for a local Canaanite wife because that would mean spiritual compromise. Instead, Abraham was willing to go the distance to do what was in his son's best interest.
This is a perfect picture of how our heavenly Father operates in our own lives. He wants only the very best for His children, especially when it comes to the relationships that most influence us. For this reason, He has graciously given us His guidelines for the type of people we should allow ourselves to become close to.
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV)
The Lord warns us against becoming intimately entangled with those who are unbelievers because He knows this will inevitably lead to spiritual compromise. As with Abraham, God loves His kids too much to settle for what's convenient. He has a higher standard for us that includes:
. . . love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)
He wants to bless us with relationships with those who have these spiritual qualities. If a person isn't a believer, then he or she isn't God's choice for us. We would be wise to wait on Him because our heavenly Father knows best.
Discuss, Dig, Decide
Discuss God’s desire for your very best. How are the relationships in your life drawing you closer or further away from God?
Dig into Genesis Chapter 24. How does Abraham reflect God’s heart in his choice for Isaac? What impression does verse 48 make on you and how does it remind you of God’s perfect guidance in your life? What relationships do you need to invest more in or bring closure to?
Decide as a group to weigh the fellowship factor. How important is Christian fellowship to your spiritual life? Do your own inventory and determine where and when Christ-centered relationships are getting priority attention in your life. Be willing to make necessary changes to factor in real fellowship!
So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, ". . . I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell; but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac." -Genesis 24:2-4 (NKJV)
Every godly dad wants the best for his children, and Abraham was no exception. When his son Isaac reached the age for marriage, Abraham went all out to secure the very best bride for him. Abraham sent his chief servant on a long journey to bring back a bride from among his own people. He wasn't willing to settle for a local Canaanite wife because that would mean spiritual compromise. Instead, Abraham was willing to go the distance to do what was in his son's best interest.
This is a perfect picture of how our heavenly Father operates in our own lives. He wants only the very best for His children, especially when it comes to the relationships that most influence us. For this reason, He has graciously given us His guidelines for the type of people we should allow ourselves to become close to.
Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV)
The Lord warns us against becoming intimately entangled with those who are unbelievers because He knows this will inevitably lead to spiritual compromise. As with Abraham, God loves His kids too much to settle for what's convenient. He has a higher standard for us that includes:
. . . love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV)
He wants to bless us with relationships with those who have these spiritual qualities. If a person isn't a believer, then he or she isn't God's choice for us. We would be wise to wait on Him because our heavenly Father knows best.
Discuss, Dig, Decide
Discuss God’s desire for your very best. How are the relationships in your life drawing you closer or further away from God?
Dig into Genesis Chapter 24. How does Abraham reflect God’s heart in his choice for Isaac? What impression does verse 48 make on you and how does it remind you of God’s perfect guidance in your life? What relationships do you need to invest more in or bring closure to?
Decide as a group to weigh the fellowship factor. How important is Christian fellowship to your spiritual life? Do your own inventory and determine where and when Christ-centered relationships are getting priority attention in your life. Be willing to make necessary changes to factor in real fellowship!
