Realities of Singleness:  A minority in a couples’ world  Missing out the “best” in terms of living in a couple-dominated world  Independence/ Freedom  More prone to loneliness  Being looked down or undervalued  Insecurities and dangers Going by Myself But Not Alone

What words or phrases that would best describe the way you (or others) feel about being single? 1. content 1. on the look-out 2. upset or worried 3. incomplete 4. afraid 5. lonely 6. inferior 7. disappointed 8. bypassed 9. neglected 10. miserable 11. hopeful 12 expectant

Theology of Singleness (Scriptural Basis) 1. The Gospels on singleness -Jesus Himself was single - Matt. 19: People in the Bible who stayed unmarried but were mightily used by the Lord: - Paul - Stephen - John Mark - Timothy

1. COMPLETE in Christ - I Cor. 7: Paul’s recommendation - Prov. 18:22 “finds”- to discover along the way” Important to realize : a. you are a complete person right now in the Kingdom of God b. you’ll be able to begin serving Christ – right now Some Biblical Understanding of this special season of your life*

c. will give you a right understanding of marriage (not a cure-all for what ails you but is a calling from God d. It will cause you to recognize the true source of healing, completion & fulfillment in life is the Lord Jesus Christ. e. Knowing these will help keep you balance in your relationship with God, in your Christian walk and in your relationship with others. Important to realize because…

2. Singleness doesn’t mean REJECTION- -Not a stigma or social disease -A matter of choice: a) If you wanted to be married today, you could be if you have no criteria, no real guideline or no moral standard. Anybody who doesn’t have any standards can get married anytime. b) It isn’t because you’ve failed. It’s could be because you’ve chosen to serve Jesus as your Lord & Savior- a fantastic choice!

Ruth 1: 19-21; 4:14-15 Story of Naomi, widowed, bitter & feeling rejected yet…God renewed her & sustained her in her old age and her feeling turned to joy. 3. Singleness is a gift for SERVICE – an undivided devotion to the Lord -I Cor. 7:32-33 Paul on singleness & marriage. -Benefits of singleness --Living a fulfilled life – Mark 8:35 -Mark 12:41-44 – the widow who gave all her offering to Jesus

Other Benefits of Being Single while serving the Lord: -Freedom/ Independence -Devotion – single-,mindedness in service; fully attentive to Him; yielded to the Lord -Knowing God in a more special & deep way (He’s your only help) -Learns special skills, abilities (you don’t have somebody you can always depend on) -Joy -Friendships -

4. A special opportunity to discover your PURPOSE in Christ. -A time to serve the Lord fully in the purpose He has created for you. -Jer. 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you – set apart; appointed as prophet -Psalm 139: You created my inmost being…. -our talents, abilities, looks, gifts, training & experiences were given by God to fulfill His purpose for our lives

5. The ARMY of God -As a single adult: - you are a part of a mighty plan, a special tool -A finely crafted instrument, who mobilized by His Spirit, is capable of doing great things for the furtherance of His Kingdom Testimonies:  A single guy in the field – Trent  A single lady as a cross-cultural missionary – - Jurene - Wilma

 What do you see are the benefits or blessings of singleness? In your group, make a list of these benefits & blessings.  On another paper or at the back, write down the dangers, temptations & challenges of living a single life while serving cross-culturally?  Where & how do you find help in times of difficulties & needs? Group Sharing/Discussion:

In your small group, share your heart – your dreams, your needs and what you ae looking for in a “missionary mate” if God so wills it. Spend time in prayer together. Encouragement: Phil. 4: contentment Hebrews 13:5b – God is faithful Jer. 29:11 – His plans are good Group Sharing & Prayer Time