Summary: A study from Nehemiah to help people get in the right relationships, especially dating and marriage.

“Undignified” 012307

Summary: People often get into relationships that bring pain and suffering and they lose their dignity. But David chose to be undignified for God.

I. Introduction:

Hooked: Fish have a 6 second memory, so they keep getting hooked!

Why is it we continually get ourselves into situations and relationships that are destructive? Have you ever known someone who had their heart crushed and went back to the same person?

Illustration: I got caught hugging a girl in front of school. I felt undignified!

Review: Nehemiah 10:30

The people made a public commitment to not marry ungodly people.

Identity Theft: The wrong relationships steal our God given identity.

Question: What does “pagan” mean? Ungodly, worldly people

What do you do when you are lonely? Who or what do you hug?

Why is it some young couples have to be locked in a hug together all the time? They are desperate for a hug - Dignity does not matter for them. They even post the pictures on My Space.

What are you holding on to? What or Who is Holding You?

II. Generous Man:

Samaritan Woman John 4: The Issue is Faith Not Race

She tried to find identity in a man instead of God. Bad relationships brought a lost of dignity. So she tried to change the subject.

John 4:10: Jesus answered, "If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water."

Have you ever not wanted anything? If you really knew God, if we really understood His love for us and desire to bless us, we would want nothing else.

God not only wants you to know Him, He wants to give good things to you – wonderful relationships.

Spirit & Truth: Facts vs. Relationship

If we really knew God as a loving Father, we would not seek satisfaction in other people and things.

Married & Lonely: Some people think if they just found their “soul mate” everything would be okay, but many married people are unhappy and even lonely.

How do you keep from compromise in your relationships?

Fall in love with God. Never Be Alone

It is up to you to stand up for what is right. 2 Cor. 6:14

o It’s not only will you who will suffer. Why would you want to make someone suffer?

o Knowing truth: If you are not in God’s Word, talking, and LISTENING to Him, your relationships will not be right.

o If you are in the wrong relationships, you will not hear God clearly.

“No one no one no one Can get in the way of what I’m feeling.

No one no one no one Can get in the way of what I feel for....” Song by Alicia Keys

III. David & Michal 2 Sam 6

David: Many bad relationships

Michal was a “reward” but not from God.

The wrong person will try to keep you from God.

David Loved God more than what Michal thought about him.

Undignified: If you want to be in the right relationships, you will have to be willing to be undignified for God. God has to come before every other relationship.

David: I would rather dance with God than with you! You can be undignified for the world, or for God.

“If I could get another chance, another walk, another dance with him. I’d play a song that would never, ever end. How I’d love, love, love To dance with my father again.” Dance with my Father Luther Vandross

Dance with God! Dance with your Father!

How? Prayer, Scripture, Worship, Music, Quiet, Creation (God’s Space)

Illustration: Why should you go to heaven?

Facts or Relationship.

It is more than a prayer.

Jesus is not a “Get out of hell free Card.”

“I never knew you.” Matthew 7:21-23

IV. The Heart of God: Most of us don’t know..

Prodigal Son: Dad runs and hugs his son (Everyone needs a hug.

Abba = Daddy

Conclusion:

God does not want us in the wrong relationships because they destroy our lives and rob us of his love. Desiring a relationship, to be with someone is normal. God will bring the most incredible people into your life if you will trust Him and do thing his way. If you could just know the heart of God, you would not need anything else.

Song: Generous Man by Michael Hanson, Winds of Worship 6