Cycle of Singleness

Singles go through cycles of relationships. Unfortunately, may singles have a thought process that is flawed and in need of transformation. God wants to break the cycle of relationship addiction and free singles to honor him.

Transcript

1. B R E A K I N G T H E C Y C L E S O F S I N G L E N E S S LIVING SINGLE TOUR 2019-2020
2. I can hear some of you saying, “For me, all things are permitted.” But face the facts: all things are not beneficial. So you say, “For me, all things are permitted.” Here’s my response: I will not allow anything to control me. 1 C O R I N T H I A N S 6 : 1 2
3. • The God of Relationships. • Relationship Addiction • Signs & Symptoms • Cycle of Addiction • Breaking the Cycles. Agenda
5. What is singleness? • Single = unmarried. • Singleness is pertaining to the unmarried state. • Having a boyfriend, girlfriend or fiancé, doesn’t mean you are no longer single, according to the Bible. • Marriage is the end of singleness.
6. • Woman- “The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world – how she may please her husband.” (V. 34) • God’s ORDAINED way of propagating the human race is through SEX WITHIN MARRIAGE and certainly one can be married and still serve the Lord.
7. Blessing of Being Single •The blessing of being single is that one can give more….. •Resources - Any wealth that comes our way should be used to generously give (Mark 10:21) •Recognition - success or influence or talents that we have should be used to multiply His influence (Matthew 25:14-30) •Reservoir- strength or health we enjoy should be spent in His service (Philippians 2:14-17;Mark 8:35) • ….unto God than those who are married.
8. • “The compulsive desire and action to be in a romantic relationship despite adverse consequences.” • Galatians 5:19-21 • “Romance without covenant produces addiction.” Relationship Addiction:
9. Signs of Relationship Addiction: • You’ve never been through “it" with just God. • You need a relationship to be happy. • You have a messiah complex or looking for one! • You’re looking for completion. • You’re pursuing “love” over your calling. • Your luggage is still packed. • The willingness to become what you’re not.
10. Pain Normal Euphoria Feelings Feelings The Cycle of Relationship Addiction: Experimental Stage
11. Experimental Stage 1. First experience with romance adds a new dimension to the normal range of feelings. 2. More trust in emotions and their effects. 3. Romance provides temporary mood swing. 4. Mood-swing controlled by the quantity of time in the relationship. 5. Romantic experiences is added to the list of priorities for the first time.
12. Pain Normal Euphoria Feelings Feelings The Cycle of Relationship Addiction: Regular Stage
13. The Cycle of Relationship Addiction: Regular Stage 1. Negative dimension (sin) is introduced for the first time. (i.e. fornication, sexual perversion) 2. Increased tolerance 3. Trusted Friends subordinate to temporary romance. 4. Sin controls the quantity, quality & results of romantic relationships. 5. Getting in romantic relationships has increased importance. 6. List of priorities begins to change.
14. Pain Normal Euphoria Feelings Feelings in Relationship The Cycle of Relationship Addiction: Harmful Stage
15. The Cycle of Relationship Addiction: Harmful Stage 1. Loss of control; no longer predict outcome. 2. Violate principles; creates emotional pain. 3. Spontaneous rationalizations arise to hide these feelings. 4. Unidentified and unresolved negative feelings about self. 5. Increased infatuation with romantic relationships. 6. Lifestyle revolves around romantic relationships. 7. Change in friends or change in treatment with friends. 8. Number one priority is a relationship.
16. Pain Normal Euphoria Feelings in Relationship Feelings in Relationship The Cycle of Relationship Addiction: Addiction Stage
17. The Cycle of Relationship Addiction: Addiction Stage 1. Use romance to survive, rather than euphoria. 2. Blackouts occur more frequently. 3. Relationship arrested development. 4. Physical addiction & paranoid thinking 5. Loss of desire to live; hopelessness. 6. Total conflict with values and moral codes. 7. Suicide potential is high.
18. The Cycle of Relationship Addiction: Addiction Stage 1. Pre contemplation: No consideration of change. Proverbs 18:2 “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” 2. Contemplation Stage: Ambivalent about changing or stopping. James 1:8 “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”
19. The Cycle of Relationship Addiction: Addiction Stage 1. Preparation Stage: I identify an assist person. “Baby Steps.”Psalm 37:23 “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.” 2. Action Stage: Takes action and has desire to change. 1 John 3:18 “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
20. The Cycle of Relationship Addiction: Addiction Stage 1. Life Stage: Lives out new behavior. 2 Cor. 5:17- Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!