A God-Selected Spouse

22 August 2021 PM – Genesis 24 – Gen2021 – Scott Childs

Introduction: At Sunday school, the teacher was teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny, a 5-year-old child, seemed especially intent when the teacher told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam’s ribs. Later in the week, his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, “Johnny, what’s the matter?” He said, “I don’t feel well, I think I’m having a wife.” ^{Source unknown}

In Genesis 24, Isaac got a wife, but not the way Adam did. His wife was a beautiful virgin selected by God just for him.

Transition: This evening we are going to peruse Genesis 24 seeking tips for finding a God-Selected Spouse. This passage is especially important for each of you young people and for parents.

Tip: Parents ought to be involved, v.2

a. Isaac was at that time 40 years old. The idea is that he was mature. He did not start dating as a teenager. Teenage dating is rarely about finding a spouse. It is about seeking acceptance, attention, affection, and often, lustful fulfilment. Dating is dangerous! Isaac waited until he was mature and ready for marriage before looking for a spouse.

b. Isaac may have talked to his dad about his desire to find a wife, but it was Abraham who initiated the process. Young people, value your parent’s input when it comes to finding a spouse. They have had years of experience.

2. Tip: Consider only a believer, v.3-4, 37-38

a. Abraham insisted that Isaac’s wife not be a Canaanite, v.3. He wanted her to be of his own kin, those who believed in Jehovah, v.4.

b. Years later, when Solomon married unbelievers it caused much harm. (1 Kings 11:4) “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.“

c. God commands Christians not to be unequally yoked. (2 Corinthians 6:14) “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” He also commanded widows to remarry only in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 7:39) “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.“

d. For a young man to choose an unbelieving girl as a girlfriend is sin. The same is true the other way around. Do not settle for a lukewarm Christian either. Live godly so that you will only want to make close friends of godly people.

3. Tip: Seek God’s guidance, v.7

a. Abraham talked to God about Isaac’s need for a wife. He believed that God would send his angel to identify the woman of God’s choice, v.7.

b. God cares about every Christian young person’s need for a godly spouse. We must pray like the Psalmist, (Psalms 25:4) “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.“

4. Tip: Vow to trust God’s leading, v.9

a. Abraham’s servant vowed that he would do as Abraham commanded.

b. Many heartaches could be avoided if parents gave their children clear biblical instructions on finding a spouse and if the children vowed to obey those instructions.

5. Tip: Pray much, v.12-14

a. The servant was a man of faith and prayer. Abraham had taught him to trust God and to pray.

1) He prayed earnestly, v.12.

2) He prayed specifically, v.13-14.

b. Prayer is our link to God’s wisdom, guidance and power. Spend much time seeking God earnestly and specifically. Study Proverbs 2:1-6.

c. Never forget that our God is unlimited in ability. (Ephesians 3:20) “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,“

6. Tip: Believe that God has a specific choice, v.14

a. Abraham alluded to this back in verse 7. The servant prayed specifically for the ONE woman God had chosen, v.14.

b. God is far too wise to give a young person a multiple choice pick for a spouse. Young people, God has ONE specific person chosen for you, who is just right for you. You need to believe that and pray that He will reveal that person in His perfect time.

7. Tip: Keep yourself pure until marriage, v.16

a. We read here that Rebekah was a virgin. She had kept herself pure for the one God chose for her.

b. The devil is actively seeking to destroy the purity of young people today. Do not fall for his tricks. (2 Timothy 2:22) “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.“

8. Tip: Worship God as He answers prayer, v.26-27, 48, 52

a. Every time that God answered a prayer for the servant, he stopped right then to worship and praise God.

b. As you pray for God’s leading in your life or the lives of your children, never forget to worship and praise God when He answers your prayers. The more specifically you pray, the more clearly you will know that God answered you.

9. Tip: Have faith in God’s leading, v.40

a. The servant once again claimed the promise that God would lead him.

b. Oh, how we too must believe and claim God’s promises to lead us. What did God promise in Proverbs 3:5-6? Look what God promised Israel in (Jeremiah 33:3) “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” (Psalms 32:8) “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” (James 1:5) “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Have faith in God!

10. Tip: Get parental consent, v.49-50

a. The servant approached Rebekah’s parents and her elder brother rather than her. That was a wise move. She was still under parental authority.

b. Young people, God gave you parents to guide and protect you. They are not against you. They want the best for you. If parents strongly oppose your choice of a spouse, they generally have a good reason, especially if they are godly Christians themselves. (Colossians 3:20) “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” Be wise!

11. Tip: Both young people must willingly consent, v.58

a. Rebekah’s parents consented to her marrying Isaac, but they gave her a vote in the matter. She said, “I will go”. Isaac happily accepted Rebekah as his wife, v.67.

b. A preacher had recently married a young couple. Later he heard that just before the wedding, the bride had said to her father, “This is a mistake.” But to avoid embarrassment, she went ahead with the marriage. After only a short time, the marriage ended in heartache.

c. Never proceed with marriage without peace that it is God’s will. Parents should have God’s peace. The bride and groom should have God’s peace. Apply the doubt principle we just learned on Wednesday night. (Romans 14:23) “And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.“

12. Tip: Remember, love is a choice, v.67

a. Did Isaac and Rebekah love each other when they got married? That is difficult to say, but we know that they only knew each other for less than a day when they married. We do know that Isaac chose to love Rebekah. Love is a choice!

b. While I am not recommending that any young couple marry without knowing each other well or without believing that they truly love each other, I am reminding all of us that love is a choice. Love is not a feeling. Love is the sacrificial giving of oneself to meet the needs of another, expecting nothing in return. Love is denying self for the benefit of another. Love is not about getting; it is about giving.

Conclusion: Whether you are 8 years old or 28 years old, if you have never been married, these tips are for you. If you are a parent with unmarried children, these tips are for you. It is never too soon to begin praying for a God-selected spouse. Trust God’s infinite knowledge. Submit your heart and life to God. Search the Bible for God’s wisdom and direction. Keep your heart and your purity for that special one God has chosen for you. Be patient and wait for God’s timing.

Song: Teach Me to Pray – 346

A God-Selected Spouse

22 August 2021 PM – Genesis 24 – Gen2021 – Scott Childs

In Genesis 24, Isaac got a wife, but not the way Adam did. His wife was a beautiful virgin selected by God just for him.

Transition: This evening we are going to peruse Genesis 24 seeking tips for finding a God-Selected Spouse. This passage is especially important for each of you young people and for parents.

Tip: Parents ought to be involved, v.2

b. Isaac may have talked to his dad about his desire to find a wife, but it was Abraham who initiated the process. Young people, value your parent’s input when it comes to finding a spouse. They have had years of experience.

2. Tip: Consider only a believer, v.3-4, 37-38

a. Abraham insisted that Isaac’s wife not be a Canaanite, v.3. He wanted her to be of his own kin, those who believed in Jehovah, v.4.

b. Years later, when Solomon married unbelievers it caused much harm. (1 Kings 11:4) “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.“

d. For a young man to choose an unbelieving girl as a girlfriend is sin. The same is true the other way around. Do not settle for a lukewarm Christian either. Live godly so that you will only want to make close friends of godly people.

3. Tip: Seek God’s guidance, v.7

a. Abraham talked to God about Isaac’s need for a wife. He believed that God would send his angel to identify the woman of God’s choice, v.7.

b. God cares about every Christian young person’s need for a godly spouse. We must pray like the Psalmist, (Psalms 25:4) “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.“

4. Tip: Vow to trust God’s leading, v.9

a. Abraham’s servant vowed that he would do as Abraham commanded.

b. Many heartaches could be avoided if parents gave their children clear biblical instructions on finding a spouse and if the children vowed to obey those instructions.

5. Tip: Pray much, v.12-14

a. The servant was a man of faith and prayer. Abraham had taught him to trust God and to pray.

1) He prayed earnestly, v.12.

2) He prayed specifically, v.13-14.

b. Prayer is our link to God’s wisdom, guidance and power. Spend much time seeking God earnestly and specifically. Study Proverbs 2:1-6.

c. Never forget that our God is unlimited in ability. (Ephesians 3:20) “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,“

6. Tip: Believe that God has a specific choice, v.14

a. Abraham alluded to this back in verse 7. The servant prayed specifically for the ONE woman God had chosen, v.14.

b. God is far too wise to give a young person a multiple choice pick for a spouse. Young people, God has ONE specific person chosen for you, who is just right for you. You need to believe that and pray that He will reveal that person in His perfect time.

7. Tip: Keep yourself pure until marriage, v.16

a. We read here that Rebekah was a virgin. She had kept herself pure for the one God chose for her.

b. The devil is actively seeking to destroy the purity of young people today. Do not fall for his tricks. (2 Timothy 2:22) “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.“

8. Tip: Worship God as He answers prayer, v.26-27, 48, 52

a. Every time that God answered a prayer for the servant, he stopped right then to worship and praise God.

b. As you pray for God’s leading in your life or the lives of your children, never forget to worship and praise God when He answers your prayers. The more specifically you pray, the more clearly you will know that God answered you.

9. Tip: Have faith in God’s leading, v.40

a. The servant once again claimed the promise that God would lead him.

10. Tip: Get parental consent, v.49-50

a. The servant approached Rebekah’s parents and her elder brother rather than her. That was a wise move. She was still under parental authority.

11. Tip: Both young people must willingly consent, v.58

a. Rebekah’s parents consented to her marrying Isaac, but they gave her a vote in the matter. She said, “I will go”. Isaac happily accepted Rebekah as his wife, v.67.

b. A preacher had recently married a young couple. Later he heard that just before the wedding, the bride had said to her father, “This is a mistake.” But to avoid embarrassment, she went ahead with the marriage. After only a short time, the marriage ended in heartache.

12. Tip: Remember, love is a choice, v.67

a. Did Isaac and Rebekah love each other when they got married? That is difficult to say, but we know that they only knew each other for less than a day when they married. We do know that Isaac chose to love Rebekah. Love is a choice!

Song: Teach Me to Pray – 346