Red Flags
Introduction
Big Idea: Every Entanglement
12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. —1 Corinthians 10:12 (NLT)
Why Do Entanglements Happen?
Red Flag Number 1: Uncontrolled
27 “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. —Matthew 5:27-28 (NLT)
Imagination Red Flags:
You confide in that person instead of your spouse.
You never talk about your spouse, your spouse don’t exist.
You dress up for them.
You lie to your spouse about the time you spend together.
You complain to them about your spouse.
You look out for their WhatsApp messages and smile when you get them.
You delete their messages and emails.
You fantasize about a future with them.
Red Flag Number 2: An Air Of
Entitlement Red Flags:
You go and come as you please
You insert your right for privacy unjustly
You expect your spouse to cater to you
You demand that things be done a certain way
You need space
You display outburst of anger
You change your work schedule
2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. —Ephesians 4:2-3 (NLT)
Red Flag Number 3: A Prolonged
Dissatisfaction Red Flags:
You feel that your sex life is lame
You find yourself fishing for compliments
You long for intimacy but don’t say it
You have lost interest in sex
You rehearse conversation but seldom deliver them
You avoid conflicts
You overtures are ignored or flat out rejected
9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
—Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
Red Flag Number 4: An Insatiable
Lust Red Flags:
You tend to be impatient
You may be disconnected
You keep secrets from your spouse
You engage in porn
You prioritize physical fitness
Your mobile phone is off-limits from your spouse
19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. —1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT)
Red Flag Number 5: A Longing To
Escape Red Flags:
You regret being married to your spouse
You’re experiencing an identity crisis
You feel as though you’re running out of time
You are bored and yearning for excitement
You wish you can turn back the sands of time
17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! —2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
Conclusion
12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. —James 1:12 (NLT)
Take Action:
- Examine the Red Flags in your life
- Talk to a friend about any Red Flags you may be experiencing.
- To participate in the Entanglement Survey, please Check-In.
Join Us For Next Month’s Message Series: Red Table
If this message has been a blessing to you, please email comments to Pastor Mario.