Friends

Friends

Proverbs 13:20

He that walketh with wise shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed…

ME: I never realized how much power other people have in my life.

1: I thought I picked my friends

My friends were all just like me

My friends liked the same things as me

My little circle or clique was full of people that were the same

Application: It’s amazing how much influence there is in those groups and circles, I would make decisions based on how the group/friends would approve or disapprove.

The people around you have more influence than you realize, they make decisions for you when you choose to live for what they say and think.

IF YOU’RE NOT MINDFUL AND CAREFUL IT WON’T CHANGE WHEN YOU GET OLDER, YOU’LL JUST BE OLDER DOING THE SAME OLD THING…

WE: We think we pick our people

2: Our people pick us

Relationships and bonds are established on acceptance

We’re accepted by these people so they become our group/people

This is where WE get into trouble as Christians sometimes

Application: Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. The people we surround ourselves with have a direct impact on our decisions and actions...

YOU: Your friends determine the quality and direction of your life

3: Do your friends add or take away

Galatians 6:2, Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Proverbs 18:24, One who has unreliable friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother

Proverbs 17:17, A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity

Proverbs 27:17, As iron, sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another

Application: Your friends should add value to your life, they should be people that make you a better you. True friends challenge you, true friends make you grow, true friends love you when you don’t love yourself, etc...

GOD: Mark 2:1-5

4: Sick of the palsy, borne of four

Friends do what it takes (they came to him carrying their friend)

Friends find a way (they uncovered the roof)

Friends follow through (they let him down through the hole)

SO WHAT: The right friends will always help you draw closer to God