Proverbs 27:6, 27:17, 25:11
“Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.”
“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
‘Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.”
Q: When it is wise to confront a friend? What makes a friend’s “loving rebuke” a requirement for true friendship?
When they are living a life that goes against what God has called us to. You confront them because you do not want your friend to get hurt when they are headed down the wrong path; you know the answer to pure joy is Christ!
Psalm 1:1-2
“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”
Q: What is the result of “walking, standing and sitting” with the wrong people in wrong places? How have you learned this “the hard way” over the past twelve months?
We become like these people and receive the consequences of sin with them.
Picture
John 15:12 & 13
“This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
Q: Describe how Jesus’ example of friendship truly inspires you to develop the type of friendship that He exhibits in His life and death.
Everyday, if I truly love my friends, I will find ways to lay down my life for them. Christ sacrificed everything for those he loved.
Paul
Ephesians 4:15
“…but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.”
Q: How do you want to see this group you are studying with today become more of a “truth in love” relationship? What does “truth in love” mean?
By encouraging each other and calling one another out in love when veering off God’s path. “Truth in love” = speaking honestly with kindness and care.
Peter
I Peter 4:3-5
“For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”
Q: What does this verse say to you about friendships you once had or friendships you want to avoid?
It is time to walk away from negative relationships and become true friends with those following Jesus, no matter how hard the peer pressure can be.
APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes do they bring to my life?
LOCKER ROOM: What is your standard for friendship?
