Mark These Key Words: Fellowship     Sharpens     Rejoice Proverbs 18:24

“A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”  What top qualities, habits and practices do friends bring into a relationship where true brotherhood can develop?

Hebrews 10:24

“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. “As a cowboy spurs his horse to victory in a race, how do friends “spur one another to love and good deeds?”

Proverbs 27:17

“Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Like an axe on a sharpening iron, true friends bring an edge to the sword of the spiritual battle. How do friendships truly begin to sharpen each other?

Romans 12:15

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” 2 Timothy 1:4“longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy.”  What role does emotional interest and care play in developing true brotherhood?

Philippians 1: 3 & 4

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all.”  Why is it so important to pray regularly and often for your friends if you want true brotherhood to develop?

2 Timothy 2:2

“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

1 Corinthians 13:11

“When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.” As I “become a man” in this bond of brothers, what childhood qualities do I need to leave behind?

APPLICATION: How do these passages relate to me today? What changes does it bring to my life?

LOCKER ROOM:  What is your greatest need for being personally sharp-ened today?

MEMORY VERSE: Hebrews 10:24“…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.”

MY PRAYERS

Adoration: Father, today I praise You for…

Confession: Father, please forgive me for…

Thanksgiving: Father, today I’m thankful for…

Supplication: Father, the people and things that I wish to pray for today are…