Friends Will Make You Or Break You!
Main Scriptures: Proverbs 13:20, Galatians 5:16-18, Philippians 4:8-9, Colossians 3:1-4.
Proverbs 13:20
“The one who walks with the wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm” (NIV)
Have you ever heard the statement “Chose your friends wisely”? Do you have those friends that try and pressure you into doing things that you wouldn’t normally consider doing? What about those friends that lead you to drinking, or smoking or whatever else you normally wouldn’t do?
I have been there and done that!! I am not going to stand here and tell you that I haven’t been in your shoes. I will tell you this like I have many times before, you all face A LOT more stuff than I did growing up.
Almost every person will get in trouble or do something dumb when they leave the group of people that have high expectations, focus, and accountability. Many times we fall when we start hanging with the “old” friends we had. The book of Proverbs talks over and over again about the importance of choosing the right friends. Who we spend our time with will either make us better or lead us into a life of trouble.
Proverbs tells us there are 2 great things when dealing with friendships:
- Be a good friend. To attract good friends, you have to be that same person to everyone else. If you want friends that will help you grow with Christ, then you need to be the friend that helps them grow.
- Find Wise friends. 3 simple things to ask when finding wise friends:
- Do they follow Jesus?
- Do they do the right thing?
- Do they make others better?
Are you a positive or negative influence to your friends?
Think about your closest friend, are they foolish in their ways?
Galatians 5:16-18
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (NIV)
Ever heard “Junk In = Junk Out”? Think for a second about what your body needs to be good (vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbs, fats, and other nutrients). If we constantly put in bad stuff, then our body shows it.
Apply this principle to other parts of your life. When you have taken time away from God, what did your life look like? When you participate in bad things, watch bad movies, guess what? Your friendships, family life, marriage and all other aspects seem to become junk.
Philippians 4:8-9
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (NIV)
Colossians 3:1-4
3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (NIV)
You can tell when you are focusing and meditating on Gods word. Our hearts and minds are focused on doing the right things. Good In = Good Out!
4 Basic things we can do to put good things into our bodies spiritually:
- Pray
- Read Scripture
- Be active in Church
- Demonstrate your faith by doing good deeds
How often do you pray?
Would you consider yourself to be fully invested in your Church?
Proverbs 18:24
24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
In this passage we read that some friends (if you call them that) destroy each other through words or actions, but a real friend will back you no matter what. The difference between friends and TRUE friends is that friends will tell you what you want to hear, true friends always tell you what you NEED to hear. Jesus wants to be our TRUE friend. He will tell you what you NEED to hear in good and bad times.
Are you a true friend to others?
Do you view Jesus as a friend?
Hebrews 3:12-13
12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (NIV)
Closing Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being a forgiving God. We ask you to allow us to make decisions that are worthy of your praise when we make decisions for ourselves and our friends. Help us put You in the forefront during every decision we make. God use us to show You to our friends and community in everything we do. In Your Holy name, AMEN!!
Love and Blessings,
Coach Tim Broome
Transformed Student Ministry
Transformed Student Ministry 