Making Life Work: Friendship 6Th March 2016

Making Life Work: friendship 6th March 2016

Group questions

This week’s preach focussed on having wisdom within our friendships; choosing friends wisely. From Proverbs we looked at some warnings and encouragements, concluding with the great realisation that for all of us Jesus is our best friend and seeks to pursue friendship with us.

As part of your group evening, you could encourage folks to do a bit of a friendship “health check”:

- Who are your friends?

- What influence do they have in your life?

- In what ways are you investing in your friendship? Etc

Question 1

In what ways are you bringing Godly influence into others’ lives? Are there any barriers preventing you from doing this?

Question 2

Have you ever been the victim of gossip? How did it get resolved? How dangerous can sowing seeds of strife become in the church? (you might like to reference James chapter 3 here)

Questions 3

Can you share an example of when a friend stood closer than a brother and supported you? Have you got an example of a joy moment in your life when sharing it with friends made it even better?

Question 4

How can we develop honesty in our friendships?

Question5

How can we deepen our friendships here in church, at work, with our neighbours?

Question 6

How important is listening to one another? How can we do this well?

1 Question7

Jesus is the most important friend in our lives. How can we intentionally deepen that relationship?

Proverbs used in the preach:

Friendship – warnings from Proverbs

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. ~ Proverbs 13:20

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends. ~ Proverbs 16:28

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Some friendships do not last, but some friends are more loyal than brothers. ~ Proverbs 18:24

Friendship – encouragements from Proverbs

A friend means well, even when he hurts you. But when an enemy puts his hand round your shoulder - watch out! ~ Proverbs 27:6

Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.(King James Version)

An honest answer is the sign of true friendship. ~ Proverbs 24:26

Friends always show their love. What are brothers for if not to share troubles? ~ Proverbs 17:17

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