18-01-2009

•Friends are those to whom one is 

  close.

•Scripture stresses that friendship 

 is often but not always a positive 

 thing.

•Where good friends can be 

  invaluable, bad friends can be

  obstacles or even

  lead people totally astray.

 

GOOD FRIENDS

1 Sam. 20 – David and Jonathan

* These are those whose commitment from the heart is shown in practical, often sacrificial, care, love and service.

* They are a source of encouragement, sympathy, comfort and support in time of need.

* Such relationships are to be cultivated, especially among believers.

* These people can be describes as destiny helpers, for example: David and Jonathan – 1 Sam 20:17-26 The friends who brought the paralysed man to Jesus – Mk. 2:1-4 

BAD FRIENDS 

2 Sam. 13 – Jonadab 

•They are those who are close or who exercise influence, who 

  prove to be unreliable or deceptive or who lead astray.

•Bad friends lead astray from good characters. 1 Cor. 15:33

•Bad friends lead astray from friendship with God. 2 cor. 6:14-17

•Bad friends are unreliable in their commitment.

•Bad friends are unreliable in their trustworthiness. Ps.41:9; Ps. 38:11

Bad friends are unreliable in their support. 2 Tim.4:10, 16

 

The Benefits Brought By Good Friends 

•Comfort and sympathy. Prov. 17:17

•Support and encouragement. 1 Sam:23:16-17

•Sacrificial service. Jn.15:13

•Shared joy and sorrow.

•Loving rebuke. Prov.27:6-9

•Encouragement in good works. Rom 14:13; Heb.10:24

•Challenge. Prov.27:17