Principles of a Biblical Friendship

Sermon Notes

1.  Spiritual growth happens in meaningful relationships. (Heb 10:24-25)
2.  Biblical friendships happen around the presence of God.  (1 Sam Ch 17)
3.  Biblical friendships are willing to sacrifice for each other. (1 Sam 18:1-4)
4.  Biblical friendships are willing to defend each other.  (1 Sam 19:4-5)
5.  Biblical friendships give you the freedom to be real.  (1 Sam 20:41)
6.  Biblical friendships encourage you in the Lord.  (1 Sam 23:15-16)

Follow-up Questions from Sunday:

Getting to Know You:
Who is your best friend?  How did you meet and how long have you been friends?

Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?

Digging Deeper:

1.  In your spiritual journey what Christian friend has had the most impact in your life?  How did God use them and how do you think God used you in their life?
2.  As you read the story of David and Jonathan, what do you think is most unique about their friendship and what is the closest that you have come to a friendship like theirs?
3.  Read Jn 15:12-14.  Do you believe that friendships are based on conditions?  What are your conditions for your friendships? What do you see are God’s conditions for friendships?
4.  What do you think Jesus is asking you to obey in Jn 15:12-14?
5.  Read Jn 13:34-35, 14:15-24, Jn 15:9-14.  How would you sum up what Jesus is trying to say in these verses?
6.  Looking at the notes of the Sunday message, how would you rate Jesus as a friend to you?  How do you rate your friendship to Jesus?

Taking it Home:

What is one thing you can apply to your life from this message and how can this group remember you in prayer this week?