Walking with Godly Friends

Maturing in Christ: Walking with Godly Friends  
Proverbs 2:1-22
Page # 642

As J.C. Ryle, the 19th-century British pastor wrote, "The Spirit never lies dormant and idle within the soul; He always makes His presence known by the fruit He causes to be borne in heart, character, and life."

I. Spiritual disciplines
     1. Living in God’s word (John 17:17)
     2. Ongoing prayer and solitude (Matthew 6:6)
     3. Godly friendships (Prov. 17:17)
     4. Involved in disciple making (Mt 28:18-20)

A godly friend is a person who you walk with in Christ-like love, trust, and growth.

Proverbs 2:1   Page # 642

II. Characteristics
     1. Relationship based on God’s glory and godliness
         22:24-25
         23:6-8
         25:19-20
         27:5-6, 17

     2. Confidentiality unless it interferes with righteousness or
         restoration
         11:13

Romans 13:6-7 – “For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”

Matthew 18:17 – “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church…”

     3. Encouragement and truth
         12:25-26

     4. Steadfast love
         17:17

     5. Kindness and forgiveness
         19:11, 22

Faith Sheet    

Transformation Verse (August) – “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…”    2 Peter 3:18

Main Themes
~ Godly friendships can greatly impact or hinder our spiritual growth.
~ The Lord Jesus is a believer’s greatest friend.

 #1- Reviewing This Past Sunday
Maturing in Christ: Walking with Godly Friends
Proverbs 2:1-22  

1. Read Proverbs 2:1-22. Discuss Sunday’s message with
    someone.
2. What did you learn about friendship?
3. What did you learn about yourself in the area of friendship?
4. Do you honestly see the Lord as being your closest friend?
    Explain your answer.
5. Pray for our friendships to deepen and to be more Christ-like. 

# 2- Preparing for Next Sunday
Maturing in Christ: Disciple Making in the Local Church
John 2:1-12

1. Read John 2:1-12.
2. Who is Jesus within this text? What is happening?
3. Take a moment and look at the timeline from John 1:19-2:12.
    How many days are mentioned?
4. Jesus had a busy week. What makes your week busy?
5. Take some time to pray with another person that you might
    clear your schedule for more time with Him.