TrueFriendship

Proverbs 27:9

Our Best Companion: God• Jesus made this

clear. Jn. 15:12-15• Yet, from the

beginning, God knew that His earthly crown (man) would need earthly companions.

Everybody Needs Somebody

• “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Gen. 2:18

• “Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone?” Ecc. 4:11

The Value of a True Friend• David and Jonathan. 1 Sam. 18:1-4• Paul with Timothy/Titus. 1 Tim. 1:2;

Tit. 1:4

“A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

(Proverbs 18:24, NASB95)

If Not Here… Then Elsewhere

• Look around and some within the Lord’s church likely have their closest friends outside the church. Why?– No genuine fellowship with brethren.– They cannot trust their brethren: gossip;

condemnatory; etc. Prov. 16:28b– They love the world. 1 Jn. 2:15

Godly Principles for Godly Friendships

Choose Your Friends Wisely

Proverbs 12:26“The righteous should choose his friends carefully,

For the way of the wicked leads them astray.”

Godly Principles for Godly Friendships

Speak With Grace

Proverbs 22:11

“He who loves purity of heart And has grace on his lips, The king will be his

friend.”

Godly Principles for Godly FriendshipsBe Forgiving

Proverbs 17:9“He who covers a transgression seeks love,

But he who repeats a matter separates friends.”