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Introduction
We often hear, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” That’s not just a quote—it’s a biblical truth. Friendship is more than social connection; it’s spiritual influence. Today, we’re looking at how our friendships shape our character, our calling, and our connection to God.
I. The Influence of Friends is Powerful
Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
II. Influence is Always Flowing – One Way or the Other
Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
Proverbs 22:24-25 (NIV)
“Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person…or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.”
III. Don’t Just Find the Right Friends—Be the Right Friend
John 15:13-15 (NIV)
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Galatians 6:1-2 (NIV)
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently…Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
IV. Jesus: The Ultimate Friend and the Greatest Influence
Luke 5:27-32 (NIV)
Jesus calls Levi, eats with tax collectors and sinners… The Pharisees criticize Him, but Jesus replies: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”
Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
Conclusion: Who’s Shaping You?
Friendship isn’t casual—it’s consequential. The people you spend time with are planting seeds in your soul. Some grow into wisdom, courage, and faith. Others grow into fear, compromise, and regret.
Call to Action:
- Evaluate your circle. Who’s in your life, and what are they adding to your spirit?
- Set boundaries where needed. Love everyone, but be cautious with who you give deep access to.
- Be a godly influence. Step into relationships with purpose, truth, and love.
Closing Scripture
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)
“Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
