Wisdom and Friendship

August 2, 2020

Main idea: Best friends follow and lead.

Friends

1. A good friend loves at all times (Proverbs 17:17).
2. A better friend also speaks the truth in love (Proverbs 27:6).
3. The Best Friend loves sinners.

Invitation

1. Be Jesus' friend. [follow]
2. Be Jesus' friend to others. [lead]

Icebreakers

1. Many cultures convey wisdom through short and pithy statements such as “Look before you leap!” or “Actions speak louder than words.” What are some proverbs you grew up with?

2. Whether it be You've Got a Friend by James Taylor (1971), Friends by Michael W. Smith (1983), or Graduation (Friends Forever) by Vitamin C (2000), seemingly every generation has "their" song or show about friendship. What was your song or show about friendship?

Digging Deeper

1. Read Proverbs 17:17.

   • How does adversity often bring out (or even make) friendships?
   • Both Abraham (James 2:23) and Moses (Exodus 33:11) are friends of God as He helped them in time of need and revealed himself to them. Why are both helping in time of need and revealing yourself important in building friendships?

2. Read Proverbs 27:6 and Proverbs 29:5.

   • Which do you find more appealing: wounds from a friend or flattery?
   • How does a Christian cultivate acceptance and gratitude for wounds from a friend?
   • How do we create a safe space within the church to speak the truth in love to one another (cf. Ephesians 4:15)?
   • Further, how do we do this in an election year?

3. Read Matthew 11:19 and Luke 15:1-2.

   • How do you respond to Jesus being a "a friend of ... sinners" (Matthew 11:19)? [Hint: For example, does it encourage you because you want to be Jesus' friend, or does it discourage you because you would not want to be a friend of sinners?]
   • Listen to this 3-minute devotional on Jesus' friendship, and then discuss if this seems too good to be true?:

Next Steps

1. How can you increase in your delight in the friendship of Jesus?
2. Knowing the importance of friendship, whom can you begin to befriend this week? [Hint: Don't ignore your growth group members or people you know at CCCI.]