CTK North Bay
Choose Friendship
Archived – January 15, 2023
Main Scripture Reference(s)
John 15:1-16

Choose Friendship

January 15, 2023 / Dan McEvoy / John 15:1-16

1 Samuel 18:9 (NIV)

Truth of a Chosen Life: A true friendship is not formed by the click of a request but through a covenant relationship.

1 Samuel 18:1, 3-4 (NIV)

Question: What are you looking for in a close friend?

Some characteristics of a covenant friendship:

⇒ True friendship is to another person regardless of their response back.

1 Samuel 18:3 (NIV)

Covenant (בְּרִית) “Berith”
determination, stipulation, a pledge, an obligation between nations, individuals, families.

Deuteronomy 7:8 (NIV)

1 John 4:10 (NIV)

Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

⇒ True friendship is  through the sacrifice of ourselves for the sake of it.

1 Samuel 18:4 (NIV)

1 Samuel 23:17-18 (NIV)

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends
– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Don’t walk in front of me; I may not follow.
Don’t walk behind me; I may not lead.
Just walk beside me; and be my friend.
– Albert Camus, writer & philosopher

⇒ True friendship is only when tested through trials.

1 Samuel 20:41b-42a (NIV)

Today’s Challenge: Choose friends that are life giving, not life draining.

1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV)

John 15:13-15 (NIV)

 


 

Theme: A Friendly Business

Share Together:

Who was your best friend growing up? Are you still in contact with them today?

Reflect Together:

What impacted you the most from Sunday’s message regarding the unique covenant friendship that Jonathan and David had? How did it encourage and challenge you in your personal relationships?

Read & Discuss Together: John 15:1-16
  • What is the significance of the vine imagery that Jesus chooses to describe our relationship with him in these verses and why?
  • What does Jesus mean when He says “remain or abide?” What does it mean to personally have a friendship with Jesus?
  • What does Jesus mean that “apart from me you can do nothing” in v. 5? Do you have an example in your life that you tried to do this?
  • What are “fruits” or results of being connected? What is the key to avoid being disconnected?
  • What is the “greater love” that Jesus is talking about?
  • How do we remain in his love?
  • In what ways do you try to stay connected with Christ? When have you felt disconnected? Why?
  • How is our friendship with Jesus helpful in knowing the Father’s will?
  • How do you learn from your friendship with Jesus to help you have life giving friendships and also help you with boundaries of life draining relationships?
Pray Together:

Take time to share the good things God is doing in your life and to pray for “life giving” friendships you are needing help with as well as other prayer needs in your group/family.

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