Gift of Friendship
Ptr. Alvin Ang
December 4, 2016
Objective: Friends are God’s gifts.
Scripture:
Read Proverbs 18:24
Opening Questions: Why friends are gifts?
Sermon Notes:
Three (3) ideas why friends are gifts.
1. One who will help us when we are down: A friend when you call at 2am does not ask “why?” but immediately
go to you. A friend will be there for you. When we face a problem, we are to pray. We need to have a Christian
friend/s who can pray with us.
Kind of Friends:
a. Casual Friends: no second level of discussion. Only hi and hellos
b. Close friends: share life to them. Most of the time you share only the good times. You enjoy the same
things.
c. Core friends: share everything and will accept you for who you are. Husband and wives are in this category.
They are speaking life to your life and are interested in our walk with God.
2. One who is interested in our spiritual growth: People often become depress because they don’t have anyone to
talk to. They don’t have people who pray with/for them. People who encourages you and ask for your prayer
requests and even answered prayers, who draws you closer to God. They have to be connected to God so they
can give us the right advice. You need to be in a Christian group, friends, circle.
3. One who encourages us to help others: Someone who will work with you. Someone who will pray for you. To
ask God to protect you and guide you. Friend who genuinely concern with you. We all need groups – but this is
only good if you are in the same season or lifecycle but needs to change if you are moving in a new season.
Encourages getting more friends and modeling to live like Christ. There are times and season – friends come for
a season to encourage you and move on.
Friendships we have are gifts. What is important is that we know they are given by God.
We need to be influencing each other. We need to have friends in our community.
Care Group Reflection:
1. Who are your friends? What kind of influence they are in your life?
2. Are you part of a small group? Are these the people you are accountable with regarding sin and spiritual growth?
3. What kind of friend are you? Do you model Christ in your circle of influence?
Call to Action:
Purpose yourself this week to be a positive influence to a lot of people. Do the ff:
1. Send a text message encouraging a fellow Christian.
2. Pray for one person daily at work, school, etc.
3. Do not slander or join anyone who gossip or slander about a person.