As Iron Sharpeneth Iron - Principles Of True Friendship
"Friendship is not about what you need as an individual, but about what you need to be. It's not about what others can do for you, it's about what you can do for others... what you can do to change yourself to be the type of person someone else would value as a friend." Abraham was called the friend of God. What does this mean, and can this be possible for us as well? Jesus said, 'Greater love hath no man than that he lay down his life for his friends.' Are we Jesus' friends? How can we improve ourselves as friends, and improve our friendships with others?
Classes
Class 1: Introduction
The class introduces a series on friendship, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and self-improvement in relationships. It highlights the gospel's role in fostering a relationship with God and the necessity of faith in maintaining such friendships.
Class 2: Tthe Divine View of Friendship
The class explores the divine view of friendship through the lens of John 15 and Genesis 1, emphasizing the importance of friendship in the ecclesia and the transformative power of Christ's death and resurrection in reconciling humanity to God.
Class 3: The Importance of Faith
The class focuses on the importance of faith in the context of true friendship and fellowship, drawing from Hebrews 10 and 11. It emphasizes the role of faith in maintaining spiritual life and the dangers of indiscriminate friendships.
Class 4: The Importance of Faithful Friends
The class explores the importance of faithful friends through examples from the book of Judges, focusing on Judah's destructive friendship with Hira and David and Jonathan's supportive friendship. The class emphasizes the positive influence of true friends in the truth and the negative impact of worldly friends.
Class 5: 5How to help in times of difficulty
The class discusses how to support friends during difficult times, emphasizing the importance of patience and perseverance. It draws on biblical examples and teachings to highlight the role of true friendship in fostering spiritual growth and resilience.
Class 6: What to do when friendships break down
The class discusses the theme of betrayal in friendship, drawing from Psalm 55 and the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, highlighting Jesus' example of humility and forgiveness.
Class 7: Maintaining healthy friendships now in readiness for the Future
The class focuses on maintaining healthy friendships both now and in preparation for the future, emphasizing the importance of fellowship and support. It includes elements of worship and prayer, encouraging spiritual growth and resilience.