Wisdom in my Friendships

• Should I have unbelieving friends?
• When is it wise to associate with non-Christians?

Case Study #1 Ruth and Naomi Leading Towards the Lord (Ruth 1)

Case Study #2 Lot and Sodom Leading Away from the Lord (Genesis 13-19)

1. Unwise friendships first Disarm you (Prov 22:24-25)


2. Unwise friendships ultimately Destroy you (Prov 22:21-22)

Case Study #3

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions ­(Whole Group):
Read Proverbs 13:20

1. Proverbs 22:24-25 tells us that we become like those with whom we spend time. Why do you think this happens? That is, why do we naturally start to act like the people we are around?
    
2. If you realize a friendship is harmful (rebellion against God or “king”), how do you go about getting out of harm’s way? (Proverbs 13:20) Do you dissolve the friendship, spend less time with the friend...? How do you “break that off”?
    
3. What specifically would you do as a parent if you discovered your late adolescent or teen child had an unwise friendship (causing them to rebel, etc)?
    
4. How can you ensure that you are leading a person to the Lord instead of them leading you away from the Lord? How do you know who is influencing who?

Breakout Questions:

1. Do you have any friendships that have a negative effect on your walk with Christ? What are you going to do about it in light of the Word of God?
    
2. Pray for one another.

3 Marks of Legit Friendship

1. Counsel : Give it and receive it Thoughtfully (Proverbs 27:9)


2. Correction : Give it and receive it Humbly (Proverbs 27:6)


3. Comfort : Give it and receive it Constantly (Proverbs 17:17)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions ­(Whole Group):
Read Proverbs 18:24

1. How do you approach a friend when you need counsel? (Proverbs 27:9)
    
2. Have you ever suffered the loss of a friendship because you told them they were wrong about something they said, did, are doing? How do you respond to correction? (Proverbs 27:6)
    
3. Who is a friend that comforts you? Share with the group how that friend comforts you, or even a specific time that friend brought comfort. (Proverbs 17:17)

Breakout Questions:

Pray for one another.

Committed to My Children

Guest Speaker - Pastor Jeremiah Canfield, HBC Pittsburgh East

1. Identify the WAY


2. Maximize the Training



Two ways to train: Discipling and DDisciplining




Discipling 101: How?

• Intentionally
• Spontaneously
• Exemplary
• Consistently
• Creatively

Discipling 201: What?

• Money
• Purity
• Friends
• Working Hard
• Honesty



Fear of the Lord

Disciplining 101: Why?

• It shows your love
• It pictures Christ



Disciplining 201: How?

• Confrontation
• Reflection
• Confession
• Verbal Correction
• Scripture Confirmation
• Physical Correction
• Restoration
• Care
• Repentance


3. Persevere the to End

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions ­(Whole Group):
Read Proverbs 22:6

1. Parents: How has actually having kids changed your previously held ideas about parenting and discipline? How has the Bible changed your ideas about parenting / discipline?
    
2. What have you learned about parenting from your parents (positive OR negative lessons)? How do you see these ideas in light of God’s Word?
    
3. How do you and your spouse share the responsibilities for discipline? If you disagree in any particular belief(s) of discipline, how do you resolve it?

Breakout Questions:

1. What is the greatest struggle you face as a parent? What does the Bible say on that subject? (Be open for advice / encouragement.)
    
2. Pray for one another.

I Need to Step Up as a Parent

Why I Need To Step Up (Proverbs 22:6)

1. Because I love my Child (Proverbs 13:24)


2. Because I love my Neighbor (Proverbs 17:12)


3. Because I love my Home (Proverbs 29:17)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!
Sermon Audio: (no recording)

Small Group Questions ­(Whole Group):
Review Proverbs 22:6

1. Parents: How has actually having kids changed your previously held ideas about parenting and discipline? How has the Bible changed your ideas about parenting / discipline?
    
2. What have you learned about parenting from your parents (positive OR negative lessons)? How do you see these ideas in light of God’s Word?
    
3. How do you and your spouse share the responsibilities for discipline? If you disagree in any particular belief(s) of discipline, how do you resolve it?

Breakout Questions:

1. What is the greatest struggle you face as a parent? What does the Bible say on that subject? (Be open for advice / encouragement.)
    
2. Pray for one another.

Drink Up!

How to Affair Proof Your Marriage

1. Flee the Fire (Proverbs 6:27-29)

The Fire of Passion:

1. ALLURES (Prv 5:3)


2. SSPREADS (Prv 5:8)


3. BURNS (Prv 5:11, 14)


2. Drink the WATER (Prv 5:15-19)


1. Enjoy it Exclusively (Prv 5:15-17)


2. Enjoy it TOTALLY (Prv 5:18-19a)


3. Enjoy it Liberally (Prv 5:19b-20)

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!
Sermon Audio: (no recording)

Small Group Questions ­(Whole Group):
Read Proverbs 5:15-19

1. Why do you think the rate of spouses having affairs is so high?


2. How is monogamy more fulfilling than ”playing the field”?

Breakout Questions:

1. What have you been doing to affair ­proof your marriage?
    
2. How do you make your spouse feel like he/she is still your #1?

1 Corinthians 7:25 - ­ But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another... (goes on to describe taking a timeout for prayer)