sermon
notes

• Proverbs 13:20 (The Message):
  “Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.”
  Friendship matters deeply because the people we surround ourselves with shape who we become.

• Why does Proverbs emphasize friendship? Because who we walk with influences our values, faith, and even how we handle life’s struggles. This is true even today—despite social media’s many “friends,” true friendship is far deeper.

• What is a friend?
  More than an online contact, a friend is someone close, an ally in life’s struggles.

• The song “Find Out Who Your Friends Are” reminds us: true friends show up in hard times, not just easy ones. They drop everything to help.

• Biblical example (Mark 2):
  Four friends carry their paralyzed friend to Jesus. When the crowd blocks the way, they don’t give up—they climb the roof and lower him down. Jesus sees their faith, forgives, and heals the man both spiritually and physically.

• This story teaches:

• We become like the people we spend time with.
• Real friends don’t quit when it’s hard; they show up and carry each other through.

• Three friendship goals from Proverbs 13:20 & Mark 2:

Bring others closer to Jesus — Friends can be bridges from brokenness to healing.
Be there when someone is hurting — Love is shown by action, not just words.
Don’t give up when it’s hard — True love is relentless and persistent.

• Jesus models the ultimate friendship:
  In John 15:12-16, He commands us to love sacrificially, laying down our lives for friends. He calls us His friends, not servants—inviting us into a deep, transforming relationship.

• We can’t love like Jesus by ourselves—we need to stay connected to Him (the Vine and branches). His love flows through us and empowers us to love others well.

• Practical application:

• Reflect on your friendships: Who helps you grow? Who draws you closer to Jesus?
• Ask: What kind of friend am I? Am I helping others walk in wisdom?
• Reach out this week—check in with someone or show up for someone in need. Let Jesus love them through you.

• Remember: Jesus chose you as His friend—now go be a friend like Jesus.