Your Friends Matter to God!
The sermon emphasizes the importance of evaluating friendships in light of scripture and the impact they have on our spiritual lives.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of our friendships and their impact on our spiritual lives, urging believers to evaluate their closest relationships in light of Scripture. He warns that Satan may tempt us to form ungodly friendships that can lead us away from God, and encourages us to seek true friends who align with God's Word and are willing to speak the truth, even when it hurts. Wilkerson stresses that our friends matter to God, as their influence can have serious consequences on our faith and character. He calls for a proactive stance in breaking off ungodly friendships and praying for discernment in our relationships.
Text
You probably have various circles of friends that include your business world -- your coworkers, partners or clients -- and acquaintances you associate with on a surface level. We would have to leave the world altogether in order to avoid these kinds of contacts.
God cares most about your intimate circle, your bosom pals. These are the people you love most and who have an influence in your life. You agree on most things and you feel safe opening your heart to each other.
It is important to know that as a follower of Jesus, you will be tempted by Satan to form ungodly friendships. He will try to bring into your life someone who can destroy everything godly in you! You may think, "Wait a minute! I don't want to start doubting my friends." If you are true friends, knit together by the Spirit of Christ, you have nothing to fear in examining your relationships with them. But it would be wise for you to look at your friendships in the light of scripture.
A true, godly friend will always take the side of God's Word in any matter, and not just your side because you are friends. Such a friend will love you enough to tell you the truth, even though it may hurt at times.
Beloved, your friends are a serious matter to God -- because their actions have serious consequences. The Bible is very clear: "Make no friendship with an angry man ... lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul" (Proverbs 22:24-25). "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits'" (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Take a stand today. If you have ungodly friends in your inner circle, break them off. And always be alert to Satan's attempts to put someone in your life who would destroy Christ's work in you.
Pray this prayer today, "Lord, open my eyes to all my friendships. Help me to see them clearly, whether good or bad, and may all my relationships bring glory to you!"
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding different circles of friends
- The importance of intimate friendships
- Influence of friends on our lives
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II
- The temptation of ungodly friendships
- Recognizing the danger of bad company
- Examining relationships through scripture
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III
- Characteristics of a true godly friend
- The role of honesty in friendships
- Consequences of friendships on spiritual life
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IV
- Biblical warnings about friendships
- Taking action against ungodly influences
- The importance of prayer in evaluating friendships
Key Quotes
“Beloved, your friends are a serious matter to God -- because their actions have serious consequences.” — David Wilkerson
“Make no friendship with an angry man ... lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.” — David Wilkerson
“Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits'.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Reflect on your closest friendships and their influence on your faith.
- Seek to cultivate relationships that align with God's Word.
- Pray for discernment in recognizing and addressing ungodly friendships.