Intro: final message in the series, tells us how to keep change going in the weeks and months ahead.
1. Lasting change requires biblical friendship
- people who change are surrounded by biblical friendship (Proverbs 12:26)
- “friends of the flesh” – people who don’t help point you to the Lord, but the world
2. A biblical friend hold you up when you stumble. (1 Samuel 23:16-18)
A. Notice presence (v 16a)
- at the worst of times he showed up
B. Notice prayer (v 16b)
- nothing better I can do than to take a person to the Lord through prayer
C. Notice protection (v 17)
- he brought words of assurance
- counseling to the flesh: when our heart is like a tornado we don’t need someone to show up with a fan
- loyalty, wants to support God’s call on your life
- Am I a loyal friend? Do I challenge others when they talk about my friend?
D. Notice Promise (v 18)
- friendship should be verbalized
Key Ingredient: Love (Proverbs 17:17)
- ATC: Absolutely totally, commited; all that I have, as long as it takes
3. A biblical friends holds you down when you stray (2 Samuel 12:1-15)
- everybody needs somebody that can tell them the truth
Key Ingedient: Truth
4. Change that lasts:
- Choose a friend committed to change
- Review Biblical pattern for change
- Commit to mutual accountability for change
Conclusion
