Befriending Faithful Companions

Psalm 119:49-64 – The company you keep will dramatically affect how well you follow biblical principles. Beware the wicked and befriend the wise.

Discover

The promises in God’s Word provide a hope like none other (119:49-50).
Determine your closeness with others based on what they currently do with God’s timeless Word (119:51-53).
Allow the Word to be the worshipful soundtrack of your life (119:54-56).
We must intentionally set ourselves up for the best chance at obedience (119:57-60).
Be cautious of those relationships that try to drag you into wickedness (119:61-62).
The best support system for godliness is to surround yourself with those who seek the same lifestyle (119:63-64).

We share most of our traits with whoever we spend most of our time.
If you don’t intentionally reach out to lost friends, they might be reaching you with a different gospel.

A church doesn’t feel like a family until you start prioritizing the people within it like they are friends.
As our church grows larger, we want to grow deeper in Gospel Groups who grow in the gospel and go with the gospel.

Every Week – Developing deep friendships is difficult if you aren’t consistent.
Get-Together – Organize a fellowship once a quarter outside the regular meeting time to deepen relationships.
Go Out – Organize a ministry or mission opportunity for your group to engage once a quarter.
Next Up – Have someone other than the regular facilitator lead the group twice within a quarter.

Pray – Take time to pray for at least one group member by name every week.
Encourage – Take the initiative to encourage one group member weekly; alternating the person is preferred.
Connect – Make the time outside the gathering to get to know each other better.