Episode Details

What kind of friend do the people in your life need you to be? A true friend does more than enjoy spending time with you. Good friends tell the truth with love, offer wise counsel, remain faithful when life becomes difficult, and encourage one another to grow.

In this practical message from Proverbs 27, Pastor Chris Teien challenges us to stop thinking only about the friends we want and begin asking, “What kind of friend am I?” You will also discover why Jesus is the greatest friend of all, laying down His life so sinners can be forgiven and made right with God.

IN THIS MESSAGE

#1 BE A FRIEND WHO TELLS THE TRUTH

A sincere friend cares enough to speak honestly, even when the truth is difficult to hear. Biblical correction should be offered gently, humbly, and lovingly, with the goal of restoration and growth. (Proverbs 27:5-6; Proverbs 12:15; Ephesians 4:15; Galatians 6:1)

#2 BE A FRIEND WHO GIVES WISE COUNSEL

A wise friend listens before speaking, considers the facts, admits when an answer is not known, prays with you, and points you toward biblical truth. Advice from friends, podcasts, videos, and other sources must always be tested against God’s Word. (Proverbs 27:9; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 18:13; Job 2:11-13)

#3 BE A FRIEND WHO REMAINS FAITHFUL

A loyal friend does not disappear when trouble comes. Faithful friends remain present through crisis, grief, disappointment, and need. They become the dependable people we can call when life becomes difficult. (Proverbs 27:10; Proverbs 17:17)

#4 BE A FRIEND WHO HELPS OTHERS GROW

Godly friends sharpen, encourage, and motivate one another toward greater wisdom, love, good works, and faithfulness to Christ. The people closest to us influence who we are becoming, so we should choose our friends wisely and seek to strengthen them spiritually. (Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 27:17; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Jesus said there is no greater love than laying down one’s life for one’s friends. He demonstrated that love by dying for us while we were still sinners. Jesus is the greatest friend we could ever have. (John 15:12-13; Romans 5:8)

SCRIPTURE

Primary passage: Proverbs 27

Supporting passages: Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 13:20; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 17:17; Proverbs 18:13; Job 2:11-13; John 15:12-13; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 4:15; Galatians 6:1; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Series: Summer in Proverbs

Transcript available at:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19689645

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I hope this message helps you understand and apply God’s Word. Find sermon transcripts at Well.faith, learn more at ChrisTeien.com, or come visit us at Rockwell Church in Virginia, Minnesota. If this message encouraged you, I’d love to hear from you at wellfaith24@gmail.com.