Befriending Faithful Companions

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).

Decide

Beware the Wicked

• 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.

Befriend the Wise

• 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.

Gospel Group Gathering Goals

• 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.

Gospel Group Member Goals

• 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.

Memory Verse
I am a friend to all who fear you, to those who keep your precepts (Psalm 119:63).