MY STORY

1.  Friendships are important. Yet it can still be difficult to develop great friendships. What are some of the common challenges people face when it comes to developing friendships?

How do these challenges change as we go through different life stages?

2. We all have different desires and capacities when it comes to making friends, and those tendencies seem to show up even when we are kids. Which of these statements best describes your experience with friends when you were growing up?

1. I had one or two best friends I did everything with.
2. I had a circle of friends I hung out with and we did everything together.
3. I had a lot of acquaintances, but not many people I would consider friends.
4. I had friends from a wide variety of different social circles.
5. I liked being alone, so I had a limited number of friends.
6. Other ________________________________________

3.  Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged or confused you?

DIGGING DEEPER

1.The truth that people need friends to grow is reflected throughout the Bible. A very clear statement of the value of friends is found in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 . After reading the passage, write down as many benefits of friendship that you can find.

Can you think of any other benefits you get from having friends?

Assuming all relationships ebb and flow, how could a list like this create unrealistic expectations of what friendship involves?

2.  You may have heard it said, “To have a friend you need to be a friend.” The Book of Proverbs has a lot of practical wisdom about how to be a friend. Jot down what each of the following verses says about how to be a good friend.

Proverbs 12:18

Proverbs 17:9

Proverbs 18:13

Proverbs 27:5-6

Which of these attitudes or actions comes most naturally to you? Which is most challenging for you?

3. A great example in the Bible of a strong friendship is the story of David (of David & Goliath fame) and Jonathan, the son of King Saul. Despite stressful circumstances, they were able to encourage and support each other through tough times. As you read about their relationship in the verses below, what specific actions, attitudes or principles can we learn about developing strong friendships?
 

1 Samuel 18:1-4

1 Samuel 19:1-7

1 Samuel 20:12-17

TAKING IT HOME

1.  One of the ways to be encouraged to effectively live out our faith is teaming up and living life with others. Looking back at this past quarter and year, how has your Community Group experience affirmed, encouraged and/or challenged you in your connection and influence with others, and what it means to follow Christ?

2. Where would you be spiritually were it not for the help of others? 

3. Who in your circle of influence might God be calling you into a deeper friendship with?  How can the group pray for you as a friend?

Where to find friends amongst the Chaos:

Celebrate Recovery: crtampa.com

Every Thursday Night Including all holidays at the BP campus.  Completely confidential.

• 5:30 – 6:15 PM
  Dinner Full Dinner $6.00; Salad and Soup $3.00; Grilled Cheese $2; Children under 5 Eat Free
• 6:30 – 8:30PM
  Large Group CR worship, followed by either a teaching or a testimony (which alternate). Small groups for discussion, gender and issues specific. Childcare 5 & under begins at 6:20p.  Celebration Place for kids 6-12 teaches the kids the same principles as the adults begins at 6:20p
• 8:30 – 9:00 PM
  Coffeehouse This is a time for fellowship and for meeting new people. Light refreshments are served with soft drinks and coffee. This is free for everyone.

Summer Wednesday Nights

This summer we have special teachings at the BP campus with children’s program provided for families so that all may come.  Mark your calendar beginning June 5! The dates of these nights is perfect for Community Groups to do together!  The dates are:June 5, June 19, June 26, & July 10.