Discussion Guide
This weekend we started a new series on having real relationships. We live in a world where we have more friends than ever on social media platforms. Yet, people are lonelier than they have ever been. Let’s dig into what real relationships are and how to develop them.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. How would you describe a real or true friend? Have you had the privilege of experiencing a true friend?
2. Build Faith, Building Friendships. Read Daniel 3:13-18. In verse 16, who did it say answered the king? Do you find it harder to connect or make friends in this culture? How do we develop friendships that build up our faith and challenge us?
3. Read Proverbs 27:6, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Proverbs 13:20. What do these verses teach us about choosing friendships? Can you share a time you have been challenged or confronted by a true friend? What was the outcome?
4. Build Fire Walking Friendships. Read Daniel 3:19-28. How were the three friends' faith tested in this scripture? Are we the kind of friend that will walk through the fires of life with them? Who was with the three friends in the fire?
Action Step: Ask God to help you find real community. It takes work, it won’t just fall in your lap. Take the initiative, make the first move, and be the kind of friend that you would want to have. Prioritize Christ centered relationships by looking for those that are following Jesus. Place yourself in faith building environments. It’s worth the effort and God will be faithful to guide you.
Deeper
5. Read Ruth 1:16-18. How do you see the “Fire Walking” kind of friendship between Naomi and Ruth? How can we be the kind of person and friend that Ruth was?
6. Read Ruth 2:11-12, Ruth 4:13-17. Consider how God blessed Ruth’s faithfulness to Naomi. How does this friendship between Ruth and Naomi create blessings for generations?