Small Group Questions

---

Small Group Questions

Influence - Friendships Scott Parker April 19, 2015–1516

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

1. Influence that

Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)

2. What friend in your life has been either a strong positive influence or a strong negative influence on you and how? 3. Interact with the following quote by William Penn: “A true friend unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably.” In what ways is this true for you?

_____________________________________________________________

“Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for ‘bad company corrupts good character.’” 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NLT)

“To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.”

1. Who was your best friend growing up? What made them special in your life?

Proverbs 29:5 (NLT)

4. Have your group turn to Proverbs 27. Read the following pieces of advice from verses 5-6, 9-10, 17, and 19. What do you learn about friendship here? 5. Why are wounds from a friend good for you? When have you found this to be true? 6. Thinking about the way you influence your friendships, how well do you reflect the truths of Proverbs 27?

2. Influence that

_____________________________________________________________

7. It is often said that we need “friends” not “fans”. What does this mean to you (see Proverbs 28:23)?

“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” Proverbs 27:6 (NLT)

“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” Proverbs 27:9 (NLT)

“Never abandon a friend— either yours or your father’s. When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance. It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.” Proverbs 27:10 (NLT)

8. Have someone read Proverbs 12:26 and 1 Corinthians 15:33. How well do you think you heed this advice? 9. Where in your life are you intentionally striving to influence a friend in a positive way? How is God present in your friendships? 10. Thinking about your work or school environment, is there someone you notice who might need a friend? How could you go out of your way to be a friend to this person? 11. Pray for one another, for greater influence for the kingdom in your relationships.