RELATIONSHIPS ARE COMPLICATED

Part 2: Fake Friends – September 27, 2026

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John 2:23–24 (NIV) Now while he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs he was performing and believed in his name. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people.

 

Matthew 7:20 (NLT) Just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

 

• Their affection is .
• They use to pressure or
• They with what they should .
• They can’t be trusted with your .
• They resist and repeat the .

A Faithful Friend

A faithful friend is loyal enough to stay,

honest enough to confront,

secure enough to celebrate,

trustworthy enough to protect your vulnerability,

and spiritual enough to strengthen your walk with God.

Put People in the Right Circle

Jesus’s Model of Healthy Boundaries

 

 

1. The boundary of .

 

John 11:53–54 (NIV) So from that day on they plotted to take his life. Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness.

2. The circle of .

 

Matthew 9:36 (NIV) When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

3. The circle of .

 

Mark 3:13–14 (NIV) Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.

4. The circle of .

 

Mark 5:37 (NIV) He did not let anyone follow him except Peter, James and John the brother of James.

 

Mark 14:32-34 (NIV) They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

 

2 Timothy 4:9–15,19–21 (NIV) Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. Alexander the metalworker did me great harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message…Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.

 

1. the repentant.

 

Galatians 6:1 (NIV) Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

2. the relationship.

 

Acts 15:37–40 (NIV) Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.

3. the harmful

 

Romans 16:17 (NIV) I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

4. the unfaithful.

 

Matthew 10:14 (NIV) If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.

 

Romans 12:18 (NIV) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

 

You can change without changing .