Part 2: Faith Building Friends

June 13, 2021

BIG IDEA: “Your faith and friendship can be the turning point in someone else’s story!”

 

 

A faith building friend is…

 

 

1. A “turn your concern ” friend.

 

 

1 Thessalonians 3:1-2 (A-NLT)

“Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good news of Christ.”

 

 

2. An “armed with and ” friend

 

 

1 Thess. 3:2B-5 (NLT)

2B– “We sent him to strengthen you, encourage you in your faith, 3 and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles. 4 Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come-and they did, as you well know. 5 That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.”

 

 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)

9 “Two are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.”

 

 

We see the difference one friend’s strength can make throughout the Bible…

  • Exodus 17- Aaron and Hur held up the weary arms of Moses in the battle
  • 1 Sam 14- Jonathan’s armor-bearer- “I’m with you heart and soul”
  • 2 Sam 23- David and Eleazar stood side by side & defeated the Philistines

 

 

1 Thess. 3:6-7 (NLT)

6 “But now, Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love… 7 So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith.”

 

 

3. An “if your faith is weak, you can have ” friend

 

 

1 Thess. 3:9-10 (NLT)

9 “How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. 10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.”

 

 

God wants to use your faith and friendship TODAY as a turning point in someone else’s story!

 

 

A faith building friend is…

1. A “turn your concern into action” friend

2. An “armed with strength and encouragement” friend

3. An “if your faith is weak, you can have some of mine” friend

 

 

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