Avoiding negative influences, People

Intro: Who has helped you grow in your relationship with Christ?

Study

  1. 2 Cor 6:14, Prov 4:23 In order to keep the fire burning in our lives, we must guard against wrong influences, this also includes our relationships.
    1. 1 Cor 15:33 The bible tells us that we must be careful in our relationships, everyone of us can be influenced to do wrong in wrong relationships.
      1. Romans 16:19 Although it is true that we are called to evangelize and reach out to the unsaved, they are not to be our close friends.
      2. Rev 3:16 We also need to be careful in befriending backslidden, or compromising Christians, because they influence us to lower our standards.
    2. 1 Peter 5:8 Wrong relationships can pull us away from God, lead us into sin, convince us that wrong is right, and can cause us to loose our salvation.
  2. James 4:4, Heb 1:9 When we as Christians try to befriend the world, and the things of the world, we become enemies of God.
    1. Matt 5:13, Rom 13:12 God has called us to be a light in the dark world, we loose our influence, and become influenced by wrong relationships.
      1. Jer 1:5, Gal 1:15 God has set us apart for his purposes and plans, there are standards, and guidelines we must live by.
      2. Prov 27:6 Our best friends, and closest relationships are to be strong Christians who can help us grow, and live by the same standards.
    2. Heb 10:25, Jude 1:23 God has called us to be surrounded by other strong Christians, pulling as many people out of the fire as possible.

Discussion

  1. Can you give an example of a time when you had to cut off wrong relationships so that you could grow in God?
  2. Why can it be so difficult for Christians to cut off wrong relationships, even if they know the relationships are hurting them? Does anyone have an example?
  3. What are some of the standards God has called us to live by that are different than the world?
  4. Are there any here tonight that are in wrong relationships that you need to get out of?

End: Pray for any who have wrong relationships they need to get out of, then take requests.