THEME: WALKING WITH JESUS MY BEST FRIEND Theme Verse: John 15:15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing but I have called you friends for all the things that I heard from my father I have made known to you. I. Day 1, Session 1 - Friendship Defined & Distinguished Key Verse: Proverbs 27:9 A sweet friendship refreshes the soul Q: Who is a friend? A friend is someone who embodies love, self-sacrifice, and commitment, standing by your side through both joyful and challenging times. Here are the key qualities that define a true friend: Qualities of a True Friend: • Trustworthy / Faithful A true friend is reliable and steadfast. Scripture Reference: “God is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9). • Loves Unconditionally / Slow to Anger A genuine friend loves without conditions and shows patience. Scripture References: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases” (Lamentations 3:22-23) and “A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17). • Protects / Always Available A true friend is a source of safety and support. Scripture Reference: “The Lord is my protector; with Him I am safe” (Psalms 18:2). • Encourages / Prays for You Friends uplift one another and intercede in prayer. Scripture Reference: “Be strong and courageous” (Deuteronomy 31:8). • Never Changes A true friend remains constant, providing stability in a changing world. Scripture Reference: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). • One Who Forgives A genuine friend practices forgiveness, allowing for growth and healing. Scripture References: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins” (1 John 1:9) and “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13). FRIENDSHIP IN BIBLE- David And Jonathan (1 SAMUEL ch 18-20)
1. Loyalty/Faithfulness: Jonathan’s warning to David about Saul's intentions shows his unwavering loyalty. Their commitment to each other remained strong despite the challenges they faced, illustrating true friendship. 2. Protection: Jonathan’s actions to protect David from Saul exemplify the lengths true friends will go to ensure each other's safety and well-being. 3. Reconciliation/Encouragement: Jonathan’s efforts to reconcile David and Saul reflect his desire for peace and unity, demonstrating the importance of encouraging friends during difficult times. 4. Common Interest: Both men shared a dedication to serving the Lord, which strengthened their bond. Their mutual faith provided a solid foundation for their friendship. 5. Love and Care: David’s care for Jonathan’s children after his death highlights the enduring nature of their friendship. It shows that true love goes beyond personal ties and extends to family and legacy. These qualities not only define their friendship but also serve as a model for how we can cultivate meaningful relationships in our own lives being a child of GOD Q. What Friendship is not ? Judas Iscariot ( MATHEW 26:14-16 & vs 47-50) - The example of Judas Iscariot serves as a stark reminder of what true friendship should not be. His actions reveal the qualities that undermine genuine friendship. Qualities That Define a False Friendship: • Not Faithful / Not Loyal Judas’s betrayal shows that true friends are loyal and stand by each other, even in challenging times. • Selfish Judas acted out of selfish motives, prioritizing his own gain over the well-being of Jesus and their relationship. • Betrayer A true friend does not betray trust. Judas’s act of betrayal for thirty pieces of silver illustrates the opposite of a faithful friendship. • No True Love Friendship is rooted in love and care for one another. Judas’s actions lacked the genuine love that should characterize a true friend. By reflecting on these negative qualities, we can better understand the essence of authentic friendship and strive to cultivate relationships that embody loyalty, selflessness, trust, and love. 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled “bad company corrupts good character Proverbs 18:24 One who has an unreliable friend soon comes to ruin Q. Who is our true and best friend as children of God? Jesus/ God F Firm The rock to be trusted Isaiah 26:4 R Redeemer He dies for our sins to save us Romans 3:24 I Infinite The Alpha and the Omega Revelation 1:18 E Enduring Always living to intercede Hebrews 7:25
Needful Apart from Him you can do nothing John 15:5 D Defender He will fight for us Exodus 14:4 ACTIVITY
Day 1, Session 2 -Friendship in Action – Lord Jesus Key verse: John 15:14 You are my friend if you do whatever I command you Aim of this session – To learn how we can be good friend to others through the life of Jesus Christ- In ACTION Q: How can we be good friends- Who is our best example for us? Story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) The story of the Good Samaritan is a powerful parable told by Jesus to illustrate the importance of compassion and neighbourly love. In this parable, a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho is assaulted by robbers, left beaten and abandoned. While a priest and a Levite, both respected figures, see him and choose to pass by without offering assistance, a Samaritan—often viewed with disdain by the Jews—stops to help. The Samaritan bandages the injured man's wounds and takes him to an inn, where he pays for his care, demonstrating selfless love and mercy. This story emphasizes that true friendship transcends societal boundaries and prejudices. Jesus concludes by urging his listeners to "go and do likewise," encouraging them to act with compassion toward others, regardless of their background. The ultimate example of friendship- JESUS CHRIST How? - Jesus truly exemplified friendship and love through his actions, leaving a lasting impact on those around him: Washing the Feet of the Disciples:
disciples. This task, typically reserved for the lowest servant, symbolizes his deep love and commitment. By performing this act, he sets a powerful example for his followers, urging them to serve one another selflessly. Praying for His Disciples: John 17, Jesus prays earnestly for his disciples and all believers, expressing his deep concern for their well-being and spiritual protection. This prayer reflects his dedication to their safety and growth, emphasizing his role as a shepherd caring for his flock. Act of forgiveness John 21 tells us about the restoration of Peter's relationship with Jesus. After Peter's denial, he felt guilt and shame, but Jesus, in His resurrection, offers forgiveness and reconciliation. When Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him three times, it mirrors Peter's three denials. This repetition serves to reaffirm Peter’s commitment and highlights the theme of forgiveness. Each time Peter responds affirmatively, Jesus gives him a commission: to "feed my sheep." Through this exchange, Jesus demonstrates that love and commitment can overcome past failures. It reassures Peter that despite his mistakes, he is still called to serve and lead, illustrating the transformative power of forgiveness in restoring relationships. Sacrificed His Own Life: Hebrew 9:28 , Jesus’s greatest act of love was his sacrificial death on the cross. The Ultimate sacrifice to save us from the bondage of sin and to set us free- SALVATION- THE GOOD NEWS/GOSPEL GOLDEN VERSE- John 15:12, This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. G God’s C Christ O Only R Removed S Son O Our P Provides S Sins E Eternal S Simultaneously L Life ABC of Salvation The ABCs of Salvation y outlined are a simple yet profound way to understand the process of coming to faith, a clear path to spiritual growth and transformation A - Accept that I am a sinner: Acknowledging our shortcomings and recognizing the need for redemption is the first step toward salvation. B - Believe that He is my Savior: Faith in Jesus Christ as the one who delivers us from sin is crucial. This belief assures us of His grace and the promise of eternal life. C - Confess my sins and commit my life to Him: Confession is about recognizing our sins before God and committing to a life that reflects our faith in Christ.
our Lord. Romans 6:4 Walk in the newness of life Q: What should we do? Below points are essential practices for spiritual growth and deepening your relationship with God: a. Spend time in the presence of God and learn from His word: Regularly reading the Bible helps us understand God’s character, His promises, and His will for our lives. It’s a way to receive guidance and inspiration. James 4:8a Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. b. Talking to Jesus through Prayer: Prayer is a vital way to communicate with God. It allows us to express our thoughts, concerns, and gratitude while also listening for His guidance. Together, these practices help nurture a strong faith and keep us connected to God. and Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God ACTIVITY: Colouring page
Day 2 , Session 1 -Friendship in Action – YOU Key Verse : Romans 12:10 Be Devoted to one another in love, Honor one another above yourselves Jesus: Our Greatest Example of Friendship
lived and taught, we are called to reflect these qualities in our relationships, much like the friendship between David and Jonathan. What are the Key Qualities of Good Friendship we need to Act upon: (Learning from Video) • Help and Protect Our Friends Just as David supported Jonathan, we should stand by our friends in times of need. • Share with Our Friends Genuine friendship involves sharing our blessings, resources, and time with each other. • Pray for Our Friends Following Jesus’ example of praying for His disciples, we should lift our friends up in prayer regularly. • Love Unconditionally Jesus demonstrated His love by serving others, like when He washed the disciples’ feet (John 13:14). We, too, should love our friends without conditions. • Be Truthful and Faithful Honesty builds trust, and loyalty fosters deep connections. A true friend remains faithful through all circumstances. • Be Forgiving Just as Jesus forgave those who wronged Him, we should practice forgiveness in our friendships, allowing for growth and healing. • Lead Our Friends to God and His Word Encourage and guide friends to strengthen their relationship with God, sharing the wisdom found in Scripture. • Share Correction and Wisdom A good friend speaks the truth in love, offering guidance and correction when necessary, helping each other grow in faith. Jesus being out greatest example of friendship, we need to walk just as Jesus walked and follow his teachings and put in action the qualities of Good Friendship- Walk after his commandants (2 John 1:6) ACTIVITY
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