2019 THEME: FRESH WIND/FRESH FIRE

SERIES: RHYTHMS - FIND REST FOR YOUR SOUL

MESSAGE TITLE: RHYTHMS 4 - FRIENDSHIPS

(Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the New Living Translation)

Pastor David Cunsolo

Text: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Background Key Verse: Proverbs 27:17 (NLT)
17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

We need to be careful and to be intentional in finding the rhythm and balance God intends for us in our jobs, our rest, our worship, and our friendships—in our every day routine.

“No man is an island…” John Donne, 17th Century
**
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT) **
9 Two people 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.

The very best investment you will ever make in life will not be a financial one, but rather the investment made in relationships.

“Choose your friends wisely because they will make you or break you.” —Grace Cunsolo

1. A Real Friend Helps You When You’re Down. (v.10) 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

*Proverbs 17:17 (NLT) *
17 A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

What kind of friend are you? There is a vast difference between knowing someone well and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of genuine friendship is loyalty—being available to help in times of distress or personal struggle. The Apostle Paul states this in The Love Chapter:
1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT)
7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

2. A Real Friend Is Someone Who Provides Emotional Or Physical Warmth In A Cold, Cruel World. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?

3. A Real Friend Is Someone Who Will Fight To Protect You Or Your Reputation. 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.

** Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) **
17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

*Proverbs 18:24 (NLT) *
24 … but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.

13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

What A Friend We Have In Jesus, All Our Sins And Griefs To Bear
What A Privilege To Carry Everything To God In Prayer
Oh, What Peace We Often Forfeit, Oh, What Needless Pain We Bear, All Because We Do Not Carry Everything To God In Prayer.
[“What A Friend We Have In Jesus” Joseph Scriven. Praise! Our Songs and Hymns # 412 compiled by John Peterson and Norman Johnson (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1979)]

RECAP:
1. What is one thing that stood out to you from this week’s message?
2. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you about what you have learned today?
3. What kind of RHYTHM do your friendships have in your life?
4. Are you that Someone who needs to be a friend to someone else?
5. How can I pray for you? Please email or call me: pastordave@victorywinchester.com 540-667-9400 x117

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