What Real Friends Do

Ignite: Be All That You Can Be (Series 7 of 7)
WHAT REAL FRIENDS DO

Ephesians 6:19 - 24

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17 NIV

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens the countenance of a friend. Proverbs 27:17 NIV

I. True Friends Pray for One Another
Pray also for me… Ephesians 6:19 NIV

Prayer changes the person who is being prayed for and the person doing the praying.

We pray because we care, and we care because we pray!

God loves you and wants some “face time” with you.

II. True Friends Can’t Keep Quiet About Jesus
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel… Ephesians 6:19 NIV

Paul prayer request was that he receives the right words to fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.

If you truly care about another person you don’t want them to miss out on heaven.

Commit to get ready and stay ready to give the clearest picture possible of who Jesus is and what He stands for.

III. True Friends Serve One Another
Tychicus, the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. Ephesians 6:21 NIV

Jesus modeled servanthood best and taught His followers by washing their feet, the job only servants did.

Many great leaders had humble beginnings that faithfully carried out their duties as unto the Lord, and God promoted them to places of great influence.

The heroes in God’s kingdom are the faithful people like you who do the ordinary in an extraordinary way.

IV. True Friends Encourage One Another
I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage you. Ephesians 6:22 NLT

To encourage is to help someone find courage to do or be something, to lift their spirits giving hope for better things

V. True Friends Speak God’s Best Over One Another
23 Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love. Ephesians 6:23-24 NLT

Speak peace, love, faith, and grace over one another.

God wants us to have good friends around us and to be a good friend to others.

Real friendships take time, effort, and closeness, with God’s help you can be the kind of friend.