Transformation, Week 3: Transformed Friends

This week pastor Shane Frazier discusses tranforming friendships. (Romans 12:2) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.   3 LEVELS OF FRIENDSHIP 1. Surface Friendships.            2. Structured Friendships.   3. Solid and Secure Friendships.         Biblical Friendship:      1. Few friends are true friends. (Proverbs 18:24) “Friends come and friends go but a true friend sticks by you like family.” (Proverbs 17:17) “Friends love through all kinds of weather.”   2. Friends will speak truth to you. (Proverbs 27:6) “The wounds from a friend are worth it; kisses from an enemy do you in.” 3. Friends refresh us. (Proverbs 27:9) ““…A sweet friendship refreshes the soul.” 4. Friends sharpen one another. (Proverbs 27:17) “You use steel to sharpen steel and one friend sharpens another.”   (Proverbs 18:24) (NKJV) A man who has friends must himself be friendly, How can I have a transforming friendship? 1. Change who you are. (Be Transformed) “Unless you change how you are, you will always have what you've got.” – Jim Rohn.   (Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.   2. Commit your time and energy. (Join a Group)   (1 Thessalonians 2:8) We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.   (Acts 2:42) They spent their time learning the apostles' teaching, sharing, breaking bread, and praying together.   (Luke 10:27) The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’   (Luke 10:37) The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”   God’s Transformation Plan for your life: 1. He wants you to have a friendship with others. (Romans 12:9-10) (MSG) Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. … Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.   2. He wants you to have a relationship with Him.   (Revelation 3:20) Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.