The Journey of Friendship
Prepare for Launch
with this Conversation Starter
“Filthy Fun Runs”
Watch the Video
Back when I was younger and more willing to abuse myself, I did some pretty dumb things with my friends in the name of fitness. Run a half marathon? Sure, I guess! Travel to Utah for a 200-mile relay race? How bad could that be? But I still can’t believe I let my friends talk me into multiple muddy obstacle courses and filthy fun runs. Crawling around on my belly in a mud pit under barbed wire? Sliding down a giant inflatable slide into a pool of dirty water? It was all a blast! And it just seemed “normal” since I wasn’t alone.
The hard things in life are made a little bit easier with friends you can count on.
THE BIG IDEA
Sometimes, life can feel like an obstacle course in the mud when we’re dealing with the world’s (or maybe our own) darkness and sin. But it’s our friendships that strengthen us during our struggles. No situation is too messy for a friend to step in and help with since “a brother is born for adversity" (Prov. 17:17).
In our darkest hours, wandering through “the valley of the shadow of death,” God’s presence and guidance bring us peace (Ps. 23:4). And once he’s comforted us, we adopt a “take one, pass it down” approach, turning to our friends to comfort them (2 Cor. 1:3-4). It might seem easier and more convenient to rejoice with our friends, but when we also share someone’s sadness (Rom. 12:15), those bonds solidify into long-lasting relationships.
Notice the great friends in Scripture who (sometimes literally!) held up each other’s hands in difficult times (cf. Exod. 17:12). How would those situations have turned out if they were all alone? Sometimes we need help, but other times it’s up to us to step in with gentleness and genuine concern to carry someone’s pack. As Paul reminds us, “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2).
Have you prepared for the storms of life by investing in close relationships?
THE BIG QUESTION
Born for Adversity
Face Trials Together
INTRODUCTION
Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.
Read or watch “Filthy Fun Runs” (above). ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.
What's the worst day you've shared with a friend?ACT I
FINDING JESUS — Galatians 6:1-5
What’s the main point of this passage?Where do you see Jesus in this passage? How does Jesus exemplify and model this instruction?What's one specific way you can apply these words today?
ACT II
THE A-TEAM — Friends Through Adversity
Make a list (or "draft board") of great friends in Scripture who were faithful in hard times. If you're studying with a friend, use this time to take turns drafting your top picks. Then review the list together. Who stands out as examples of the kind of friend you want to be? Why?ACT III
REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.
How would your life's biggest trials have turned out without a friend to bear your load?WRAP UP
THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?
Ask someone how you can carry their load or share yours with them. REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.
“As you continually comfort us, O God, let us turn to pass that comfort along to our friends” (cf. 2 Cor. 1:3-4).NEXT SESSION — Lifelong Friends
Prepare by reading John 19:25-27; Phil. 1:3-11; Eccl. 4:9-12
Hear this Guided Study in action
Check out our podcast episode, where we had our own conversation on facing trials together.
