Two By Two
The Journey of Friendship

Session 9: Lifelong Friends

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Prepare for Launch

get ready with these Helpful Resources

John 19:25-27; Phil. 1:3-11; Eccl. 4:9-12

“An Epic Adventure”

Before Bilbo Baggins left the Shire and long before four siblings stepped through a passage in a wardrobe, two friends embarked on an epic adventure of their own. J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis met at Oxford and became fast friends through their mutual love of fantasy, religion, and writing. They praised each other, pushed each other, and grew in faith and fame together over decades. Hearing news of Lewis' death, Tolkien famously wrote to his daughter: "So far I have felt like an old tree that is losing all its leaves one by one: this feels like an axe-blow near the roots." Wow!

Some relationships change us in ways we won't even realize until we look back.

THE BIG IDEA

A true friend's love and loyalty last a lifetime — sometimes even blessing you after you die. Like the scene on the cross when Christ asked "the disciple whom he loved" to care for his mother after he was gone (John 19:25-27). Quite a responsibility, yet "from that hour the disciple took her to his own home" (John 19:27).

Praise God for good companions! May we realize the joy they bring and give thanks when we think of them (Phil. 1:3-4; Philem. 4). Remember how Paul gushed over his Philippian friends? "God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus" (Phil. 1:8). John captures the sweetness of our bonds, closing his third letter, "Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends, each by name" (3 John 15). He doesn't call them "saints" or "brothers." He gives disciples the endearing nickname: "the friends."

So, as we conclude our Two By Two study, let's remember some wisdom from session one: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Eccl. 4:9-10).

Who are your traveling companions on your journey home?

THE BIG QUESTION

Lifelong Friends

Enjoy the Journey Together

INTRODUCTION

Launch the study with a CONVERSATION STARTER on the Big Idea.

Read or watch “An Epic Adventure” (above). 

ICE BREAKER — Get everyone engaged and talking.

What's an activity you did with friends when you were younger that you'd cringe to do with them today?

ACT I

LIKE THE TEACHER — John 19:25-27

  • What’s the main point of this passage?
  • What insights and applications do you take from the example of Christ? What do we need to get from these words that — if understood and applied — has the power to bless and strengthen us?
  • Is there anything else here you find helpful or interesting? Anything you’ve never noticed before — or have always loved about these words?

ACT II

FLYIN’ THROUGH THE BOOK — 3 John

Read through 3 John several times, filling in the prompts below to give an outline. If you're studying with a friend, alternate summarizing the different parts of the book until you get to the end.
  • Intro
Writer / Audience / Time Period: 
Purpose: 

  • Opening Greeting (1-4)
Main point: 
High-level outline: 
Key verse:  
Main insight:  
  • Commending Gaius (5-8)
Main point: 
High-level outline: 
Key verse:  
Main insight: 
  • Warning About Diotrophes (9-10)
Main point: 
High-level outline: 
Key verse:  
Main insight: 
  • Commending Demetrius (11-12)
Main point: 
High-level outline: 
Key verse:  
Main insight: 
  • Closing Greeting (13-15)
Main point: 
High-level outline: 
Key verse:  
Main insight:

ACT III

REACH OUT — Connect with each other with this question.

What are your favorite qualities of your best friend?

WRAP UP

THE CHALLENGE — Ready to put it into practice?

Pick up the bill for dinner with a close friend.

REQUEST — Go to God in a closing prayer.

“We joyfully praise you for friends, may we never take them for granted” (cf. Phil. 1:3-5)