Introduction: Why This Matters for Teenagers
Friendships play a huge role in shaping your life, especially as a teenager. But not all friendships push you closer to God. How do you find, build, and keep friendships that help you grow in your faith? This lesson dives into what God says about friendships and how to be the kind of friend who honors Him.
Main Teaching: Friendship According to God
Bible Reading: Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Explanation for Teenagers
- True friends make you better by challenging you to grow spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
- Just like sharpening iron takes effort, strong friendships require honesty and accountability.
- Surrounding yourself with friends who love God helps you stay focused on Him.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- How can a friend “sharpen” you in your faith?
- What qualities do you think make a great, God-honoring friend?
- Are there friendships in your life that help or hurt your walk with Jesus?
Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Explanation for Teenagers
- God designed friendships to provide support, encouragement, and help when life gets hard.
- Good friends pick you up when you stumble—not just physically, but spiritually too.
- Investing in healthy, God-centered friendships builds a support system for tough times.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Can you think of a time a friend helped you through a difficult situation?
- What are some ways you can be a better encourager to your friends?
- How do you know if a friendship is one-sided or unhealthy?
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:33
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
Explanation for Teenagers
- The people you hang out with influence your behavior, choices, and even your faith.
- Friendships with people who don’t share your values can pull you away from God if you’re not careful.
- It’s okay to set boundaries with friends who lead you in the wrong direction.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- Why do you think the Bible warns about the influence of “bad company”?
- How can you lovingly set boundaries with a friend who might not share your values?
- What does it mean to be a positive influence in your friend group?
Youth Group Game: “Friendship Tug-of-War”
Instructions:
- Divide the group into two teams for a classic game of tug-of-war.
- After the game, discuss how it illustrates the push-and-pull effect of influence in friendships.
- Ask: Are you pulling others toward God, or are they pulling you away?
Debrief:
- Use the game to highlight how friends influence our direction—either toward or away from God.
- Encourage teens to reflect on whether their friendships reflect Christ-like love and encouragement.
Conclusion: Building Godly Friendships
Friendships are one of God’s greatest gifts, but they come with responsibility. Be intentional about choosing friends who help you grow in your faith and being the kind of friend who lifts others up. You have the opportunity to reflect Christ in every relationship!
Closing Prayer
“Lord, thank You for the gift of friendships and the people You’ve placed in our lives. Help us to choose friends who bring us closer to You and to be the kind of friends who encourage and support others. Teach us how to honor You in all our relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”