Ending Friendships | Friends | Drew Moore

Have you ever experienced the end of a friendship? Friendships come in seasons, and how they end can have lasting impacts. You can choose to leave and lose them or send them with encouragement. This week, consider Paul and Barnabas' example to send your friend well (Acts 13-15). 

KEY VERSES

  • Ecclesiastes 3:1 - For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

  • Acts of the Apostles 4:32-37 - All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell themand bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

  • Acts of the Apostles 9:1 - Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest.

  • Acts of the Apostles 13:1-3 - Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul.One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.”So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.

  • Acts of the Apostles 15:36-41 - After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.”Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark.But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work.Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus.Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care.Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

  • Acts of the Apostles 15:40 - Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care.

  • Romans 12:18 - If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

HEARING WHAT GOD IS SAYING

One of the best ways to hear what God is saying right now is to look at what He has said in the Bible with a few friends. Discovery Bible Study is an easy-to-use way to hear from God, make good changes in our lives, and share with others what God is up to. Grab some friends, pick a verse or story from above, and dive deeper into this week’s message.

Recap

+ Reconnect

To begin the study, each person answers these questions:

  • What are you thankful for?
  • What is causing stress for our neighbors and people around us?
  • What can we as individuals or as a group do to help?

+ Recap

  • Have someone retell the story from your previous meeting.
  • Did you live out your response from last week?
  • Did you tell anyone else about the story from last week?

Discovering What God Is Saying

+ Read and Retell the Bible Story

  • One person reads the story out loud to the group.
  • Someone else in the group retells the story in their own words as they remember it, and others fill in what’s missing.

+ Read and Look

  • Read the passage again (different version if possible)
  • What does this passage say about God, Jesus, or His plan?

+ Read and Look Again

  • Have 1-2 more people retell the story as if they were telling a neighbor outside their home.
  • What does this passage say about people in general?

Doing What God Is Saying

+ Consider

  • What in me needs to change to better DO what God is showing me today?
  • How will you respond to/obey this passage in a tangible, perhaps even costly ways in the next 47 hours?
  • Have someone record these for prayer time, and for the beginning of the next meeting.

Sharing what God is saying

+ Praying Together

  • Take prayer requests
  • Pray together

+ Share

  • Who in your life needs to hear this story?
  • Who could you invite to study the Bible like this?

Become a Partner

Every time you give in Jesus’ name, you make a difference in others AND you make a difference in your own life! Partnering together in generosity helps accomplish things together that could never be accomplished alone! You can partner together in giving today with a single gift, or schedule recurring giving using your checking account, debit, or credit card.

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