What are Friends For?

on August 30, 2018

“Friendship … is born at the moment when one man says to another “What! You too? I thought that no one but myself…” -C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

Download a PDF of the What are Friends For? Bible Study.

True friendship seems somewhat underrated in modern society, overshadowed by romantic infatuation or celebration of independence. Teens all too often define “friends” by the number of followers they can count on social media outlets. It is important to help adolescents understand how precious true friends are, as well as what it means to be a friend. This Bible study series provides four lessons on friendship. Each lesson features Biblical examples of friends, as well as specific verses for study and questions to contemplate. The order and format are of course adaptable, but the main themes are:

Lesson one: What is Friendship?
This lesson introduces the study topic with definitions and broad discussion of friendship. Qualities of friendship are explored, including loyalty, trust, care, and generosity. Examples of these traits will feature the story of the fiery furnace and the healing of a paralytic.

Lesson two: Through Thick and Thin…
This lesson will focus on the characters of David and Jonathan, examining their friendship as a model of relational devotion. The characteristics of friendship will be applied to the story of David and Jonathan, as teens apply those traits to other areas of life as well.

Lesson Three: Mentors
Not all friendships are found on the playground. Some relationships are forged between a more senior role and a younger one. The relationships between Ruth and Naomi, Elijah and Elisha, and Paul and Timothy will serve to exemplify this type of friendship.

Lesson Four: The Group Dynamic
Friendship can be individual but can also exist between multiple people. This lesson examines how team friendship can develop our identity and joy. The interactions between Jesus and His disciples will highlight this friendship genre, as we see how love lays down its life for friends.

Download a PDF of the What are Friends For? Bible Study.

Published August 30, 2018

About the author

Kristin Highley

Kristin is a servant of Christ who is blessed to currently be serving as DCE at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO. Originally a California native, Kristin has a masters in teaching from Biola University, as well as a masters in theology and DCE certificate from Concordia Irvine. She spent several years in Georgia, where part of her heart still lives with her two adorable nephews. Kristin held a variety of jobs including Disneyland cast member, public school teacher, and waitress, before recognizing God’s call to full-time ministry. In addition to enjoying this dream vocation, she also loves running, baking, music, history, and strong coffee.

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