Relationships: Making Much of Him (Friendships)

Feb 4, 2026    Justin Smart

Who is shaping your life right now — and where are they leading you?

In Week 1 of our Relationships: Making Much of Him series, we talk about friendships and why they matter more than we often realize. Scripture reminds us that friendships don’t just affect our social lives — they shape our faith.

In this message, we explore three key truths:

Stand Out — Following God, not the world (Romans 12:2; 1 Peter 1:14–16)

Stand Firm — Anchored in God’s Word, not the opinions of others (Psalm 119:9, 11)

Stand Strong — Loving like Jesus in a culture of “me first” (Philippians 2:3–4; John 15:12–13)

We’re reminded that biblical friendship isn’t about what we get, but how we love — and that Jesus is the greatest friend we could ever have, laying down His life for us. The message ends with a practical framework (FRIEND) to help students both be and look for friendships that honor God, followed by a clear invitation to respond to the gospel.

Whether you’re a student, parent, or leader, this message challenges us to ask:

Are our friendships helping us make much of Jesus — or blending us into the world?