The Friendship Jar Ecc 4:9-12

The Friendship Jar Ecc 4:9-12

In our study of Jesus turning six stone jars of water into wine, we have considered the Personal Jar and then our Family Jar. This week I want us to consider the Friendship Jar. True deep lasting friendships are becoming more rare. Many settle for Facebook friends and tweets, where you only share what you want the whole world to know. You only have to get burned on Facebook a couple of times and you learn to watch your words. Time, distance, age, life events, etc... All work against deep lasting friendships. Like the family, friendships are intended to help keep us grounded in our faith.

1.       The Power of Friendships

a.       Ecc 4:9-12 Power to Protect

b.      Proverbs 18:24 & 17:17

c.       1 Cor 15:33 Bad company corrupts

d.      2 Cor 6:14 do not be unevenly yoked

e.      Your choice of friends can make or break you.

2.       Filling the Jar

a.       Cast your bread Ecc 11:1-2

b.      Prov 12:26 Choose them carefully

c.       You pour in Time, Trust, energy, emotions, and faith.

d.      Like hauling water to pour into the Jar, friendships  can be a burden and inconvenient

3.       Drawing out the wine

a.       Ecc 11:1-2

b.      Ecc 4:9-12

c.       Proverbs 17:17 and 18:24

Satan wants us alone in a dark alley where he can work us over. A few strong and faithful friendships will protect us in times of trouble. Pour the water wisely into the Jar of friendship and God will transform it into new wine, which protects us, encourages us, and picks us up or even carries us in our time of need.