1 Corinthians 9:24 Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run
to win! (NLT)



Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is
not quickly broken. (NIV)



Proverbs 18:24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
(NLT)



Proverbs 12:26 The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
(NIV)



3 Qualities of a Winning Friend
Mark 2:2–5 Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with visitors that there was no more room,
even outside the door. While he was preaching God’s word to them, 3  four men arrived carrying a paralyzed
man on a mat. 4  They couldn’t bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, so they dug a hole through the roof
above his head. Then they lowered the man on his mat, right down in front of Jesus. 5  Seeing their faith,
Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “My child, your sins are forgiven.” (NLT)



1. Winning friends help you through challenges
Proverbs 18:24 There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
(NLT)



Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. (NIV)



Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (NIV)



Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)



Ruth 1:16   But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will
go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. (NIV)



2. Winning friends make you better



1. They make you better because they believe in you



2. They make you better because they give you wise counsel
Proverbs 27:9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (NLT)



3. They make you better because they sharpen you
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (NLT)



4. They make you better because they will speak the truth to you in love
Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. (NIV)



5. They make you better because they will pick you up when you fall down
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10   Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10  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.
(NIV)



3. Winning friends keep bringing you to be closer to Jesus



1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (NIV)
Proverbs 22:24–25 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily
angered, 25  or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared. (NIV)



Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. (NIV)