Presented by: Bill Perkins

1. Presented by: Bill Perkins

2. Battle Five: “Fight For Your Friends”

4. We must learn a lesson from the gazelle

5. 5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,    "God opposes the proud        but gives grace to the humble.“ 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8

6. Like David, we need other warriors at our side.

7. Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel's troops fled from them. 12 But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory. 13 During harvest time, three of the thirty chief men came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 15 David longed for water and said, "Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!“ 16 So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. 17 "Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this!" he said. "Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?" And David would not drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. 18 Abishai the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. 19 Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them. 20 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 21 And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his II Samuel 23:14-17

8. How Do We Get There?

9. Overcome the barriers to “BUDDYSHIP” A. Busyness - “I don’t have time”

10. Overcome the barriers to “BUDDYSHIP” A. Busyness -“I don’t have time” B. Competitiveness -“I want to win” C. Independence –“I can make it myself” D. Isolation -“I’d rather keep that to myself”

11. Overcome the barriers to “BUDDYSHIP” A. Busyness - “I don’t have time” B. Competitiveness - “I want to win” C. Independence – “I can make it myself” D. Isolation - “I’d rather keep that to myself” E. Idealism – “I don’t need a friend like you”

12. Overcoming the barriers to buddyship involves understanding the phases of buddyship.

13. Four Phases of “BUDDYSHIP” You Scratch My Back and I’ll Scratch Yours Recreational Companions Friendship A Crisis in the Relationship Buddyship

14. Disclosure Voluntary Experiential

15. Buddyship Disclosure Acceptance Voluntary Experiential

16. Lock Arms With A Few Men

17. Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel's troops fled from them. 12 But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory. 13 During harvest time, three of the thirty chief men came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 15David longed for water and said, "Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!“ 16 So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the LORD. 17 "Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this!" he said. "Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?" And David would not drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men. 18 Abishai the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. 19 Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them. 20 Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a valiant fighter from Kabzeel, who performed great exploits. He struck down two of Moab's best men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion. 21 And he struck down a huge Egyptian. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his II Samuel 23:16

18. Lock Arms With A Few Men A. Who want to follow God hard B. Who have natural affinity C. Who will be honest D. Who will admit they’re as messed up as you E. Who will keep your secrets

19. Lock arms!

20. Discussion Questions • Why is it crucial for you to lock arms with other warriors? • Why do most men never make it past the crisis of friendship? • What would you have to do to have a buddy? To be one?

21. Presented by: Bill Perkins