WHAT COMES AFTER SUNDAY?
Use the next steps, Bible plan, message recap, questions & resources below to go deeper.
this week's next steps
This Week's Message Recap:
This week's message focused on Proverbs 27:17 which reads, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." Using the illustration of knives and iron, we were reminded that God did not create us to do life alone. Just as a knife cannot sharpen itself, we need meaningful relationships that encourage us, support us, and help us become the people God has called us to be. Healthy friendships aren't simply about companionship, they help us grow, challenge us, and strengthen our faith.
The message emphasized that effective friendships require honesty. Iron isn't sharpened by something soft, and in the same way, we need people in our lives who are willing to speak truth in love, hold us accountable, and help us see areas where we need to grow. While those conversations aren't always comfortable, they are often part of God's refining process. Growth happens when we surround ourselves with people who share our commitment to Christ and are willing to encourage us toward His purposes.
Finally, we were challenged to be intentional about the relationships we build and maintain. Sharpening takes time, effort, and mutual investment. We are called not only to be sharpened by others but also to sharpen those around us. As we engage in authentic community marked by honesty, encouragement, and accountability, God uses those relationships to strengthen our character and make us more effective for His kingdom.
The message emphasized that effective friendships require honesty. Iron isn't sharpened by something soft, and in the same way, we need people in our lives who are willing to speak truth in love, hold us accountable, and help us see areas where we need to grow. While those conversations aren't always comfortable, they are often part of God's refining process. Growth happens when we surround ourselves with people who share our commitment to Christ and are willing to encourage us toward His purposes.
Finally, we were challenged to be intentional about the relationships we build and maintain. Sharpening takes time, effort, and mutual investment. We are called not only to be sharpened by others but also to sharpen those around us. As we engage in authentic community marked by honesty, encouragement, and accountability, God uses those relationships to strengthen our character and make us more effective for His kingdom.
Questions to Consider:
- Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." What does this verse look like in real life?
- Healthy relationships require both encouragement and accountability. Which comes more naturally to you?
- Hebrews 10:24 encourages believers to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. What are some ways we can actively sharpen and encourage others?
- Why do you think God designed us to need other people instead of growing completely on our own?
- Can you think of a time when a difficult conversation, a disagreement, or a piece of honest feedback ultimately helped you become a better version of yourself? What made that growth possible?
Resources for Study:
Recommended Reading:
God's Wisdom for Navigating Life: a Year of Daily Devotions in the book of Proverbs by Timothy Keller
Be Skillful (Proverbs): God's Guidebook to Wise Living by Warren Wiersbe
Wisdom from Above: Daily Encouragement from the Proverbs by Charles Stanley
King Solomon: Life Lessons by the Wisest Man who ever Lived by Bill Crowder
King Solomon's Empire: The Rise, Fall and Modern Day Influence of an Iron Age Ruler by Archie Roy & Margaret Roy
Be Skillful (Proverbs): God's Guidebook to Wise Living by Warren Wiersbe
Wisdom from Above: Daily Encouragement from the Proverbs by Charles Stanley
King Solomon: Life Lessons by the Wisest Man who ever Lived by Bill Crowder
King Solomon's Empire: The Rise, Fall and Modern Day Influence of an Iron Age Ruler by Archie Roy & Margaret Roy


