Recap: On Sunday we wrapped up the Come On Man series and we looked at an issue that keeps a lot of guys from being all that they could be. Our culture celebrates the lone ranger, the rugged individualist, but we weren't meant to do life alone. Yes, we need to be willing to stand up for what is right even if no one else does, but we also need friendships and not just any friendships. We need other guys who are moving in the same direction as us. Who will sharpen us, encourage us, challenge us to be the dad, boyfriend, spouse, friend that God is calling us to be.

(1) Who was your best friend growing up? Why?

(2) Why do you think we have such a "lone ranger" culture in the U.S.?

(3) Where do you find it the most difficult to "go it alone" when trying to do the right things?

(4) Read Genesis 2:18. What does this say about going it alone? What have you seen as the benefits of having people "with" you in life?

(5) Read Matthew 26:36-39. What was Jesus counting on with these friends? What did he need to know about them to count on them in this way?

(6) We need friendships with people who are moving in the same direction as us spiritually. What step can you take to develop some of those friendships? How does Proverbs 27:17 relate to these thoughts?

(7) Do a little self-evaluation. Are your friendships helping you become more like Jesus? If not, are there any friendships you need to distance yourself from? Are there any friendships you need to pursue?

We want to help foster these relationships at The Journey and here are a couple ways you can get plugged in and connect with some other guys:

Network Team: http://www.thejourneycc.com/networks

Journey Group: http://www.thejourneycc.com/next-steps/journey-groups

God, it's so easy to just do things on my own. To depend on myself. Help me to not just go lone ranger. I know I wasn't meant to do life alone. Help me to develop some friendships where we can be like iron sharpening iron. Where we're moving in the same direction and they can help me and I can help them become more like Jesus, more like the real men you want us to be for those we are closest to. Amen.