𝗙𝗔𝗞𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝘃𝘀. 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦

FAKE FRIENDS vs. TRUE FRIENDS

Right Companions in the Dispensation of Grace
Key Text: 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)
“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

INTRODUCTION

Friendship is not neutral. According to Scripture, who you walk with will shape how you walk. In this present dispensation of grace, God does not call believers to isolation—but to wise, edifying fellowship rooted in truth.

Fake friends appeal to the flesh.
True friends strengthen the faith.
Pauline doctrine teaches us to walk circumspectly, choosing companions who build us up in Christ, not pull us back into the world.

PRESENCE vs. PERSEVERANCE
Proverbs 17:17; 2 Timothy 4:16–17

A. Fake Friends Are Present for Pleasure – Only when it’s convenient
B. True Friends Persevere in Pressure – Stay when times are hard
C. Christlike Friendship Endures – Faithful through trials
Dispensational Insight: Grace fellowship remains when the crowd leaves.

PRAISE vs. PROFIT
Proverbs 27:6; Galatians 4:16

A. Fake Friends Praise to Please – Flattery without truth
B. True Friends Profit You Spiritually – Loving correction
C. Faithful Wounds Heal – Flattery destroys
Dispensational Insight: Grace speaks truth, even when it hurts.

GOSSIP vs. GUARDING
Proverbs 16:28; Ephesians 4:29

A. Fake Friends Gossip Behind Your Back
B. True Friends Guard Your Name
C. Grace Builds, Not Broadcasts Faults
Dispensational Insight: Edification is a mark of true Pauline fellowship.

FLESH vs. FAITH
Romans 8:5–6; 2 Corinthians 5:7

A. Fake Friends Encourage Fleshly Behavior
B. True Friends Promote Faithful Living
C. Flesh Walks by Sight — Faith Walks by Trust
Dispensational Insight: Right friends help you walk by faith, not feelings.

SELFISHNESS vs. SERVICE
Philippians 2:3–4; Galatians 5:13

A. Fake Friends Seek Self-Benefit
B. True Friends Serve Selflessly
C. Grace Produces Servant Hearts
Dispensational Insight: Grace frees us from self-centered relationships.

DESERTION vs. DEVOTION
2 Timothy 4:10; Colossians 4:14

A. Fake Friends Disappear in Difficulty
B. True Friends Demonstrate Devotion
C. Demas Loved the World — Luke Stayed Faithful
Dispensational Insight: Love for the world exposes shallow fellowship.

DECEPTION vs. DISCERNMENT
Romans 16:17–18; Philippians 1:9–10

A. Fake Friends Deceive with Smooth Words
B. True Friends Discern with Sound Doctrine
C. Love Rejoices in Truth
Dispensational Insight: Right doctrine produces right relationships.

WORLDLINESS vs. WALKING WORTHY
James 4:4; Ephesians 4:1

A. Fake Friends Pull You Toward the World
B. True Friends Push You Toward Christ
C. Grace Calls Us to a Worthy Walk
Dispensational Insight: You cannot walk worthy while holding worldly hands.

ABANDONMENT vs. ABIDING
Proverbs 18:24; 2 Timothy 2:13

A. Fake Friends Abandon You
B. True Friends Abide with You
C. Christ Is the Perfect Friend
Dispensational Insight: Human friendship fails, but Christ remains faithful.

CONCLUSION

Fake friends are loud in laughter but silent in loss.
True friends may be few—but they are God-sent.
In this dispensation of grace, God calls believers to separate from corrupt influences and cling to edifying fellowship rooted in Pauline truth.
Friendship is not about quantity — it is about quality in Christ.

CALL TO ACTION

Examine your circle
Choose grace-centered fellowship
Walk with those who love truth
Be a true friend yourself
Above all, cling to Christ
1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)

FINAL THOUGHTS

Fake friends love fun
True friends love faith
Fake friends flatter
True friends edify
Fake friends flee trials
True friends endure
Fake friends feed flesh
True friends build faith
Christ is the Friend who never fails