The rest of Amnon’s life depended on the kind of friend he had! 2 Samuel 13 1After this Absalom the son of David had a lovely sister, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the son of David loved her. 2 Amnon was so distressed over his sister Tamar that he became sick; for she was a virgin. And it was improper for Amnon to do anything to her. 3 BUT AMNON HAD A FRIEND . . . The rest of Amnon’s life depended on the kind of friend he had!

Different Kinds of Friends Good Friends Bad Friends Discourage Sin. Tell you when you are wrong. Encourage you to do right. Provide good examples. Tell you what you want to hear. Help you rationalize what you want to do. Suggest ways to implement your sin. Help you do it. Are bad examples.

Proverbs 13:20 “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.”

II Samuel 13 3But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother. Now Jonadab was a very crafty man. 4And he said to him, “Why are you, the king’s son, becoming thinner day after day? Will you not tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.” 5So Jonadab said to him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘Please let my sister Tamar come and give me food, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it and eat it from her hand.’”

Amnon followed the foolish advice of his “friend.” The Consequences: Tamar was seriously wronged “Then Amnon hated her” vs. 15 Absalom murdered Amnon. Absalom was exiled from David Absalom rebelled against David In civil war, Absalom was slain. All because “Amnon had a friend…”

Amnon followed the foolish advice of his “friend.” The Consequences Summarized: Tamar is living “as a desolate woman.” Amnon has been murdered The nation has been torn by civil war David has had to flee from Jerusalem Absalom is dead All because “Amnon had a friend…”

What will be the story of the rest of your life? Much will depend on the kind of friends your make!

Much depends on the kind of friends you choose! In Elementary and Middle School In High School and college As boy friends and girl friends When you go away to work. When you marry As married couples On the TV and Internet Parents have a great responsibility to help.

New Testament Warnings “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” – 1 Cor. 5:6 “Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits.” – 1 Cor. 15:33 “…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. From such people turn away!” – 2 Peter 3:5

If your friend is like Jonadab… You need to change friends If you can’t find a GOOD friend it would be better not to have one. If you can’t find a good friend maybe it’s your fault. If you can’t find a good friend among people you know… WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS!