Bad Associations – The Danger of Bad Company
Let us heed the warnings of Scripture and consider the profound danger of bad associations.
Results
- Misery Num 33:55 Judg 16:4
- Apostasy 1Ki 11:2
- God's wrath 2Ch 19:2 Ezr 9:14 Prov 13:20
- Parental shame Prov 28:7
- Denial of Christ John 18:17 John 18:25
- Corruption 1Co 15:33
1. Warning Against Following the Crowd in Error (Exodus 23:2)
“You shall not follow the crowd to do evil; nor speak in a cause, leaning toward the multitude, to pervert what is right.” (Exodus 23:2). The allure of the crowd can be powerful, but the majority is not always aligned with God’s truth. We must stand firm in righteousness, even when we stand alone.
2. The Corrupting Influence of the Wicked (Exodus 23:33)
“They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against Me; if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” (Exodus 23:33). God warned Israel of the insidious nature of bad company. It can slowly erode our faith and lead us astray from His path.
3. The Danger of Alliances with Unbelievers (Exodus 34:12)
“Beware that you make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest they become a snare in your midst.” (Exodus 34:12). Wrong alliances can trap us in sin, compromising our integrity and distancing us from God’s purpose.
4. Blessed is He Who Does Not Walk with the Ungodly (Psalm 1:1)
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers.” (Psalm 1:1). True blessedness begins with wise choices, with discerning the path of righteousness and avoiding the company of those who would lead us astray.
5. Don't Walk with Sinners (Proverbs 1:15)
“My son, do not walk with them; keep your foot from their paths.” (Proverbs 1:15). This is not a call to isolation, but a call to discernment. We must choose our companions carefully, lest we be drawn into their destructive ways.
6. Avoiding the Way of the Wicked (Proverbs 4:14)
“Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil men.” (Proverbs 4:14). The path of the wicked is a treacherous road, leading to ruin and despair. We must turn away from it and walk in the light of God’s truth.
7. Avoiding Friendships with Angry People (Proverbs 22:24)
“Do not be a companion of a quarrelsome man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man.” (Proverbs 22:24). The temperament of those around us can influence our own. Uncontrolled anger breeds conflict and sin.
8. Not Desiring the Food of the Envious (Proverbs 23:6)
“Do not eat the bread of one who has an evil eye, and do not desire his delicacies.” (Proverbs 23:6). The allure of worldly riches can be a trap, leading us into the company of those with corrupt hearts.
9. Do Not Be Envious of Sinners (Proverbs 24:1)
“Do not envy evil men, nor desire to be with them.” (Pro Proverbs 24:1). The apparent success of the wicked is fleeting and deceptive. Our focus should be on God’s eternal rewards.
10. Do Not Associate with False Brothers (1 Corinthians 5:9,11)
“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.” (1 Corinthians 5:9). “But now I have written to you not to associate with anyone called a brother who is a sexually immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a person do not even eat.” (1 Corinthians 5:11). Even within the church, we must guard against those who profess faith but live in unrepentant sin.
11. The Christian and the Unequal Yoke (2 Corinthians 6:14)
“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Partnerships and alliances with unbelievers can compromise our faith and hinder our walk with God.
12. Do Not Receive or Listen to Heretics (2 John 10)
“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or greet him.” (2 John 10). We must be vigilant against false doctrines and deceitful teachers, guarding our hearts and minds against error.
- Preaching on Touching Jesus – Heals Those Who Touch
- Preaching on The Amazement Caused by Christ
- Preaching on The Humiliation of the Righteous – The Path to Exaltation
Conclusion
Let us choose our companions wisely, seeking those who will uplift us and strengthen our faith. Let us walk in the light of God’s truth, avoiding the darkness of bad associations. Amen.
