TODAY'S MESSAGE SERMON TITLE: MIND THOSE YOU ASSOCIATE WITH – TO AVOID DANGER** INTRODUCTION Association is not casual—it is directional. Who you walk with determines: What you hear What you believe Where you end up Many destinies have been delayed, damaged, or destroyed—not because of lack of prayer—but because of wrong relationships. Proverbs 13:20 (KJV) “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” You don’t need to be foolish to be destroyed—just keep company with fools. SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION 1. Bad Company Corrupts Good Character 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” Even a good person can become corrupt through association. 2. Wrong Association Leads to Wrong Decisions 2 Chronicles 20:35-37 King Jehoshaphat aligned with a wicked king (Ahaziah), and his business venture was destroyed. Lesson: Not every partnership is divine. 3. Association Can Pull You Into Sin Genesis 13:12-13 Lot chose to dwell near Sodom—and eventually ended inside it. Proximity leads to participation. CASE STUDY Case Study 1: Amnon and Jonadab 2 Samuel 13:1-5 Amnon had a sinful desire—but it was his friend Jonadab who gave him the strategy. Result: He committed a terrible act His life ended tragically Lesson: Some people don’t just join your weakness—they empower it. Case Study 2: Rehoboam and His Friends 1 Kings 12:6-11 Rehoboam ignored wise counsel and followed the advice of his peers. Result: The kingdom was divided His leadership was weakened Lesson: Listening to the wrong voices can cost you everything. KEY TEACHING POINTS 1. Association is a Spiritual Connector Who you associate with influences your: Spirit Mindset Choices Spirits transfer through association. 2. Not Everyone Close to You is Safe for You Some people are: Friendly but dangerous Loyal but destructive Close but corrupting Psalm 1:1 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly…” 3. Association Determines Speed and Direction You cannot walk with people going nowhere and expect to arrive somewhere. 4. Some Dangers Don’t Look Like Danger It may look like friendship It may feel like support But it leads to destruction Discernment is key. ACTION STEPS 1. Evaluate Your Circle Ask yourself: Are they pushing me closer to God or away from Him? Do they correct me or corrupt me 2. Disconnect When Necessary Not every relationship needs: A fight Drama Some just need distance. 3. Seek Godly Relationships Surround yourself with people who: Challenge your growth Strengthen your faith Speak truth, not just comforter 4. Pray for Discernment Not everyone reveals their true nature immediately. 5. Set Boundaries Love people—but don’t let everyone have access to your life. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q1: Is it wrong to have unbelieving friends? No—but it is wrong for them to influence your values and decisions. Q2: How do I know a wrong association? When you start doing what you once resisted When your spiritual life weakens When conviction disappears Q3: Can God restore someone damaged by wrong association? Yes. God restores—but wisdom prevents repeated damage. Q4: What if the person is close to me (family/friend)? Love them—but create healthy boundaries. PRAYER POINTS 1. Father, open my eyes to every dangerous association in my life. (Luke 11:34) 2. Lord, give me the courage to disconnect from every wrong relationship. 3. Holy Spirit, grant me discernment to recognize hidden dangers. 4. Father, connect me with people who will help my destiny, not destroy it. 5. Every negative influence over my life, break in the name of Jesus! 6. Lord, restore every good thing I have lost due to wrong associations. CONCLUSION You don’t need to enter danger deliberately— sometimes, you only need to follow the wrong person. Be intentional about your relationships. Because in life: Association is not just connection Association is direction Choose wisely. If you have not given your life to Jesus kindly do so by joining a Bible believing Church. You can get ebooks from my selar shop below https://selar.com/m/umoh-edem1 https://selar.com/m/umoedem CONTACT - WhatsApp +2349024173027, +23455447540 Email pastor.umoedem@gmail.com