Sermon Central
-
The Danger Of Keeping Bad Company Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 11, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: The people we associate with have a powerful influence on our thoughts, choices, and destinies. Relationships are like elevators—they either take you up or bring you down.
THE DANGER OF KEEPING BAD COMPANY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 15:33
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 13:20, Psalm 1:1-3, 2 Corinthians 6:14, Proverbs 22:24-25, 1 Kings 11:1-11
INTRODUCTION:
The people we associate with have a powerful influence on our thoughts, choices, and destinies. Relationships are like elevators—they either take you up or bring you down. The Word of God does not leave us in the dark about this reality. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals the tremendous impact of company—whether godly or ungodly.
Bad company does not necessarily mean criminals or visibly evil people. It can include anyone whose values, language, lifestyle, or vision contradicts God's Word and will for your life. Keeping company with such individuals gradually weakens your convictions and distorts your spiritual compass.
Many destinies have been diverted, relationships ruined, and spiritual lives quenched because of the wrong associations. God is calling His children to be discerning and intentional about who they allow into their inner circle. Let us consider five key dangers of keeping bad company.
1. BAD COMPANY CORRUPTS GOOD CHARACTER
When you keep the wrong company, even your best intentions can be compromised.
a) Corruption happens gradually
Evil influence is often subtle, creeping in over time (Galatians 5:9).
b) Compromise becomes normal
Constant exposure to sinful behaviour makes it appear acceptable (Romans 12:2).
c) Values are diluted
Your passion for God can diminish when surrounded by those who mock holiness (Psalm 1:1).
d) Conviction is weakened
The wrong voices can talk you out of doing what is right (Proverbs 13:20).
Biblical Example: Solomon, though the wisest man, was corrupted by the foreign women he kept company with, leading to his downfall (1 Kings 11:1-11).
2. BAD COMPANY DISTORTS DESTINY
Who you walk with determines where you end up.
a) Relationships influence direction
Friends can lead you either toward or away from God's purpose (Amos 3:3).
b) Wrong company delays destiny
Some relationships are weights that slow down spiritual progress (Hebrews 12:1).
c) Ungodly alliances bring destruction
Aligning with unbelievers can invite judgement (2 Corinthians 6:14).
d) Destiny is shaped by counsel
Bad company often gives bad advice that misleads (1 Kings 12:6-11).
Biblical Example: Rehoboam lost ten tribes of Israel because he listened to the counsel of his peers instead of wise elders (1 Kings 12:6-20).
3. BAD COMPANY ATTRACTS GOD’S DISPLEASURE
When you align with the wicked, you partake in their judgement.
a) God calls for separation
Believers are warned to come out from among the ungodly (2 Corinthians 6:17).
b) God disapproves of compromise
Friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).
c) Wrong company invites wrath
Associating with rebels can expose you to divine anger (Numbers 16:23-35).
d) Association is spiritual identification
You become spiritually tied to those you associate with (Proverbs 22:24-25).
Biblical Example: Lot’s wife was caught in God’s judgment because she remained attached to Sodom even in her escape (Genesis 19:26).
4. BAD COMPANY LIMITS SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Unhealthy associations stunt your spiritual maturity.
a) They discourage righteousness
Carnal friends make you feel foolish for obeying God (Psalm 1:1-3).
b) They hinder spiritual disciplines
You are less likely to pray, study, or fast around ungodly company (Hebrews 10:24-25).
c) They invite temptation
Evil company exposes you to ungodly habits and conversations (1 Corinthians 5:6).
d) They grieve the Holy Spirit
God cannot dwell where ungodliness is celebrated (Ephesians 4:30).
Biblical Example: Samson’s downfall began through continual association with ungodly women, leading him away from God’s presence (Judges 16:1-21).
5. GOOD COMPANY ENCOURAGES RIGHTEOUSNESS
The right associations will build you up and sharpen your faith.
a) Good friends strengthen your walk
They inspire you to love God more deeply (Proverbs 27:17).
b) They keep you accountable
Godly friends will correct and encourage you in righteousness (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
c) They align with your vision
True spiritual friends help you grow into your calling (Hebrews 10:24).
d) They sharpen your spiritual edge
Iron sharpens iron—right friends bring out your best (Proverbs 27:17).
Biblical Example: Jonathan’s friendship with David encouraged him to pursue God and fulfil his destiny as king (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 23:16).
CONCLUSION:
The danger of keeping bad company cannot be overemphasised. The people you walk with either build you or break you. Evil associations erode your values, divert your destiny, and attract God’s displeasure. God wants you to walk with those who fear Him, love His Word, and share your commitment to holy living.
Choose your company prayerfully and wisely. Let your relationships be guided by the Holy Spirit. You must love all people, but not everyone should have access to your inner circle. Protect your destiny by surrounding yourself with people who love God and encourage you to grow in faith.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from every wrong relationship in my life.
