Accountable - Subjection to another. Becoming transparent to a few trusted friends for the sake of spiritual purity and growth. It involves being open and willing to change.

Howard Hendricks states that we all need in our life a:

1. Paul - A teacher. One who trains us.
2. Timothy - A pupil or student. One we are training.
3. Barnabas - An encourager. A friend of support and strength.

1. Meditate on and discuss key words and phrases in the following scriptures:

"Then the LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.'" Genesis 2:18

"Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man's counsel is sweet to his friend. As Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another." Proverbs 27:9,17

"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart." Eccles. 4:9-12

"And He summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs; and He was giving them authority over the unclean spirits." Mark 6:7

"But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. And if they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you'; or again the head to the feet, 'I have no need of you.'" 1 Cor. 12:18-21

"And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:24

2. In what ways do you agree or disagree with the conventional wisdom that says "When the going gets tough, you find out who your true friends are"?

3. Who are your five best friends? Why?

4. What strong friendship bonds can you thank God for this week?

5. Define in your own words the term "accountable"

6. Why do you personally need accountability? see 1 Samuel 23:16

7. Who are you willing to become accountable to? Explain.

8. Write out in your own words Proverbs 27:17. Memorize Proverbs 27:17.

On Your Own:

a. Pray and ask God for a Paul, Timothy, and Barnabas in your life.
b. Praise God for those people who have been instrumental in your life.