Friends

Thank you for joining us today for the teaching. If you know Jesus as a friend, you will make a fast connection to this post. Be blessed. Eric

Aside from our salvation, one of the greatest blessings in our earthly life is to have a true friend. When we consider the value in having a friend and the Lord's heart for His children, we must consider these words which Jesus spoke to His disciples in John 15:15 (ESV), " No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."

The first references we see of men being God's friend is in the Old Testament. Abraham walked closely with the Lord and was called, "my friend “ by God in Isaiah 41:8.

Moses spoke to God face to face as a man speaks with his friend. (Exodus 33:11).

David was called a "man after God's own heart.” We read in 1 Kings 11:4 that David's heart was totally devoted to God; and he took genuine delight in God's presence. (2 Samuel 6:14).

Looking again at John 15:15 where Jesus told His followers - "I have called you friends,” friend philos in the Greek conveys: a friend someone prized in a personal intimate way; a trusted confidant; held dear in a close bond of personal affection. The root word of philos is philo, which expresses experience-based love." ( HELPS Word-studies). The word doulous translated 'servant' is a bond-slave, one without any ownership rights of their own. Prior to our coming into a right relationship with the Lord, through the gift of salvation, we received from Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, we were bond-slaves, because of our sin. We were bond-slaves of the devil with no ownership rights of our own. In verse 14 of John 15, Jesus had just informed the disciples; "You are My friend if you do what I command. A 'bond-slave' is used also in referring to believers who willingly live under Christ's authority as His devoted followers. Obedience is the distinguishing attribute of those who were part of Jesus' inner circle

James 2:23 reveals that Abraham was called a 'friend of God' because of his faith and obedience. In the ancient world, friendship involved loyalty and support.

Proverbs 17:17 gives us a great definition of a true friend. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." 'Friend' is a chosen companion or intimate friend. 'Loves' aheb in the Greek means to deeply love, (friend to friend), having affection for a friend. 'Brother' in this verse in defined as kindred-alike. ("A friend who is like your own soul.") (Topical Lexicon Bible Hub). My wife and I have been blessed with relationships like this. As soon as you meet some individuals, you know immediately that they are, as we call them, kindred spirits. The Lord gives us these kindred spirits to help when we find ourselves in straits, distress, or trouble, to aid in ministry or when we have special joys, which we want to share with someone.

True friendship is constant, reliable and has a deep bond which surpasses simply being an acquaintance. True friend reflects the enduring love of God. A 'brother' is a sibling, however, when defined as a kindred spirit they would be one who would act with the loyalty and support expected of family. A friend is one who is available and supportive. In this day and age, that presence might be support in a phone call or text. My wife, Donna, is a part of two prayer groups with friends in four different states.. They are kindred spirits and prayer warriors.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 and 10 (BSB) reads, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up, but pity the one who falls without another to help him up.”

In looking at the Scriptures, we understand that God created man for fellowship and mutual support. God said, "It is not good for man to be alone." (Genesis 2:18). Then, we read that Jesus sent the disciples out by twos in Mark 6:7.

Jesus is described as our brother in Hebrews 2:11 and 12. As our brother, He shares in our sufferings, provides help when we need it and shares in our joys.

There are no coincidences in life. God is the Master of the Universe and is never out of control. He created each one of us at a particular place, at a particular time and in a particular family, for His purposes. He places those whom He chooses in our lives to support and uplift us during difficult times.

"A true friendship is not conditional, it persists regardless of circumstances, good or bad. The 'love' that a friend demonstrates at all times is an active, steadfast commitment, reflecting a deep care and unwavering support for the other person. The bond that exists transcends temporary disagreements, personal failings or changing fortunes. Unlike superficial relationships that flourish only in prosperity, true friends demonstrate consistent affection and presence. This echoes the Biblical understanding of love (agape) as a persistent choice and commitment rather than mere feeling." (bible.eu.com).

The greatest example of this type of friendship in the Old Testament is that of David and Jonathan. 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (ESV), "As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt." The phrase 'souls knit together,' "indicates serious commitments involving loyalty, mutual support, intertwining profound unity and commitments." (Bible Hub Study Bible). 'Loved him as himself' would exemplify a love that is selfless, sacrificial, supporting (even at the cost of his throne), biblical friendship and faithfulness. Their friendship was a type and shadow of Christs' loyalty and love for His people (us). It also was a friendship which indicated: spiritual kinship (brothers), shared values and mutual support. Jonathan knew David had an anointing on his life to become the next king an did all he could to see that it happened.

All "believers are encouraged to cultivate friendships that reflect the love and character of Christ. This means, we must be intentional in building relationships by prioritizing time together, being open to giving and receiving support and praying for one another. We need to provide other believers with the support and encouragement they need to grow in their faith and fulfill their God-given purposes." (Topical Encyclopedia Bible Hub).

During Donna's sophomore year in college, she met Abby in the hall of the dorm. They recognized immediately they were kindred spirits and spent the rest of the night singing praises to the Lord. During the summer , when Donna wanted to use her father’s car to travel and hour to see Abby, her dad’s comment and advice was, “ I never had a friend like that. Do all you can to cultivate that friendship.” Today, many decades later, they are still part of each other's lives and are part of a texting prayer group, as they live a number of states away from each other.

A friend who loves all the time will exhibit several key characteristics: loyalty, empathy, forgiveness, honesty and support. Sounds like Jesus, doesn't it?

I'll close today with some meaningful quotes.

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

"A true friend unbosoms (confides) freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously and continues as friend unchangeably." (William Penn).

"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out." (Water Winchell).

"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship, it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship." (Ralph Waldo Emerson).

Lastly, "[Spiritual friendship] is eagerly helping one another know, serve, love and resemble God in deeper and deeper ways." (Timothy Keller).

Look at Jesus' example to be the kind of friend you should be and the one others need.

Be That Friend!

Do everything you can to cultivate that friendship!

Scriptures are taken from:

ESV English Standard Version

BSB Berean Standard Bible