Sermon Central
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A Friend Of God
Contributed by Norman Bernad on Sep 23, 2020 (message contributor)
Summary: When Jimmy Carter was President of the United States, on several occasions he spent the night in the homes of common Americans, picked somewhat at random. It was an attempt on his part to show that he was in touch with the average American, that he understood the way we live and the concerns we have
A Friend of God
1. Genesis 18:16-21
2. Isaiah 41:8
Psalm 25
When Jimmy Carter was President of the United States, on several occasions he spent the night in the homes of common Americans, picked somewhat at random. It was an attempt on his part to show that he was in touch with the average American, that he understood the way we live and the concerns we have
Who is a friend?
A friend is one who helps in time of need, he listens when we need to talk, he rejoices when we are honored and he is sad when we are discouraged. A friend is someone who laughs when we laugh and he cries when we cry.
Thomas Fuller said,
"No man can be happy without a friend, nor be sure of his friend till he is unhappy."
(Isaiah 41:8)
Then God, through the prophet Isaiah, once again mentions Abraham as His friend: "But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham My friend"
Illustration
An English publication offered a prize for the best definition of a friend. Among the thousands of entries received were the following: "One who multiplies joys, divides grief"; "One who understands our silence"; "A volume of sympathy bound in cloth"; and "A watch which beats true for all time and never runs down."
But the entry which won the prize said, "A friend--the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out."
In three different passages in the Bible, Abraham is referred to as “the friend of God.” He is the father of the faithful. He is a central figure in three world religions: Muslem, Judaism, and Christianity. What was it about this man that made him so great? What made him different from other men? Can we, like Abraham, be a friend of God?
James 2:23; II Chron. 20:7; Isa. 41:8
To be called a friend of God needs some principles!
1. He has to be Faithful: ( James 2:23 )
“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God
ABRAHAM was called the Friend of God because he was so. The title only declares a fact. The Father of the faithful was beyond all men “the Friend of God,” and the head of that chosen race of believers whom Jesus calls His friends. The name is rightly given. We read that “whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof,” and much more may we be sure that whatsoever name the Spirit of God has given to any man, that is his proper and right name.
Illustration
“Two Friends and the Bear”.
2. Knows the heart of God: (Genesis 18:16-21)
“And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do”.
3. Who is committed to one another: (Genesis 17:9-14).
The first covenant was between God and Abraham. ... You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.
John 15:14-15, Jesus made a commitment.
Jesus said: “ This is my command that you love one another. You are My friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant nor slave doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have heard from My Father.
Jesus told the disciples that he no longer calls them servants but Friend. Once we establish a friendship with God, then we can enjoy the Peace that surpasses all human understanding.
Friends of God
So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
Conclusion
Exodus 33:11
When we read through the life of Moses and we see that these face to face meetings are regular, and required occurrences. Yet these meetings did not just happen. Moses was intentional about creating an opportunities conductive to see the “face of God.”
Throughout the life of Moses we see over and over again, this open conversation with God. It is important to note, that this level of relationship/friendship requires intentionality and regular communication. Moses did not only speak to God once in a while, or only when he needed something, but as a friend, he maintained regular and open communication with God.
Jesus said: “ You are My friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants anymore,
