Sermon Central
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Faithful Friends Series
Contributed by Nathan Johnson on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: Daniel had not only the respect of his superiors but sometimes their friendship as well. What can Darius teach us about friendship?
B. Integrity, sincerity, openness, transparency
C. Dr. Madison Sarratt taught mathematics at Vanderbilt University for many years. Before giving a test, the professor would admonish his class something like this: ’Today I am giving two examinations,one in trigonometry and the other in honesty. I hope you will pass them both. If you must fail one, fail trigonometry. There are many good people in the world who can’t pass trig, but there are no good people in the world who cannot pass the examination of honesty." - George Sweeting
D. Honesty in every part - Proverbs 27:6 – Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.
i. Honesty that may hurt to eventually bring healing
ii. Openness about every aspect of a relationship
iii. Transparency to see each other through the tough stuff
E. Honesty in providing good counsel - Proverbs 27:9 - Oil and perfume make the heart glad, so a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.
i. Good counsel is Godly
ii. Good counsel is honest
iii. Good counsel is victory-minded – achieving the best and most advantageous result for a friend (their best interests at heart)
Transition Statement: Last, and most important, is that friends have a God-centered relationship
4. True Friendships Are God-Centered
A. Darius mention of Daniel’s deliverance was attesting to a Godly and hopeful possibility (16)
B. Biblical, holy and glorifying to God
C. God is central to a good, Christian friendship - 1 Samuel 20:42 - Jonathan said to David, “Go in safety, inasmuch as we have sworn to each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD will be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” Then he rose and departed, while Jonathan went into the city.
i. God is the ruler of friendship
ii. The Bible is the trusted guidebook of friendship
iii. Jesus Christ is the Savior (and the ultimate friend) in friendship
iv. The Holy Spirit is the unifier of friendship
Conclusion:
What kind of friend are you to somebody else?
What kind of friend are to God?
