Scripture Reading: John 15:9-17

Faith & Friendship

Intro.

1. Our joys & sorrows in life, as well as our faith, are affected by the social circle in which we move. Friendships can either help or hurt: Prov. 22:24-25; 17:17 (1 Cor. 15:33-34). Choose your friends wisely!

2. 1 Cor. 12:24-26 – Christians are one body – Mutual care should exist.

3. Rom. 12:9-16 – Catalog of the privileges & functions of friendship.

4. Friend: A companion of life, endearment. “Those who are interested in our happiness, concerned for our welfare, rejoice in our joys, weep with our tears; who counsel & cheer us & are always ready to aid us, these are our friends.” (Dick Blackford)

5. Being the right kind of friends is a matter of faith in Christ, because He has taught us how to be friends to one another – Jno. 15:9-17.

I. CHRISTIANS NURTURE THE QUALITIES & TRAITS OF FRIENDSHIP – Jno. 15:9-12.

A. The Faith to Love Another – Prov. 17:17: cf. 1 Sam. 18:1.

-Jno. 15:12, 17: Show faith in Jesus & obey this command.

1. At all times – cf. Commitment of Ruth – Ruth 1:16-18.

2. In adversity, friends are there with sacrificial love for each other.

B. The Faith to Trust & to be Trustworthy. (We depend on the dependable!) (Jno. 15:14: Show ourselves trustworthy to Christ.)

1. Without trust, endearment will not be established or maintained.

2. Psa. 62:8 – Trust causes openness with security.

3. Prov. 11:13 – A faithful spirit enhances friendship – Prov. 25:19 – Unfaithfulness hurts it.

4. Jno. 15:14 – Trust Jesus by obeying Him.

C. The Faith to Give True Counsel – cf. Psa. 55:12-14.

-Jno. 15:15: Jesus gave true counsel to apostles – His word.

1. Faithful – Prov. 27:6 (True); Needed.

a. Psa. 141:5 – A kindness intended to bless – Gal. 4:16.

b. Prov. 27:9 – Joy in friend borne out of good counsel.

2. Strength – Prov. 27:17, 19 (common experiences, hurts, joys, decisions, etc.).

3. Counsel that sees the heart & intends to strengthen your friend.

D. The Faith to Show Compassion to Others – cf. Job 6:14-15.

-Jno. 15:13, 16: Jesus died for & provided for His friends.

1. “False friends are like a shadow, keeping close to us while we walk in the sunshine, but leaving us when we cross into the shade.” (Christian Bovee)

2. “To suffer with another;” “a feeling of distress due to the ills of others – Rom. 12:15.

3. Sacrifice – Jno. 15:13.

4. Heart of compassion which prompts kind responses – Col. 3:12; 1 Cor. 12:26. (Matt. 10:42 – Even a cup of cold water rewarded)

II. BEING A BETTER FRIEND. (Friendship is a part of living by faith.)

A. The Faith to be Friendly – Prov. 18:24. (Friendship a 2-way street)

1. Toward brothers & strangers (show hospitality) – Heb. 13:1-2.

a. At worship services: Greet with real interest & concern (Rom. 16:16).

b. Away from services: Show interest, be helpful, loving, visit each other.

2. Do not polarize into family & non-family groups. (Practically all churches must deal with this):

a. Family: Remember to develop friendships with others, & realize others see you.

b. Non-family: Avoid an “us & them” attitude; don’t blame others (family) for your own short-comings.

c. 1 Cor. 12:25 – No rupture in the body (church) – Same care.

B. The Faith to be Respectful of Others – Prov. 25:17.

1. Show courtesy for others (All have obligations, tasks – Be aware & don’t “wear out your welcome”).

2. Show thoughtfulness – Prov. 27:14.

C. The Faith to Share Life with Others – cf. Phil. 2:3-4.

1. “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you.” (Dale Carnegie)

2. Get acquainted, get interested & look out for others.

3. Eccl. 4:9-12 – You will find strength, security & safety in the bond of true friendship & mutual faith.

D. The Faith to Share the Gospel with Others – 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Matt. 28:19.

Conclusion

1. Genuine friendship involves loving & being loved at all times.

2. Cannot be the best kind of friend to others unless I until we have the faith to be Christ’s friend (Jno. 15:14).