Scripture Reading: James 2:17-24

Be a Friend of God

Intro.

1. Friendship is a special thing. Friends are dear to us.

2. Marks of friendship include (but not limited to):

a. Companionship (sharing, trusting, unity), Psa. 55:13; 41:9.

b. Communication (counsel, advice, openness), Psa. 55:14; Exo. 33:11

c. Constancy (dependable, honest), Prov. 18:24; 27:6.

3. While friendship with man is desirable, friendship with God is essential for our salvation – Rom. 12:18; (Col. 1:21-22); Jas. 2:23-24.

4. We all consider God to be our friend: Am I being God’s friend?

5. Jno. 15:15 – Jesus portrayed apostles as His friends…A relationship that each Christian can enjoy & thrive in as his disciples.

6. What causes us to be friends of God?

I. WE ARE FRIENDS WITH GOD WHEN WE REVERENCE HIM – Psa. 25:14 (“familiar converse, intimacy with God”).

A. Stand in Awe of God (Wonder, amazement) – Heb. 12:28-29.

-The honor & respect that comes from it – Psa. 22:23.

B. Dread (fear) Displeasing Him – Isa. 8:13 (Eccl. 12:13-14).

-God is the object of our focus, His pleasure the motive & goal of our lives – Jno. 8:29 (God’s companionship, fellowship); 2 Cor. 5:9.

C. God Blesses Those Who Revere Him (Psa. 112:1):

1. Be pleased with us – Psa. 147:11 (149:4).

2. Show mercy to us – Psa. 103:11-13.

3. Accept us – Acts 10:34-35.

II. WE ARE GOD’S FRIENDS WHEN WE HAVE FAITH IN HIM.

A. Abraham Exemplifies this Element of Friendship with God – 2 Chrn. 20:7; Isa. 41:8; Jas. 2:21-23 (Gen. 15:6).

1. 1 Jno. 3:23-24 – Like Abraham, we have friendship with God as we believe & obey Him.

2. Gal. 5:6-7 – What brings spiritual strength to our lives is faith working (obeying) through love.

B. Our Faith Enables Us to be Fruitful for God – 1 Ths. 1:3; Jno. 15:5

III. WE HAVE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD WHEN WE LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY – Prov. 3:32 (Acts 10:35). (Upright, straight, pleasing, correct). [“Secret counsel”: familiar conversation…circle of familiar friends…intimacy]

A. A Life that is Lived in God’s Truth – Deut. 6:24-25 (Lk. 1:6).

1. Eph. 4:23-24 – Righteousness & holiness of truth.

2. Eph. 6:14 – God’s protection against sin.

3. Tit. 2:11-13 – We live in righteousness looking for Christ’s return.

4. Phil. 4:8-9 – Thereby, the God of peace shall be with us.

IV. WE ARE GOD’S FRIENDS WHEN WE OBEY JESUS – Jno. 15:14.

A. Out of a Complete Love for Jesus – Matt. 22:36-37.

B. We Love & Obey Him Because He has Told Us & Shown Us His Purposes, Works & Words – Jno. 15:15 (cf. Jno. 14:8-10).

C. We Obey Him by Sacrificing Ourselves & Putting Him First – Jno. 15:13 (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 12:1); Matt. 10:37-39.

Conclusion

1. Everyone here today wants to be friends with God.

2. This Bible truth will help you enter a friendship with God & there enjoy all of its rich blessings & eternal rewards.

3. Obey the gospel and become a friend of God.