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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.