Friends And Family Day
A Friend Of God
James 2:23
Just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. James 2:23
1. The qualities of someone who is a friend of God
I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. Philippians 3:10
a. A friend of God has a personal relationship with Him.
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ. To become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. Philippians 3:7-9
This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:10
b. A friend of God loves Him—and proves it with action.
c. A friend of God shares God’s interests.
d. A friend of God is loyal to Him and stands with Him no matter what.
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. Proverbs 17:17
2. Now how can we be a friend of God?
And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith. James 2:23
a. You become a friend of God by faith.
You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends. John 15:14
b. Strengthen our friendship with God by obedience.
There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
c. Friendship with God grows through fellowship.
For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor. James 4:8-10
