Displaying Christian Sermons by tag: friendship

Jentezen Franklin (February-28-2023) Daily Devotional: Friendship. 

“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” Pr 17:17 NLT

Jonathan was the rightful heir to the throne of his father, Saul, but David had been called by God to succeed Saul as Israel’s next king. From day one, they were on a collision course. They had everything to lose by becoming friends, because ultimately only one of them could reign. So how did they handle it? Were they competitive, or suspicious, or jealous of one another? No, because neither was interested in promoting himself. The Bible says, “Jonathan made a solemn pact with David…by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt” (1Sa 18:3-4 NLT). These were his most treasured personal possessions. He was willing to risk his life for David despite his father Saul’s warnings that Jonathan’s throne would never be established as long as David was alive (See 1Sa 20:31). Likewise, David jeopardized his life fighting the Philistines to help Saul and Jonathan establish their kingdom.

The point of the story is this: A true friend is “there for you,” even when they would rather be somewhere else. As one celebrity said, “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” Solomon said, “A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.” When was the last time you thanked God for the true friends in your life? What is it that makes them so special? Don’t assume they know how much you appreciate them. Tell them! And one more thought: If you want to have true friends—become one!

Rick Warren (December-08-2022) Daily Devotional: Faithful Friendships Help You Grow.

“No more lying, then! Each of you must tell the truth to the other believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ.” - Ephesians 4:25 (GNT)

Real change requires honest community.

There are some things that you will never be able to change on your own. You’re going to need people in your life for support—specifically, a small group of people who will be transparent and authentic with you.

Sometimes in a football game, a player is so big that no opposing player can pull him down on his own. In the same way, some of the challenges in your life have to be team-tackled.

That’s when you need a small group—but not just any group of people. Your small group should be made up of a few people you can talk with about your weaknesses and problems—all your hurts, habits, and hang-ups.

That kind of intimacy doesn’t happen right away. When you first start a small group, you get together regularly. Then, over time, you begin to trust each other and develop a safe environment. Those people become the friends who can help you change when you can’t change on your own.

Ephesians 4:25 says, “No more lying, then! Each of you must tell the truth to the other believer, because we are all members together in the body of Christ” (GNT).

When you pretend to be someone you’re really not, you waste an enormous amount of energy.

You may sincerely want to grow in Christ and to work on your weaknesses. But to do that, you have to be honest with your small group about who you really are. That kind of honesty is essential for spiritual change. If you could change on your own, you would, but you can’t—so you don’t. You need other people!

One thing that keeps most people from being honest is their desire to look good. Your desire to look good often takes precedence over being good. And it becomes a hurdle to spiritual growth.

But in a small group of other believers, you’re safe just to be yourself. Then you can grow together and make the hard changes you couldn’t make on your own.

Talk It Over

• What keeps you from finding a small group with whom you can share and grow in spiritual maturity?
• In what ways has your desire to look good kept you from enjoying deep, genuine friendships?
• Why does it take time to develop intimacy with a group of people? Are you willing to invest the time it takes to gain authentic biblical community? How could you start doing that this week?

Dr. Charles Stanley Weekly Saturday sermon: Troubled Friendships (October-29-2022) In Touch Ministries. Your most valuable asset, second only to your friendship with God, is your relationships with people. Discover how to choose friends, the building blocks of friendship, and how to rebuild friendships.

Dr. Charles Stanley Weekly Saturday sermon: Building Wise Friendships  In Touch Ministries.Based on Proverbs 18:24, this message examines the value of having a true, loyal, and devoted friend. Dr. Stanley speaks on the importance of choosing wise friendships and being careful in how you develop friendships with others.

Charles Stanley (October-15-2022) Daily Devotional: How to Build True Friendships.

Strong friendships require mutual respect, love, and commitment.

1 Samuel 18:1-4 - Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself.

Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his father's house.

Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.

Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt.

Charles Stanley (October-14-2022) Daily Devotional: The Joy of Friendship.

Intentional efforts to seek and maintain friendships can bring great reward.

Proverbs 18:24 - A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

John MacArthur (June-29-2022) Daily Devotional: Enjoying Friendship with God

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,' and he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone" (James 2:21-24).

You are a friend of God if you love Him and obey His Word.

Can you imagine life without friends—those precious people who love you despite your failings and who stand by you through joys and sorrows—those to whom you've committed yourself and whose companionship you treasure? They are without question one of God's greatest gifts, yet there is an even greater gift: friendship with God Himself.

Jesus spoke of such a friendship in John 15:13-16, describing it as one of intimacy, mutual love, sacrifice, and commitment. In verse 14 He says, "You are My friends, if you do what I command you." That's the kind of friendship Abraham demonstrated when he obeyed God and prepared to offer Isaac as a sacrifice (Gen. 22:3-10). Isaac was the son through whom God's covenant to Abraham would be fulfilled. Killing him would violate that covenant and call into question the character of God, whose Word forbids human sacrifice (Deut. 18:10). It took unquestioning trust for Abraham to obey God's command. When he did, his faith was on display for all to see.

The Greek word translated "justified" in James 2:21 has two meanings: "to acquit" (treat as righteous) or "to vindicate" (demonstrate as righteous). James emphasized the second meaning. When Abraham believed God, he was justified by faith and acquitted of sin (Gen. 15:6). When he offered up Isaac, he was justified by works in that his faith was vindicated.

Faith is always the sole condition of salvation, but saving faith never stands alone—it is always accompanied by righteous works. That's the test of true salvation and of friendship with God.

As a friend of God, treasure that relationship and be careful never to let sin rob you of its fullest joy.

Suggestions for Prayer

• Praise God for the privilege of being His friend.

For Further Study

• Read Genesis 22:1-19, noting the faith and obedience of Abraham.

Nobody Gets There Alone - Steve Houpe, Sunday Sermon. Scripture: Exodus 12:28; 1 Kings 19:16; Acts 16:25-26; Matthew 27:32 (NKJV). True companionship empowers and emboldens you to carry your burdens across the finish line. True friendship is the bond that builds when men and women gather together under God in true harmony. The first truth that drives our lives is that no one gets there alone. Alone, we’re an island. Together, we’re an army — ready to take on the enemy in a powerful and meaningful way.

Kent Hovind (February-24-2021) Watch Sermon: 1 Samuel 23 - Real Friendship 

Sarah Jakes Roberts and Christine Caine -Navigating Race & Friendship. Christine Caine and SJR go deeper and have a healthy, uncomfortable conversation about race.