Friendship
Friendship in the Bible is portrayed as a significant and meaningful relationship characterized by loyalty, support, and mutual encouragement. The concept can be seen through various biblical narratives and teachings. One of the most notable examples is the friendship between David and Jonathan, which exemplifies selflessness and loyalty (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 1 Samuel 20). Jonathan, the son of King Saul, risked his own safety to protect David, demonstrating that true friendship often involves sacrifice and the prioritization of the other's well-being over personal interests.Moreover, Proverbs 17:17 states, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity," highlighting the steadfastness that characterizes genuine friendship. The New Testament also reflects on the nature of friendship in John 15:13, where Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." This illustrates that the highest form of friendship involves profound love and sacrifice. Ultimately, biblical friendship is not merely a casual relationship; it is a covenantal bond that reflects the love of God, emphasizing loyalty, compassion, and a willingness to support one another through life's challenges.
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On the Choice of Friends
By J.R. Miller0PRO 13:20PRO 18:24PRO 27:17ECC 4:9JHN 15:131CO 15:332CO 6:14GAL 6:21TH 5:11JAS 4:4J.R. Miller emphasizes the critical importance of choosing friends wisely, as they can either uplift us or lead us astray. He highlights that true friendship is built on trust, integrity, and the ability to accept each other's flaws without judgment. Miller encourages seeking friends who will support us through life's challenges and remain loyal regardless of circumstances. He also stresses the need for friendships that endure beyond this life, advocating for connections with those who share a faith in God. Ultimately, he warns against taking friendships for granted and urges us to cherish and nurture these valuable relationships.
Friendship With God
By Bill McLeod1.7K37:47PHP 3:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of viewing God as a friend and approaching Him in prayer with that mindset. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Abraham and Moses, who had close relationships with God. The speaker highlights the need for believers to spend quality time with God, not just going through the motions or asking for things, but truly seeking fellowship with Him. He criticizes the practice of limiting prayer to a short daily routine, suggesting that it is disrespectful to God and may contribute to the problems faced in churches and personal lives. The sermon encourages believers to commit their causes to God and trust Him to handle any challenges or conflicts they may face.
Praying for Our Friends
By J.R. Miller0PHP 1:9J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of praying for our friends, asserting that true friendship is enriched by seeking spiritual blessings rather than merely earthly ones. He reflects on Paul's prayers for the Philippians, highlighting the importance of love that abounds in knowledge and discernment, and the need for sincere, selfless love that serves others. Miller encourages believers to choose excellent things in life, such as true friendship and character, while also being mindful of their influence on others. He concludes that a life filled with the fruits of righteousness is essential for fulfilling our Christian duty and impacting the world positively.
Find Your Best Friend in Books (Part 1)
By K.P. Yohannan0PRO 18:24EPH 4:29PHP 2:3COL 3:12JAS 1:19K.P. Yohannan shares his transformative journey of friendship and personal growth while serving in North India, where cultural differences often led to arguments and misunderstandings. A pivotal moment came when a friend recommended Dale Carnegie's 'How to Win Friends and Influence People,' which opened his eyes to the power of loving communication over criticism. This book, along with others like 'The Calvary Road' and 'True Discipleship,' profoundly changed his attitude and approach to relationships, steering him away from loneliness and towards a life focused on pleasing Jesus and influencing others positively. Yohannan emphasizes that while he has mingled with many people, the impact of these books has been far greater in shaping his life and purpose.
Child Friendship, How Durable
By D.L. Moody02SA 9:1D.L. Moody shares the story of David and Mephibosheth to illustrate the enduring nature of friendship and God's grace. He emphasizes how David, despite being pursued by Saul, honored his vow to Jonathan by showing kindness to Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, who lived in the desolate place of Lo-debar. Moody draws parallels between Mephibosheth's fear of the king and the way sinners often perceive God, thinking He seeks to punish rather than restore. Ultimately, David's act of kindness symbolizes God's desire to bring us from our lowly state into His grace and abundance. The sermon encourages listeners to accept God's invitation to come to Him and reclaim their inheritance.
Knowing Christ the Friend
By Ed Miller1.4K1:10:29EXO 33:18EXO 33:20MAT 6:33REV 7:15In this sermon, the speaker explores the concept of serving the Lord and how it can be done on earth as it is in heaven. The sermon begins by discussing the service of God's bond servants in the eternal state, where they serve Him day and night. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the blueprint or divine intention for serving the Lord. He suggests three key principles: learning to be a receiver and allowing God to serve us, cultivating a deep union with Jesus Christ, and ultimately bringing forth fruit unto God. The sermon encourages listeners to focus on these foundational principles in their pursuit of serving the Lord.
Friendships in Heaven
By J.R. Miller0MAT 22:30JHN 15:12ROM 13:101CO 13:8PHP 1:3COL 3:14HEB 12:11PE 4:171JN 4:7REV 21:4J.R. Miller explores the concept of friendships in heaven, emphasizing that while earthly relationships like marriage do not continue in the same form, the love and bonds formed through genuine connections will endure. He reflects on the joy of reuniting with loved ones in the heavenly family, which encompasses all the redeemed across ages and cultures. Miller encourages believers to cultivate true friendships on earth, rooted in love and unity in Christ, as these will be the relationships that last into eternity. He reassures that love, being immortal, will not be lost but transformed in the heavenly realm, allowing for a deeper communion with both earthly and heavenly friends.
About Your Friends.
By J.R. Miller0PRO 12:26PRO 13:20PRO 22:24PRO 27:17ECC 4:9JHN 15:131CO 15:332CO 6:141TH 5:11JAS 4:4J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of friendships on our lives, particularly in youth, where the choice of friends can shape one's future. He warns against indiscriminate friendships, urging young people to select companions who inspire and uplift rather than those who may lead them astray. Miller highlights the importance of mutual support in friendships and the value of having older friends for guidance. He also notes that friendships can evolve and change over time, and encourages openness to new relationships while maintaining a balance in intimacy. Ultimately, he stresses the significance of choosing friends who share a love for Christ, as such bonds are strengthened by faith.
Choosing Our Friends
By J.R. Miller0PRO 27:17ECC 4:9J.R. Miller emphasizes the vital role of friendship in our lives, particularly during times of sorrow and suffering. He illustrates that true companionship not only provides comfort but also inspires us to grow and strive for our best selves. The sermon highlights the importance of choosing friends wisely, as they significantly influence our character and future. Miller encourages young people to seek friendships that uplift and challenge them, while also reminding us of our responsibility to be a positive influence on others. Ultimately, he points to Christ as the ultimate friend who fulfills our deepest needs and offers everlasting companionship.
Your Friends Matter to God!
By David Wilkerson0PRO 22:24David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of our friendships and their impact on our spiritual lives, urging believers to evaluate their closest relationships in light of Scripture. He warns that Satan may tempt us to form ungodly friendships that can lead us away from God, and encourages us to seek true friends who align with God's Word and are willing to speak the truth, even when it hurts. Wilkerson stresses that our friends matter to God, as their influence can have serious consequences on our faith and character. He calls for a proactive stance in breaking off ungodly friendships and praying for discernment in our relationships.
Possibilities of Friendship
By J.R. Miller01SA 18:1J.R. Miller emphasizes the timeless nature of friendship, illustrating its necessity for human hearts across all ages. He reflects on the unselfish and faithful friendship between Jonathan and David, highlighting that true friendship is rooted in selflessness, support, and a shared faith in God. Miller warns against superficial friendships that seek personal gain and encourages the pursuit of relationships that uplift and inspire. He concludes that true friendship is immortal, leaving lasting impressions that endure beyond physical separation or even death.
(Sex, Love & Marriage) 3. Opposite Poles Attract
By Zac Poonen0PRO 4:23MAT 5:28ROM 14:161CO 8:1GAL 5:13EPH 5:31TH 4:31TI 5:2HEB 13:41PE 5:8Zac Poonen discusses the natural attraction between the sexes, emphasizing that while it is normal to seek friendship and admiration from the opposite sex, it is crucial to maintain a disciplined approach to these feelings. He warns against both excessive intimacy and complete avoidance, advocating for a balanced relationship that honors God and respects personal boundaries. Poonen highlights the importance of treating members of the opposite sex with purity and integrity, particularly in the context of friendships and dating, which can lead to emotional complications if not approached wisely. He encourages young people to focus on their spiritual growth and responsibilities before considering marriage, and to avoid dating and petting, which can lead to moral pitfalls. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a life that glorifies God, free from regret and frustration.