What does it mean to be a Friend?
Introduction:
Building REAL friendships is one of life’s greatest blessings! It is a wonderful thing to have someone who will rejoice w/us or cry w/us. An ever present companion can be a valuable possession. We need deep meaningful friendships w/other people! Look at Jesus! He experienced the joy of true friendship! See Mt. 17:1, Mk. 5:37; 14:33. Peter, James, and John were present at best/worst times of Jesus’ life. In 1 Sam. 18-20 we see the friendship of David/Jonathan. It is in these chapters that we see what is involved in true friendships.
I. True friendship is NOT one-sided!
A. Pro. 18:24 – we have to work on building friendships!
B. Beware: Some people you may call “friends” may be using you.
1. Don’t look for friendship because of what a person can do for you:
2. To find true friends – we must unselfishly give ourselves to others!
II. True friends will make sacrifices for each other.
A. 1 Sam. 18:1-4; 1 Sam. 20:4-7
1. These two had a genuine concern for each other’s welfare.
B. This is what makes some friendships stronger than family ties.
1. Pro. 18:24b; 17:17b; 27:10b
III. True friends are committed to each other.
A. True friendship is unchangeable & constant. Pro. 17:17a
B. This commitment to Davis is seen in 19:4a.
C. This point further solidified in 1 Sam. 20:14-17
1. One should never forsake his friend – Pro. 27:10
D. Truly loyalty builds lasting relationships.
1. contrast David/Jonathan’s loyalty to that of Job’s supposed friends:
2. Job 19:19; Job 16:2 – His friends were miserable comforters!
IV. True friends give each other complete freedom to be themselves.
A. 1 Sam. 20:41
B. True friends don’t bale out when times are tough. This is the type of friend where you can be yourself – no matter what that self looks like.
V. True friends always encourage each other.
A. 1 Sam. 23:15-16 - David at the lowest moment of his life; frightened; beleaguered; stumbling through the wilderness
1. Jonathan cared enough to seek out his friend
VI. Should your best friends be Christians?
A. David/Jonathan’s friendship had a spiritual dimension to it.
B. To reach the highest level – true friendships must be based on mutual faith/commitment to God.
1. Look at our responsibilities: Rom. 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9; 3 John 13-14
C. Pro. 22:24 – Friendship w/the wrong kind of person can be harmful.
1. 1 Cor. 15:33 – there is danger regarding evil companions.
Conclusion:
A. David & Jonathan discovered the secrets of a great & godly friendship.
B. There’s a true friend that gave up everything for you.
1. Jesus laid down his life for you – John 15:13 Are you his friend?