FRIENDSHIP

                                                          
 
                                                     (Author unknown)

INTRODUCTION
A. 1st Samuel 18:1; 2nd Samuel 1:26
In a world increasingly connected by technology, people are more disconnected than ever. Adults and children alike, men and women alike, long for friendship as David and Jonathan experienced it. While their connection was exceptional and cannot reasonably be expected to be duplicated in all situations, it is worth consideration and, where possible, duplication.


B. John 13:23
Even Jesus had a best friend during his earthly life.  There were multitudes, into the thousands, who followed Him. Among those, there were seventy He trusted preaching to. Among them, there were twelve He kept close and commissioned to minister His gospel when He was gone.  Out of that twelve, He kept an inner circle of four – Peter, Andrew, James, and John, but usually just three of them – Peter, James, and John. Within that tight group, it was only John who was consistently described as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”

I. THERE IS NO BETTER FRIEND THAN GOD
A. James 2:21-24
When Abraham expressed faith by his obedience, he proved himself God’s own friend.
B. John 15:13-15
Jesus described the difference between friends and servants, saying that servants are not taken into the confidence of their masters, whereas friends are. He said that we proved our friendship with Him when we do as He has said.
C. James 4:4
Let’s be careful because we can make ourselves the enemies of God by taking up friendship with the world.

II. WORTHY FRIENDS CONNECT TO CHRIST
A. 3rd John 14
Fellow Christians ought to be the primary source of our friends group.
B. Mark 2:1-5
No one could find better friends on earth than the kind who will tear the roof of a house to get you to Jesus.
C. Acts 10:24-33
When Cornelius knew he would hear Peter preach the gospel, he invited all his friends over. That’s the kind of people we need to be friends with.

III. SOME FRIENDSHIPS ARE HARMFUL
A. Proverbs 12:26
Whom our friends are, are a choice. Be wise and selective.
B. Proverbs 18:24a (Not KJV or NKJV)
Having too many friends can actually lead to problems. Remember, be selective!
C. Proverbs 22:24-25
We are better off without friends who do not control their tempers. Angry friends might turn us into angry people, too. Even if they don’t, they’ll repel decent company.
D. Proverbs 14:20; 19:4, 6-7
Sometimes, friends only hang around for the material benefit they get from doing so.
E. Proverbs 26:18-19
People who try to excuse their own offensive behavior as a lame joke, or who don’t know when to stop joking don’t make for companions.
F. Proverbs 25:20
We don’t need friends who don’t know how to comfort us in our sorrow, who don’t know how to weep with us when we weep. We don’t need friends who only want to party.

IV. GOOD FRIENDSHIPS ARE TRULY BLESSED
A. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
The benefits of companionship are manifest.
B. Proverbs 18:24b; 27:10
Friendship can be more helpful than family in some circumstances.
C. Proverbs 27:5-6
Friends dispense criticism we know we can trust.
D. Proverbs 27:9
Friends offer advice we can delight in.
E. Proverbs 27:17
Friends put smiles on our faces.

V. FRIENDSHIP REQUIRES EFFORT
A. Proverbs 17:17
The maintenance of a friendship is constant love – 24/7/365.
B. Proverbs 27:14; 25:17
We must be cautious not to become a nuisance to the people whose company we hold dear.
​ No one needs a Kimmy Gibbler.