YOUR FRIEND, JESUS - Jesus as a Friend
YOUR FRIEND, JESUS - Jesus
as a Friend
CONCLUSION:
Jesus is our Friend. Are you a friend to Jesus? Will you be a friend to Jesus?
I
WILL BE A FRIEND TO JESUS
1
They tried my Lord and Master,
With no one to defend;
Within the halls of Pilate
He stood without a friend.
Refrain:
I’ll be a friend to Jesus,
My life for Him I’ll spend;
I’ll be a friend to Jesus,
Until my years shall end.
2
The world may turn against Him,
I’ll love Him to the end,
And while on earth I’m living,
My Lord shall have a friend. [Refrain]
3
I’ll do what He may bid me;
I’ll go where He may send;
I’ll try each flying moment
To prove that I’m His friend. [Refrain]
4
To all who need a Savior,
My Friend I’ll recommend;
Because He brought salvation,
Is why I am His friend. [Refrain]
INTRODUCTION:
Friendship’s
Light
A friend’s a
hand when days feel long,
A steady
heart, a soothing song.
In laughter’s
warmth or sorrow’s tide,
A faithful
soul stands by your side.
Through
winding paths and skies above,
A friend is
trust, a bond of love.
No richer
gift, no sweeter blend—
Life’s
treasure bright: a cherished friend.
Friends are
families we choose ourselves. We always desire the best and perfect friendship.
People change and even the best of friends unfortunately sometimes turned to
worst enemies. There is a Friend that is closer than a brother – Jesus. “Jesus
is that perfect Friend. When He comes into the heart, He is able to satisfy
every longing of the heart and to give flawless counsel in every time of need”.
ISSUES:
1. What is the dictionary
definition of the word friend? Why is it necessary to have friendships?
KEY POINTS:
Friend?
Reaction to: affection, admiration,
connection, acceptance, desire, trust, share
Decision:
All time:
Love
Willingly & natural
Faithful, Trusted
A sincere heart
Mutual
WHY FRIEND?
Communication
Companionship
Association
Sweet fellowship/Interaction/Relationship
A shoulder to lean on
Laugh with
Reach out to
Sharing
Caring
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Friend: A person whom one knows and has a bond of
mutual affection
Value of Friendship: Friendships provide
companionship and support in life's journey.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - "Two are better than
one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the
one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for
he hath not another to help him up."
Emotional Support: Friends can provide comfort
during difficult times.
Proverbs 17:17 - "A friend loveth at all
times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Accountability and Growth: Friends help keep
each other accountable and encourage personal growth.
Proverbs 27:17 - "Iron sharpeneth iron;
so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Social Well-being: Friendships can enhance
mental and emotional health.
Sharing Joys and Sorrows: Friends can share joyful
moments as well as help bear burdens.
Galatians 6:2 - "Bear ye one another's
burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Boosting Self-esteem: Positive friendships can
improve self-confidence and self-worth.
Proverbs 12:26 - "The righteous is more
excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them."
Spiritual Growth: Friends can encourage one
another in their faith journeys.
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider one
another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so
much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Necessity of Friendships
A Source of Strength: Friendships provide a
network of support during trials.
Community Building: Human beings are social
creatures; friendships help create community and belonging.
Life Lessons: Through friendships, we
learn valuable lessons about trust, loyalty, and conflict resolution.
Sharing of Resources: Friends can share
knowledge, skills, and resources that enrich each other’s lives.
Encouragement and Inspiration: Friends
can inspire us to achieve our goals and dreams.
2. What circumstances might arise
which would cause a person to change the level of friendship upon which he has
placed another person? How might your answers apply to friendship with Jesus?
KEY POINTS:
Friendship is a relationship
Good Friendship – all seasons
Expectations are normal
Commitment is important
One sided friendship will not endure/last
A friend must show himself friendly
Friendship is reciprocal
Anti-friend activities is a process – there is always a first time
(watch it)
Failure to correct the mistake leads to a downward spiral
Lack of good communication destroys friendship
There is a thin line between friendship and enmity – Friendship needs maintenance
The above are applicable to friendship with Jesus – Jesus will not force himself on us
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Betrayal of Trust: If one friend betrays the
trust of another, the depth of the relationship may diminish.
Proverbs 24:21 - "My son, fear thou the
LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change."
Incompatibility in Values: Significant
differences in core beliefs or values can lead to reevaluation of friendship
levels.
2 Corinthians 6:14 - "Be ye not unequally
yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"
Lack of Effort or Reciprocity: Friendships
often require mutual effort; if one party consistently neglects the
relationship, it may become superficial.
Proverbs 18:24 - "A man that hath friends must
shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a
brother."
Life Changes: Major life events such as
marriage, relocation, or career changes may shift priorities and the dynamics
of friendships.
Conflicting Interests: A difference in interests
or pursuits may cause friendships to drift as individuals seek connections
elsewhere.
Inability to Communicate: Misunderstanding or lack of
communication can lead to disconnection.
Proverbs 15:1 - "A soft answer turneth away
wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
Negative Influences: Friends engaging in harmful
or destructive behavior may lead to distancing for self-preservation.
1 Corinthians 15:33 - "Be not deceived:
evil communications corrupt good manners."
Application
to Friendship with Jesus
Faith vs. Doubt: Just as our earthly
friendships can waver based on circumstances, our relationship with Jesus may
be challenged by doubts or trials.
Trust and Obedience: If we disobey or wander
away from His teachings, the intimacy of our relationship may be affected.
John 15:14 - "Ye are my friends, if ye
do whatsoever I command you."
Drawing Near: Just as friendships can be
rekindled or deepened through intentionality, our relationship with Jesus can
grow through prayer, study, and obedience.
James 4:8 - "Draw nigh to God, and he
will draw nigh to you..."
Life Changes: Major life changes or
circumstances may either strengthen our dependence on Jesus or cause us to
drift away.
Matthew 11:28 - "Come unto me, all ye that
labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Communication through Prayer: Effective
communication is key in any relationship; regular prayer can deepen our
friendship with Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray without
ceasing."
3. Our key verse states, “A man
that hath friends must shew himself friendly.” In what manner did Jesus prove
this statement true in His friendship toward us?
KEY POINTS:
Jesus loves us first
Jesus chose us
Jesus loves us even when we were unlovable
Jesus gave all
Our part:
Appreciate His love, sincerely
We can never repay Jesus’ love in measure
SEARCH: APPLICATIONS
He Demonstrated Unconditional Love: Jesus'
friendship is characterized by His love for us, regardless of our
imperfections.
John 15:13 - "Greater
love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
He Initiated the Relationship: Jesus
reaches out to us, even before we knew him.
Revelation 3:20 -
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and
open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with
me."
He Provided Support During Trials: Jesus
demonstrated friendship by offering comfort and encouragement during times of
difficulty.
John 16:33 - "These things have I
spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have
tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
He Shared in Our Joys and Sorrows: Jesus
empathizes with our experiences, showing that friendship includes being present
in both good times and bad.
Hebrews 4:15 - "For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all
points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
He Offered Forgiveness: Jesus extends grace and
forgiveness, a crucial aspect of any true friendship.
1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness."
He Sacrificed for Us: The ultimate expression of
friendship is sacrifice; Jesus demonstrated this by dying for our sins.
Romans 5:8 - "But God commendeth his love
toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Forgiveness and Restoration: Jesus
shows that even after we stumble, true friendship allows for restoration and
renewed connection.
4. What did Jesus mean when He
said, “Henceforth I call you not servants . . . but I have called you friends”?
KEY POINTS:
Change of identity
Paradigm shift – from what we used to be to what he wants us to be
Undeserved – by grace
We were not addressed as expected – mercy defines us
Opportunity – offered to make us what we ought to be
Responsibility – our response to keep the legacy
Expectation – good relationship
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Shift in Relationship Dynamics: Jesus
indicated a transition from a master-servant relationship to one of friendship,
highlighting intimacy and closeness.
John 15:15 - "Henceforth I call you not
servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called
you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known
unto you."
Empowerment and Purpose: As friends, we are not just
passive followers; Jesus empowers us, giving us a role in His work and a
purpose in our lives.
John 15:16 - "Ye have not chosen me,
but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth
fruit, and that your fruit should remain..."
Intimate Relationship: Friendship with Jesus
signifies a personal and intimate relationship, where we can communicate openly
and share our lives with Him.
Emotional Connection: Jesus' statement signifies
an emotional bond that encompasses love, trust, and respect—qualities inherent
in true friendship.
Commitment to One Another: Being called
friends implies a commitment not just from Jesus, but also a call for us to be
committed to Him and His teachings.
John 15:14 - "Ye are my friends, if ye
do whatsoever I command you."
Encouragement to Confide: Friendship allows for an
open line of communication; we can share our burdens, fears, and desires with
Jesus.
1 Peter 5:7 - "Casting all your care upon him;
for he careth for you."
Shared Joy: In friendship, there is joy in shared
experiences and in supporting one another; likewise, Jesus delights in our
relationship with Him.
John 15:11 - "These things have I spoken unto
you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."
5. What advantages are there in
having Jesus as your best Friend?
KEY POINTS:
Spiritual advantage
Social advantage
Economic advantage
Security advantage
Academic advantage
Professional/work advantage
Family advantage
Everyday advantage
All seasons advantages
All purposes advantage
Beautiful for all situations
Contemporary advantage
True and real friendship
Unchanging – consistent
Unfailing – no shadow of turning
A Friend closer than a brother
Always present
Have everything
Gives everything
Eternity advantage
Endless advantage
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Unconditional Love: Jesus offers a love that is
unwavering and accepting, regardless of our flaws and mistakes.
Constant Presence: Jesus promises to be with
us at all times, providing comfort and encouragement through life's challenges.
Matthew 28:20 - "...and, lo, I am with
you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Source of Strength: In times of weakness, we
can rely on Jesus for strength and support to help us overcome difficulties.
Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Guidance and Wisdom: Jesus provides direction in
life, helping us make wise choices rooted in His teachings.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all
thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Forgiveness and Grace: Jesus offers complete
forgiveness and grace, allowing us to move forward without the burden of guilt.
1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness."
Empathy and Understanding: Jesus knows our
struggles and sorrows, having lived as a human being. He empathizes with us and
provides comfort.
Hebrews 4:15 - "For we have not an high
priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in
all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
Joy and Peace: Jesus offers a deep,
abiding joy and peace that transcends circumstances, enriching our lives.
John 15:11 - "These things have I spoken unto
you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."
John 14:27 Peace I leave
with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.
Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Purpose and Meaning: As our friend, Jesus
provides us with a purpose in life and calls us to live according to His plans
for us.
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the
thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of
evil, to give you an expected end."
Intercessor: Jesus intercedes for us,
praying on our behalf and advocating for us before God.
Romans 8:34 - "Who is he that condemneth? It
is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right
hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us."
Eternal Friendship: Jesus offers the promise of
eternal life, assuring that our friendship extends beyond this life.
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the
world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life."
6. How can our relationship with
Jesus be maintained?
KEY POINTS:
Identity maintenance - up-to-date salvation
Word maintenance - study
Prayer maintenance - spiritual communication
Walk with Jesus - living the life
Work with Jesus - occupy
Christian maintenance - spiritual virtues
Obedience
Humility
Consecration
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Regular Prayer: Communication with Jesus
through prayer ensures intimacy in our relationship, allowing us to share our
thoughts, feelings, and needs.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray without
ceasing."
Studying the Word of God: Engaging with Scripture
helps us understand Jesus better and teaches us how to live according to His
will.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - "All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for
correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be
perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
Obedience to His Commands: Demonstrating love
for Jesus through obedience to His teachings strengthens our bond with Him.
John 14:15 - "If ye love me, keep my
commandments."
Fellowship with Other Believers: Engaging
with a community of faith helps us support one another spiritually and
encourages growth in our relationship with Jesus.
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider one
another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so
much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
Worship and Praise: Regularly worshiping Jesus
through praise, both personally and in community, deepens our relationship and
brings us closer to Him.
Psalm 100:4 - "Enter into his gates
with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and
bless his name."
Confession and Repentance: Acknowledging and
turning away from our sins allows us to maintain a clear conscience and
closeness with Jesus.
1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness."
Serving Others: Following Jesus' example of
humble service strengthens our relationship with Him and demonstrates His love
to others.
Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of man came not
to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for
many."
Meditation and Reflection: Taking time to
meditate on God’s word and reflect on His character helps us grow in
understanding and appreciation of His presence in our lives.
Psalm 119:15 - "I will meditate in thy
precepts, and have respect unto thy ways."
Trusting Him in Difficulties: Relying
on Jesus during challenging times builds a stronger faith and reliance on His
power and promises.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD
with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy
ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Living Out Our Faith: Actively engaging in good
works and sharing our faith with others reflects our relationship with Jesus
and serves to strengthen it.
James 2:17 - "Even so faith, if it hath
not works, is dead, being alone."
7. What evidence will be obvious
in our lives when Jesus is our closest Friend?
KEY POINTS:
Evidence that Jesus is our closest Friend:
Our identity
Our values
Our priorities
Our conversations
Our Actions
Our Reactions
Our attitudes
Physical appearance
Our engagements
Divine love
Joy
Talk about Jesus
Committed to Jesus
Live for Jesus
Expecting Jesus
SEARCH: APPLICATIONS
Love for Others: A profound love for others
is a clear indication that Jesus is at the center of our lives, as His love
transforms our hearts to love as He loves.
John 13:34-35 - "A new commandment I give unto
you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one
another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love
one to another."
Joyful Attitude: A consistent sense of joy,
even amidst difficulties, reflects the peace and joy that comes from being in a
close relationship with Jesus.
John 15:11 - "These things have I spoken unto
you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full."
Peace in Trials: The presence of inner peace
during challenging circumstances is a testament to our trust in Jesus as our
friend and Savior.
Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of
God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through
Christ Jesus."
Growing in Faith: An evident growth in our
faith and understanding of God's Word shows that we are cultivating a deeper
friendship with Jesus.
2 Peter 3:18 - "But grow in grace, and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and
for ever. Amen."
Desire for Holiness: A longing to turn away from
sin and pursue holiness is indicative of Jesus working in us, transforming our
character and desires.
1 Peter 1:15-16 - "But as he which hath
called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is
written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
Boldness in Sharing Faith: A confident
willingness to share our faith and speak about Jesus reflects our closeness
with Him and our commitment to His mission.
Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the
gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that
believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Service to Others: A heart inclined to serve
others, following Jesus' example of humility and service, demonstrates our
friendship with Him.
Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of man
came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom
for many."
Confidence in Prayer: An active and confident
prayer life, where we seek His guidance and feel His presence, indicates our
intimate relationship with Jesus.
John 15:7 - "If ye abide in me, and my
words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto
you."
New Priorities and Values: Our values and
priorities will often shift to align more closely with Christ's teachings,
reflecting His influence in our lives.
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek ye first the
kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto
you."
Hope: A noticeable hopefulness and assurance about
the future, based on God’s promises, showcases our relationship with Jesus as
our closest friend.
Romans 15:13 - "Now the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope,
through the power of the Holy Ghost."
8. Many people in the world
seemingly do not love Jesus at all. How then can He be their closest Friend?
See Romans 5:10.
KEY POINTS:
Popularity & Acceptability:
Popular is relative and subjective -
Value & worth - may not be determined by acceptability
Many may not - that should not stop you
Quality - determined by first hand experience
Quantity - not always a positive indicator
Wonderful Saviour - rejection comes with consequences
Jesus is good - taste to experience Him
Rejection - due to spiritual blindness
Few friends of Jesus - Blessed if you're one of them
How can Jesus be their friend?
Live the life
Spread the news
Plead with them earnestly
Persuade passionately
Constrain diligently
Warn seriously
SEARCH: APPLICATIONS
Universal Love: Jesus demonstrates
universal love for all humanity, regardless of our responses to Him. His love
and friendship extend even to those who reject Him.
Romans 5:10 - "For if, when we were enemies,
we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled,
we shall be saved by his life."
Invitation to Relationship: Jesus
actively invites everyone into a friendship with Him, emphasizing that this
friendship is not based on our worthiness but rather on His grace.
Matthew 11:28 - "Come unto me, all ye
that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Reconciliation Offers Hope: Even
when individuals do not initially acknowledge or love Jesus, the opportunity
for reconciliation through faith remains available.
2 Corinthians 5:18 - "And all things
are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given
to us the ministry of reconciliation."
Patience and Longsuffering: Jesus
exhibits patience towards those who do not know Him, allowing room for belief
and relationship to develop over time.
2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slack
concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to
us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to
repentance."
Friendship through Acceptance: While
people may not love Jesus now, He is open to those who turn to Him, welcoming
them into a close friendship once they accept His love and grace.
John 1:12 - "But as many as received
him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe
on his name."
Hope for Transformation: No one is beyond the reach
of Jesus' friendship; those who are currently indifferent can be transformed
through faith and acceptance of His love.
Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the
gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that
believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Jesus is our Friend. Are you a friend to Jesus? Will you be a friend to Jesus?
With no one to defend;
Within the halls of Pilate
He stood without a friend.
I’ll be a friend to Jesus,
My life for Him I’ll spend;
I’ll be a friend to Jesus,
Until my years shall end.
I’ll love Him to the end,
And while on earth I’m living,
My Lord shall have a friend. [Refrain]
I’ll go where He may send;
I’ll try each flying moment
To prove that I’m His friend. [Refrain]
My Friend I’ll recommend;
Because He brought salvation,
Is why I am His friend. [Refrain]
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