The Ultimate Friendship
Posted on October 7, 2007
Genesis 22:1-19
ONE GREAT TRUTH: We can only understand the deepest meaning of friendship by realizing what God has done in order to be our friend: He gave His only begotten Son to save us from our sins!
Americans have a third fewer close friends and confidants than 20 years ago, a sign people may be living lonelier, more isolated lives than in the past. In ‘85, the average American had 3 people in whom to confide important matters vs. 2 in ’04, finds an American Sociological Review study. 25% have no close confidants at all. People who confide only in family have increased from 57% to 80%, and the numbers who depend solely on a spouse is up from 5% to 9%. If something happens to that partner, their safety net may be lost. Suspected causes: Life in the suburbs and spending more time at work leaves less time to socialize. Entertainment tools such as TV, iPods, and computers allow us to stay home and tune out. (USA Today 6/22/06)
I. Jesus Taught It
John 15:13, 15
Jesus defined friendship, not by compatibility but by sacrifice. Then He said to His disciples, “I have called you friends.” Jesus implied two great truths in that phrase:
* God is willing to be the friend of those who believe in Him.
* Jesus would lay down his life for them.
II. Abraham Learned It
James, in the New Testament, calls Abraham “the friend of God.” But how did Abraham become God’s friend? He learned to believe God, to trust Him with everything, including the life of his own son. This potential sacrifice was not merely a test; it was also a picture for Abraham of what Jesus would do someday on the cross. Notice the repetition of the phrase “the place…” The place represented Calvary.
III. God Demonstrated It
Romans 5:8
God IS your best friend, whether you recognize it or not. You may hesitate to trust Him with your life. You may have a hard time submitting to His lordship over you, but He went to the cross for you!
Have You Discovered the Ultimate Friendship?
God’s intention is not for you to walk through life in loneliness, isolation, and lostness.
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