Having Friends Like Jesus

1
Having Friends Like Jesus

• Theme Using Wisdom with your various friendships

2
Introduction

• Biblically, a friend is someone who is as your
  own soul. cp. Dt. 136
• You both like and do the same things
• You enjoy spending time with one another
• You are loyal to each other

3
Introduction

• Your choice in friends, therefore is a direct
  reflection on the kind of soul you have.
• It makes a difference, therefore, who is as your
  own soul. cp. Prov. 1320
• This should always be an important decision as
  our goal is to serve the Lords will.

4
Levels of friendship

• Jesus was a friend of sinners. Matt. 119
• Their lost condition was the object of His
  affection. Matt. 1413-14
• Thus, He spent time eating with them teaching
  them the words of salvation.
• Some, like Matthew, became close friends of His.
  Matt. 99-12

5
Examples of companionship

• Jesus was dear friends with His disciples
• He spent much time with His disciples
• They had fellowship with one another. cp. Matt.
  2617
• Even among his close companions He had an
  especially close relationship with Peter, James
  and John. Matt. 171 Matt. 2637
• Then, you could say John was one whom could be
  referred to as a best friend. Jn. 2120

6
Blessings of having friends

• There is someone to share your life with
• Someone you can talk to
• Someone you can lean on
• Someone you can confide in
• Someone you trust
• These various relationships bring joy and comfort
  to an otherwise lonely person. cp. Ecc. 49-12

7
Influences From Our Friends

• Your friends will influence you. cp. 1 Ki.
  121-11
• Thus, the stronger the friendship, the stronger
  the influence. cp. Dt. 136
• Many are influenced by those they love (brothers,
  sisters, mothers, fathers, and friends)
• The effect is that many may be blindly lead away
  from the Lord through their companionships

8
The Effects of These Friendships

• As Christians we should (by way of choice) put
  Gods will in the forefront
• This includes whether or not to be friends with
  another.
• This includes the extent of that friendship. cp.
  Matt. 621
• This mindset will have a positive effect on your
  friendships.

9
Spend Time Wisely With Your Different Friends
Like Jesus

• Jesus was wise, and those who walked with Him
  became as His soul wise!
• On the other hand, Jesus used His wisdom to
  dictate the time spent with the various levels of
  friendships He had
• He spent time seeking and saving (and spending
  time among) the lost.
• He spent more time among His disciples.
• A greater portion of His time was spent among
  those closest to Him.

10
Conclusion

• There is nothing wrong with associating with
  those outside the body of Christ.
• The goal, however, is to walk with (make friends
  with) those who are like Jesus.