The Friendliest of friends of God

John 15:12-17

Yesterday, in John 15:12-17, Jesus spoke to us about friendship and who He considers his friends.

Let’s review:

1.     Friendship is a mutual relationship founded on Love. The type of Love that demonstrates the Love of Christ and is sacrificial. (v. 12,13)

2.     Friends serve each other willingly. Friends enjoy doing things for each other. “They get to serve the other” not “they have to serve the other.” (v. 14)

3.     Friends share special knowledge and take counsel together. Friends have deep conversations that no one else gets to have and get to know things no one else knows. (v.15)

4.     Friends share access to their resources. Friends share all they have with each other. (v.16)

5.     Friends act when they are called upon. Friends can rely on each other when asked. (v.17)

Now that Jesus helps define friendship for us by revealing how He has befriended us, the question remains: how good of a friend are you to Jesus? Here is a little test to help you gauge your level of friendship:

1. Jesus has died for his Friends. Have you died with Jesus?

Those who have been buried with Christ through baptism into death are friends of God.

Romans 6:4 NASB95

4 Therefore, we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

2. Do you serve Jesus like He has served you? If so, how are you serving Jesus? Jesus didn’t come to be served but to serve his friends.

Matthew 20:28 NASB95

28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

3. How much of that “special knowledge” do you have from Jesus? The more “special knowledge” you get from Jesus found in the Scriptures, the deeper and more intimate you become as His friend. Do you know God’s word? Do you abide by it? Then you are considered his friend.

Hebrews 1:1–2 NASB95

1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

4. Are you doing what Jesus has asked you to do? Do you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Do you love others as yourself? Do you share the good news with others so that they might become friends of God? Are you doing what Jesus has asked you to do in your life?

John 15:14 NASB95

14 “You are My friends if you do what I command you.

How strong is your friendship with Jesus? Are you the friendliest of friends of God?Take your friendship with Jesus to the next level!

“Peace Be With You.”

— Pastor Bruce