Friends

Introduction

My favorite movie or book theme centers on friendship.

I am moved when someone faces an impossibility, but then a friends shows up to support and encourage.

In Lord of the Rings, Samwise Gamgee, best friend of Frodo, is the true hero of the movie trilogy. In the moment when Frodo is about to give up, it is Sam who says: “I can’t carrie the ring for you, but I can carry you.”

In these uncertain times, we need a friend.

With friends—godly, believing, Christ-centered friends—we can face the uncertain times filled with assurance and strength.

King Solomon of ancient Israel, wrote:

Text: Ecc 4:9-12

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 ESV

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Alone we are prone to defeat.

Together, opportunities for victory are ever-present.

Text: Matthew 18:20

Matthew 18:20 ESV

20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Transition

In the biblical call for the believer to LOVE ONE ANOTHER, doing life with friends can give you what you need to fulfill your purpose, maintain your joy, and give you peace.

What does friendship provide?

Acceptance

Proverbs 17:17 ESV

17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

It is a wonderful thing to know that someone has your back.

Knowing that there is someone who accepts you unconditionally—accepts you, even when you fail—accepts you in good times and bad—is an ingredient to grow, learn, and thrive.

Guidance

Proverbs 12:26 ESV

26 One who is righteous is a guide to his neighbor, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

A friend who is righteous before God is a friend that can help you navigate through the difficulties of life.

You need a friend that will tell you the truth—not just what you want to hear.

Intercession

Job 16:21 NLT

21 I need someone to mediate between God and me, as a person mediates between friends.

We need a friend who will pray and intercede.

Do you have someone who will stop everything to lift you up in prayer?

Burden Bearer

Galatians 6:2 ESV

2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

God calls us to be burden bearers—to come along side and help.

Illustration: Installation of a refrigerator.

Encourager

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV

11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

A true friend will encourage.

Discouragement and depression will stop your progress in life.

We need someone who will speak hope, peace, love, grace, mercy, and hope.

Conclusion

Everyone of us need friends.

Everyone of us needs acceptance, guidance, an intercessor, a burden bearer, and an encourager.

Everyone of us needs those kinds of friends.

There is friend—a specific friend—that we need so desperately: and His name is Jesus.

And friendship with Jesus is a friendship that will change your life.

Maybe you feel alone right now.

You feel that the world is against you.

You feel that all your plans, hope, and dreams have turned into dust.

You need Jesus. He loves you. He values you. And, He wants to call you His friend.

John 15:15 ESV

15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

Prayer