"As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him." - Psalm 18:30

Why We Need Friends in the Kingdom

 

Why We Need Friends in the Kingdom of God
(Proverbs 18:24)

Roger Leonard - July 2009

Intro:
1. Jesus had friends: Peter, James, John.
2. It’s okay to have close friends; it is not okay to have cliques at the exclusion of others.
3. It is important to have friends and fellowship:
Note: Difference in fellowship and friendship.

BODY:

I. We Need Friends To Share our Christian lives with. (Prov. 17:17)
    A. Go places with and share common interests.
    B. Share our concerns with regard to:
        a.  Bible questions
        b.  Daily living
        c.  Bringing up children
        d.  Marriage
        e. Being a man or woman or teenager in the church today, 
        f.  Challenges on the job,etc.

II. We Need Friends To Correct Us When we are Wrong. (Nathan to David -II Sam. 12)

III. We Need Friends To Support and Encourage us When we are Right. (Philemon 21)

IV. We Need Friends To Help Us Do the Lord’s work. (Paul and Barnabas)

V. We Need To Be a Friend To Sinners Like Jesus (Matthew 9:9-13)

Conclusion:
A. If we want friends, we must make the effort to be friendly. (Proverbs 18:24)
B. In order to be the best friend for others, we need to be a friend of God.
    1) Abraham was. – James 2:21-23
    2) Jesus wants us to be – John 15:13-15