The Friends of Christ “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15) Abraham was a descendant of Noah and the son of Terah (Gen. 11: 10-26). Promised to be the great progenitor of many nations (Gen. 17: 4). All nations are blessed through Abraham’s seed, Jesus Christ (Gal. 3: 14, 16). Abraham is among the few privileged to have had special recognition with God (cp. Enoch and David, Gen. 5: 24; Acts 13: 22).

Abraham, the Friend of God To Abraham a great compliment was given – the friend of God. “Friend, one attached to another by esteem, respect and affection.” Abraham was a descendant of Noah and the son of Terah (Gen. 11: 10-26). Promised to be the great progenitor of many nations (Gen. 17: 4). All nations are blessed through Abraham’s seed, Jesus Christ (Gal. 3: 14, 16). Abraham is among the few privileged to have had special recognition with God (cp. Enoch and David, Gen. 5: 24; Acts 13: 22).

Abraham, the Friend of God 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. Abraham was a descendant of Noah and the son of Terah (Gen. 11: 10-26). Promised to be the great progenitor of many nations (Gen. 17: 4). All nations are blessed through Abraham’s seed, Jesus Christ (Gal. 3: 14, 16). Abraham is among the few privileged to have had special recognition with God (cp. Enoch and David, Gen. 5: 24; Acts 13: 22).

Abraham, the Friend of God “Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?” 2 Chronicles 20: 7 Abraham was a descendant of Noah and the son of Terah (Gen. 11: 10-26). Promised to be the great progenitor of many nations (Gen. 17: 4). All nations are blessed through Abraham’s seed, Jesus Christ (Gal. 3: 14, 16). Abraham is among the few privileged to have had special recognition with God (cp. Enoch and David, Gen. 5: 24; Acts 13: 22).

Abraham, the Friend of God “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend,” Isa. 41:8 Abraham was a descendant of Noah and the son of Terah (Gen. 11: 10-26). Promised to be the great progenitor of many nations (Gen. 17: 4). All nations are blessed through Abraham’s seed, Jesus Christ (Gal. 3: 14, 16). Abraham is among the few privileged to have had special recognition with God (cp. Enoch and David, Gen. 5: 24; Acts 13: 22).

Abraham, the Friend of God Why was Abraham called “the friend of God?” Abraham was a descendant of Noah and the son of Terah (Gen. 11: 10-26). Promised to be the great progenitor of many nations (Gen. 17: 4). All nations are blessed through Abraham’s seed, Jesus Christ (Gal. 3: 14, 16). Abraham is among the few privileged to have had special recognition with God (cp. Enoch and David, Gen. 5: 24; Acts 13: 22).

Abraham, the Friend of God Abraham was a man of great faith Gen. 12 Gen. 15: 1-6 Heb. 11: 8, 17 Abram was seventy-five years of age when he departed out of Haran (Gen. 12: 1-4). This was an act of great faith (Heb. 11: 8-10). The realization of Abraham (name changed in Genesis 17: 5) being the father of many nations was contingent upon Isaac. Yet when told to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham obeyed (Gen. 15: 1-6; chapter 22). Abraham’s faith is not just observed in his willingness to offer his promised son, but in the fact that he believed God was able “to raise him up” (Heb. 11: 17-19).

Abraham, the Friend of God Abraham was a man of implicit obedience. Great faith is not only trusting God but also obeying God Gen. 12:1-6 Gen. 22:2-5 A common and static characteristic of God pleasing faith is obedience (Consider the examples of such great men of faith as Abel, Noah, and Moses, Heb. 11: 4; 7, 24, 27, 28).

Abraham, the Friend of God Abraham was a man who obeyed immediately Gen. 12: 4 Stress how individuals with whom God has expressed his approval have not been lazy and people to “put off” matters. They responded immediately to the task at hand.

Abraham, the Friend of God Abraham was a man of hospitality and generosity Gen. 18: 1-8 Heb. 13: 2 It is admitted that our culture in America is different in terms of extending and not abusing hospitality. Restaurants and motels have created a change. However, there remains ways and opportunities to extent hospitality.

Abraham, the Friend of God Abraham was a man of peace, even when it required sacrifice Gen. 13: 8-12 “Peace” is a running theme throughout the New Testament (see 2 Cor. 13: 11; Isa. 9: 6, 7; Rom. 10: 15; Rom. 14: 17; Matt. 5: 9, I Cor. 7: 15).

Abraham, the Friend of God Abraham was a man who raised his household in God’s ways. Gen. 18: 18, 19 Headship is a mark of fidelity and is greatly desired (cp. Acts 10: 2). A father today must control his household (Eph. 5: 22 - 6: 4, cp. Tit. 1: 6). By teaching and setting the proper example, children have a lot better chance to grow up to themselves be God pleasing Christians.

How can we be friends of God? You, too, can be a friend of God! I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15) In closing, accent the matter of friendship and its requisites. Expose the false doctrine of passivity of faith characteristic of denominationalism.

How can we be friends of God? Two levels of relationship with Christ: 1st level: servants- a servant does not know his master’s business 2nd level: friends- everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15) In closing, accent the matter of friendship and its requisites. Expose the false doctrine of passivity of faith characteristic of denominationalism.

How can we be SERVANTS of God? 1st level: servants- a servant does not know his master’s business; “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing” (NASV) I'm no longer calling you servants because servants don't understand what their master is thinking and planning. (MESSAGE) In closing, accent the matter of friendship and its requisites. Expose the false doctrine of passivity of faith characteristic of denominationalism.

How can we be FRIENDS of God? 2nd level: friends- everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” But I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. (NASV) No, I've named you friends because I've let you in on everything I've heard from the Father (MESSAGE) In closing, accent the matter of friendship and its requisites. Expose the false doctrine of passivity of faith characteristic of denominationalism.

What is the difference between servants & friends? SERVANTS DO NOT KNOW THE PLANSOF THE MASTER FRIENDS DO KNOW IT IS ALL ABOUT REVELATION In closing, accent the matter of friendship and its requisites. Expose the false doctrine of passivity of faith characteristic of denominationalism.

How can we become FRIENDS of God? How to go from SERVANTS to FRIENDS? “You are my friends, if you do what I command you” (John 15: 14) OBEDIENCE IS CRUCIAL TO BE A FRIEND. In closing, accent the matter of friendship and its requisites. Expose the false doctrine of passivity of faith characteristic of denominationalism.

How can we be friends of God? You, too, can be a friend of God! In closing, accent the matter of friendship and its requisites. Expose the false doctrine of passivity of faith characteristic of denominationalism.