FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD MN Ngcobo May 2009

Becoming best friends Romans 5:9-11, through the blood of Jesus we are restored to friendship with GodRomans 5:9-11, through the blood of Jesus we are restored to friendship with God God is the Creator, Maker, Lord, Master, Judge, Redeemer, Father, Saviour and much moreGod is the Creator, Maker, Lord, Master, Judge, Redeemer, Father, Saviour and much more But the most shocking truth: Almighty yearns to be our friendBut the most shocking truth: Almighty yearns to be our friend The scene in Eden before the fall: Adam and Eve had an intimate relationship with GodThe scene in Eden before the fall: Adam and Eve had an intimate relationship with God There were no rituals, ceremonies or religion – just a simple relationshipThere were no rituals, ceremonies or religion – just a simple relationship

Becoming best friends… We were made to live in God’s continual presence, but after the fall the ideal relationship was lostWe were made to live in God’s continual presence, but after the fall the ideal relationship was lost Few people in the OT had the privilege to experience friendship with God – Moses and Abraham were called ‘friends of God’ Ex 33:11,17, 2 Chr 20:7, Isaiah 41:8 and James 2:23Few people in the OT had the privilege to experience friendship with God – Moses and Abraham were called ‘friends of God’ Ex 33:11,17, 2 Chr 20:7, Isaiah 41:8 and James 2:23 David was called a man after God’s own heart, Acts 13:22 David was called a man after God’s own heart, Acts 13:22

Fear vs. friendship Many other people in the OT lived in fear of God, not friendshipMany other people in the OT lived in fear of God, not friendship Jesus changed the situation - he paid for our sins on the cross, the veil in the temple (a symbol of separation from God) was split from top to bottom – symbolising that direct access to God is now availableJesus changed the situation - he paid for our sins on the cross, the veil in the temple (a symbol of separation from God) was split from top to bottom – symbolising that direct access to God is now available Before this only priests were allowed to meet God after spending hours of preparationBefore this only priests were allowed to meet God after spending hours of preparation Now we can approach God at any time, Romans 5:11 and Heb 4:14-16Now we can approach God at any time, Romans 5:11 and Heb 4:14-16

Only because of GRACE The grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus, 2 Corith 5:17-19The grace of God and the sacrifice of Jesus, 2 Corith 5:17-19 We are called to have friendship and fellowship with all three persons of the Trinity (Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit), John 15:15, 2 Corith 13:14We are called to have friendship and fellowship with all three persons of the Trinity (Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit), John 15:15, 2 Corith 13:14 It is only those who know and understand God are allowed to boast, Jeremiah 9:23-24It is only those who know and understand God are allowed to boast, Jeremiah 9:23-24 Intimate relationship between an omnipotent, invisible, perfect God and an finite, sinful human being – difficult to comprehendIntimate relationship between an omnipotent, invisible, perfect God and an finite, sinful human being – difficult to comprehend But knowing and loving God is our greatest privilege, and being known and loved is God’s greatest pleasureBut knowing and loving God is our greatest privilege, and being known and loved is God’s greatest pleasure

Secrets of friendship with God Constant conversation – beyond attending church and having quiet timesConstant conversation – beyond attending church and having quiet times Share all experiences with him – He wants more than an appointment in your scheduleShare all experiences with him – He wants more than an appointment in your schedule He wants to be included in every activity, every conversation, every problem and every thoughtHe wants to be included in every activity, every conversation, every problem and every thought We need to converse with God while doing everything, that is the meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:17We need to converse with God while doing everything, that is the meaning of 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Secrets of friendship with God… In Eden – worship was not an event to attend but a perpetual attitude – a constant communion with GodIn Eden – worship was not an event to attend but a perpetual attitude – a constant communion with God How is it possible to pray all the time? Breath prayers (short simple repeatable sentences, You are with me, I receive your grace, etc.) – pray until this is rooted in your heart – but your motive must be to honour God not to control himHow is it possible to pray all the time? Breath prayers (short simple repeatable sentences, You are with me, I receive your grace, etc.) – pray until this is rooted in your heart – but your motive must be to honour God not to control him Sometimes you sense God’s presence, sometimes not – we don’t praise God to feel good but to do goodSometimes you sense God’s presence, sometimes not – we don’t praise God to feel good but to do good The goal is not a feeling, but a continual awareness of the reality that God is always presentThe goal is not a feeling, but a continual awareness of the reality that God is always present

Secrets of friendship with God… Another way – continual meditation – thinking about God’s Word throughout the day, Psalms 23:4, 143:5, 1:1-2, Joshua 1:8Another way – continual meditation – thinking about God’s Word throughout the day, Psalms 23:4, 143:5, 1:1-2, Joshua 1:8 We need to know what God says in his word – he reveals himself through his word 1 Samuel 3:21We need to know what God says in his word – he reveals himself through his word 1 Samuel 3:21 Recall the verses you have read and memorised instead of thinking about a problem over and over againRecall the verses you have read and memorised instead of thinking about a problem over and over again God treasured his relationship with David because he meditated on God’sword, Psalm 119:97,77:12God treasured his relationship with David because he meditated on God’sword, Psalm 119:97,77:12 God will share secrets with you as you meditate on his word, 1 Corinth 2:6-10God will share secrets with you as you meditate on his word, 1 Corinth 2:6-10 Friendship with God goes hand in hand with reverence and not fearFriendship with God goes hand in hand with reverence and not fear Prayer lets us speak to God, meditation lets God speak to us – both are essential to becoming a friend of GodPrayer lets us speak to God, meditation lets God speak to us – both are essential to becoming a friend of God

Love that defeats fear The power of motivationThe power of motivation Motivational factors: Covey 2004Motivational factors: Covey 2004Meaning ______________________Creative excitement Love ______________________Heartfelt commitment Duty ______________________Cheerful cooperation Reward ______________________Willing compliance Fear ______________________Unwilling obedience Anger Rebel or quit