1. FAITH & FRIENDSHIP John 15:9-17

2. 2 Choose your friends wisely  Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul. (Prov. 22:24-25)  Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Cor. 15:33)

3. 3 Friendship of Christians  One body…mutual care, 1 Cor. 12: 24-26  Catalog of privileges & functions of friendship, Rom. 12:9-18 Genuine, 12:9-11 Genuine, 12:9-11 Constant & caring, 12:12-14 Constant & caring, 12:12-14 Sympathetic, 12:15-16 Sympathetic, 12:15-16 Peaceful, 12:17-18 Peaceful, 12:17-18

4. 4 Who is a friend?  “Those who are interested in our happiness, concerned for our welfare, rejoice in our joys, weep with our tears; who counsel and cheer us and are always ready to aid us, these are our friends.” (Dick Blackford)  Being a friend is a matter of faith, Jno. 15:9-17

5. 5 Christians Nurture the Qualities & Traits of Friendship, Jno. 15:9-17  Faith to love another, Prov. 17: 17 (1 Sam. 18:1) Show faith in Jesus & obey this command, Jno. 15:12, 17 Show faith in Jesus & obey this command, Jno. 15:12, 17 Commitment of Ruth, Ruth 1:16- 18 Commitment of Ruth, Ruth 1:16- 18

6. 6 Christians Nurture the Qualities & Traits of Friendship, Jno. 15:9-17  Faith to trust & be trustworthy, Jno. 15:14 Be trustworthy to Christ…one another Be trustworthy to Christ…one another Causes openness with security, Psa. 62:8 Causes openness with security, Psa. 62:8 Unfaithful person hurts friendship, Prov. 25:19 Unfaithful person hurts friendship, Prov. 25:19

7. 7 Christians Nurture the Qualities & Traits of Friendship, Jno. 15:9-17  Faith to give true counsel, Jno. 15:15 (Psa. 55:12-14) A needed rebuke from a friend is a kindness that blesses, Prov. 27: 6, Psa. 141:5 (Gal. 4:16) A needed rebuke from a friend is a kindness that blesses, Prov. 27: 6, Psa. 141:5 (Gal. 4:16) Joy & strength, Prov. 27:9, 17 Joy & strength, Prov. 27:9, 17

8. 8 Christians Nurture the Qualities & Traits of Friendship, Jno. 15:9-17  Faith to show compassion to others, Jno. 15:13, 16 (Job 6:14) To suffer with, to be distressed, Rom. 12:15 (1 Cor. 12:26) To suffer with, to be distressed, Rom. 12:15 (1 Cor. 12:26) Sacrifice, Jno. 15:13 Sacrifice, Jno. 15:13 Heart of compassion, Col. 3:12 Heart of compassion, Col. 3:12

9. 9 Faith to be a Friend  Faith to be friendly, Prov. 18:24 Toward brethren & strangers, Heb. 13:1-2 Toward brethren & strangers, Heb. 13:1-2  At services & away, Rom. 16:16  Family and non-family Same care for each other, 1 Cor. 12:25 Same care for each other, 1 Cor. 12:25

10. 10 Faith to be a Friend  Faith to be respectful of others, Prov. 25:17 Be courteous Be courteous Be considerate, Prov. 27:14 Be considerate, Prov. 27:14

11. 11 Faith to be a Friend  Faith to be share life with others, Phil. 2:3-4 Get acquainted, get interested Get acquainted, get interested Look out for others, Eccl. 4:9-12 Look out for others, Eccl. 4:9-12

12. 12 Faith to be a Friend  Genuine friendship involves loving & being loved at all times  Do you have faith to be Christ’s friend? You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. (John 15:14)