Neto GregórioNeto Gregório

Friends of God

Sermon Outlines
A simple table with bread and two clay cups in morning light
“Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. James 2:23

Introduction:

  • Abraham believed, obeyed and "was even called the friend of God" (James 2:23).
  • His faith didn't stay in words: "his faith and his actions worked together" (James 2:22).
  • Friendship with God has two sides: what you turn away from and what you love.

1. A friend of God is an enemy of the world (James 4:4).

  • "Friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God" (James 4:4).
  • You can't be a friend of both. Whoever picks one side becomes an enemy of the other.
  • "Do not love this world nor the things it offers you" (1 John 2:15).

2. A friend of God is an enemy of the flesh (Gal 5:17).

  • The flesh and the Spirit want opposite things: "These two forces are constantly fighting each other" (Gal 5:17).
  • The way out isn't your own strength. It is to "let the Holy Spirit guide your lives" (Gal 5:16).

3. A friend of God loves the brothers and sisters (John 15:12).

  • "This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you" (John 15:12).
  • The measure isn't how much the other person deserves. The measure is how Jesus loves.
  • "There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13).

4. A friend of God loves the Word, and whoever loves obeys (1 John 2:5).

  • "Those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him" (1 John 2:5).
  • Loving the Word isn't just reading it. It is keeping it and doing it.
  • A friend is not a slave: "Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me" (John 15:15).

Conclusion:

You are my friends if you do what I command. John 15:14
  • Enemy of the world, enemy of the flesh. Friend of the brothers and sisters, friend of the Word.
  • Abraham was called the friend of God. What would God call you today?