A Kingdom Established: The King Who Befirends

A Kingdom Established: The King Who Befriends

1 Samuel 18:1-3

 I. True friendship is a godly commitment to one another. (1 Samuel 18:1-3) 

“Covenant” – A commitment of loyalty, by two or more people, dependent upon God’s grace, for our good and God’s glory.

 Timothy Keller - “To be loved but not known is comforting but superficial. To be known and not loved is our greatest fear. But to be fully known and truly loved is, well, a lot like being loved by God.

It is what we need more than anything. It liberates us from pretense, humbles us out of our self-righteousness, and fortifies us for any difficulty life can throw at us.” 
 
II.  True friendship sacrifices for one another.   (1 Samuel 18:4, 19:1-7)

III. True friendship strengthens one another.  (1 Samuel 23:15-18)

 1. Actively

2. Intentionally

3. Directionally

John 15:12-13 - “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

 Faith Sheet for Friends and Family This Week

 1. When you were growing up, who was your closest friend? What made your friendship so close? Where is he or she now?

2. How should friendships within the church differ from friendships between non-believers?

3. What are some specific ways you can embody Matthew 7:12 and 22:39 in your relationships with your friends?

4. How can we be more intentional in strengthening a friend’s faith?

5. The gospel is the greatest act of friendship in history. How does the gospel provide the motivation and ability for true friendship? Read the scriptures on friendship and discuss and use for prayer.   (1 Samuel 18:1-4; Proverbs 13:20; 17:17; 18:24, 27:5-6,9,17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10; John 15:14-15; 1 Corinthians 15:33; and James 2:23.)