Text: 1 Samuel 18:1-4
INTRODUCTION
●God has a plan for our lives, including friendships.
●Many people have experienced the support of friends during difficult times.
●True friends are treasures and gifts from God.
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CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP
•A Treasure: Loves you as you are, no matter what.
•Vision: Sees not just who you are, but who you can become.
•Support: There to catch you when you fall.
CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE FRIENDSHIP
•Sharing: With whom you can share everyday experiences.
•Acceptance: Accepts your worst but helps you become your best.
•Understanding: Understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you today.
•Presence: Comes in when the world has gone out.
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OBJECTIVE OF THE SERMON
1.Understand what true, godly friendship looks like.
2.Learn practical ways to live out this friendship in our Christian community.
3.Avoid relationships that lead us away from God.
4.See how seeking God first helps us build lasting friendships.
An Example of True Friendship:
Jonathan and David
1.Jonathan’s Selflessness and Humility
o1 Samuel 18:1-4: Jonathan gave David his royal robe, armor, and weapons, symbolizing his support and humility.
oLessons:
•Submit to God’s plan over personal ambition.
•Support each other's progress and be genuinely happy for each other's success.
•Prioritize others' needs and success without jealousy or rivalry.
•Be ready to sacrifice.
An Example of True Friendship:
Jonathan and David
2. Jonathan Defended David to His Father, Saul
o1 Samuel 19:4-5: Jonathan spoke highly of David to Saul, convincing him to spare David’s life.
oLessons:
•Loyalty in adversity.
•Peacemaking and reconciling differences.
•Sacrificial protection.
An Example of True Friendship:
Jonathan and David
3. Jonathan Warned David of Danger
o1 Samuel 20: Jonathan risked his life to inform David of Saul’s intentions and devised a plan to communicate danger.
oLessons:
•Faithful encouragement and reassurance.
•Standing firm in times of conflict.
An Example of True Friendship:
Jonathan and David
4. Jonathan Encouraged David in His Faith
o1 Samuel 23:16-17: Jonathan strengthened David’s faith, reminding him of God’s promises.
oLessons:
•Spiritual encouragement and support.
An Example of True Friendship:
Jonathan and David
5. Jonathan’s Covenant of Loyalty to David’s Family
o1 Samuel 20:14-17; 2 Samuel 9: Jonathan made a covenant with David to show kindness to his descendants, which David honored.
oLessons:
•Honor and fulfillment of promises.
•Commitment beyond one’s own life.
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What Proverbs Teaches About True Friendship
1.A Friend Loves at All Times
oProverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
oTrue friends support us through both good and challenging times.
2.Helping Each Other Grow
oProverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
oFriends help each other grow and become better, both spiritually and personally.
PRACTICAL WAYS TO BE JONATHAN
1.Check Up on Each Other
oContact friends outside of church to show care and support.
2.Reach Out Beyond Church
oBuild relationships outside of church activities and connect during the week.
3.Encourage Each Other to Grow Spiritually
oHelp friends grow closer to God and remind them of His promises.
4.Be Ready to Sacrifice
oOffer time, energy, or resources to support friends in practical ways.
PRACTICAL WAYS TO BE JONATHAN
5. Pray for One Another
oStrengthen each other's faith through prayer.
6. Be There in Tough Times
oProvide emotional support, practical help, and a listening ear.
7. Grow Together
oAttend Bible studies, and stay accountable in your spiritual walk.
AVOIDING FRIENDSHIP THAT LEAD US AWAY FROM GOD
•The Gossip
oProverbs 20:19: Avoid those who spread rumors and betray confidences.
•The Hot-Tempered
oProverbs 22:24-25: Steer clear of those with anger issues to avoid conflict and negative influence.
AVOIDING FRIENDSHIP THAT LEAD US AWAY FROM GOD
•The Disloyal/Discontented
oProverbs 24:21-22: Avoid those who are unsettled and unreliable.
•The Self-Indulgent
oProverbs 28:7: Beware of those focused on personal gratification and self-indulgence.
•The Immoral
oProverbs 29:3: Avoid associations with immoral individuals involved in adultery and fornication.
CONCLUSION
•True, godly friendships are a gift from God. Before David met
Posted by Bro-Uwem-Essiet-jnr
Sept. 8, 2024, 3:50 p.m.