A FRIEND LOVES AT ALL TIMES
June 4, 2006 PM
Sermon Outline
PROV 17:17
INTRO: Our theme for Vacation Bible School this year is "A Friend Loves At All Times". While we may not realize it, "friendship" is a subject both taught and exemplified in the Bible. There was God's declaration that Abraham was His friend. There was the noble friendship of David and Jonathan. There was Jesus' friendship with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. There was the friendship of Paul and Timothy. Doubtless to say, there are many relationships noted in scripture which qualify for the definition of "friendship". This evening I do not plan to examine Biblical examples of friendship. What I want to do is explore the theme with this question. What is it that most of us seek in friendship?
1. "Constancy" would be high on my list of answers
a. we would like to have lasting friendships
b. we would like to know that a friend today will be a friend tomorrow
c. the truth? not all friendships will be "life long" - age, distance, circumstance
d. we are fortunate to have a few "lifetime" friendships
e. these are especially meaningful if they are "in Christ" friendships!
f. Prov 27:10 - friendships are "too sacred far" to be forsaken (Prov 18:24)
2. "Consistency" is another of those qualities on my list of answers
a. by this I am referring to something that pretty much always the same
b. a friendship will have its "ebbs and flows"
c. but don't we like to know there will not be emotional outbursts? instability?
d. I realize that from day to day we may be in different circumstances - we may find ourselves in turmoil - job related, family related, decision related?
e. it is so important not to let these things cause us to attack our friends
f. Prov 17:17 - this, I believe, is something we want to know in friendship
3. "Loyalty" is something I value highly in friendship
a. "fickle friendship" is hardly real friendship - all of us have experienced it
b. "I'll be your friend until someone better, more important comes along"
c. and it hurts when you realize that you have been "used" ... and cast away
d. loyalty can be costly - but there are few worthwhile things that are not
e. "loyalty" does not mean that we have a right to expect all of another person's time, attention, etc. - some mistake that for loyalty
f. 1 Sam 20:30-32 - I always turn here for the example of loyalty in friendship
4. "Openness" & "counsel" are important in friendship
a. not having to feel I am having to always walk on eggshells - relaxed
b. not having to pretend or to be someone or something I am not
c. just being able to be open and comfortable in a friendship
d. that, then, permits a friend's counsel ... even correction
e. some friends will tell you what you want to hear - but real friends will tell you what you need to hear (in a loving and concerned way)
f. Prov 27:9 and Prov 27:17 - at the moment of counsel from a friend we may not always understand, agree ... but it's in the quiet of reflection that we can see our friend's point and the value of what has been offered
5. "Companionship" is most assuredly desired in friendship
a. I would guess friendship without companionship could hardly exist
b. lack of companionship certainly tends to change the friendship
c. the interactions of kindred spirits - conversations, activities and such
d. companionship with no ulterior motives, no tensions, no pressures is one of the wonderful "pluses" in deep friendship
e. one other element I'd suggest is important here - 2 Pet 1:1
f. 2 Tim 4:21a - words which speak to me of needed companionship of a friend of long and full years
6. And I would certainly think of the "enjoyment" of friendship
a. "enjoyment" does not necessarily mean always "fun and games"
b. it is that intangible "something" which gives life to the relationship
c. there is the anticipation of communication, of communion ... knowing that one will be refreshed, edified therein
d. I am so fortunate to have friends in many places ... while separated, I have the wonderful memories of enjoyment ... when together, I appreciate and enjoy each moment, each word, each conversation ... joy!
CLOSE: Give to your friendships. Invest in your friendships. Value your friendships. And never, never abuse your friendships.
Cecil A. Hutson
06 June 4