THE FRIEND OF GOD

James 2:23  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

I. ABRAHAM WAS THE FRIEND OF GOD BECAUSE HE BELIEVED GOD

 

1. Believing God Establishes the Relationship [James 2:23, Galatians 3:7]

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

 

2. Believing God Enriches the Relationship [Hebrews 11:6]

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

 

3. Believing God Excludes Friendship with the World [James 4:4]

Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

 

II. ABRAHAM WAS THE FRIEND OF GOD BECAUSE HE HONOURED GOD [John 8]

 

1. He Honoured God by Working for God [John 8:39-40, Luke 11:23]

-They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

- He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.

 

2. He Honoured God by Listening to God [John 8:46-49]

Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.

 

3. He Honoured God by Rejoicing in God’s Person and Program [John 8:56]

Your father Abraham rejoiced [properly, to jump for joy, i.e. exult:--be (exceeding) glad, with exceeding joy, rejoice (greatly)] to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad [a primary verb; to be "cheer"ful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off]

 

III. ABRAHAM WAS THE FRIEND OF GOD BECAUSE HE OBEYED GOD

 

1. Abraham Obeyed God When He Didn’t Know Where It Would Lead Him [Hebrews 11: 8]

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

 

2. Abraham Obeyed God When He Didn’t Know How God Was Going to Work It Out [Hebrews 11:17-19]

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

 

3. Abraham Obeyed God and Taught Others to Obey God [Genesis 18:19, John 15:14]

-For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

- Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.