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In John 15:14 He added, “You are My friends if you do what I command you.”
Tips From Abraham the
Friend of God
Just before we go, can I show you from ancient times how Abraham showed God how much He loved Him and wanted to be His friend? In Genesis 18 where we started we see the example of how Abraham showed His friendship to God.
Back to Genesis 18, and the scene where God and two angels visited Abraham. What jumps out from these verses is the behavior of 100-year-old Abraham. Note what he does: he interrupts his plans, warmly greets strangers, does everything he can to show them kindness, and invited them to a special meal.
The first half of the chapter is full of movement. Abraham hastens, runs, and charges those around him to do the same. He calls himself a servant (v. 3,5), and acts like a servant. Even during the meal he stands, on the ready to serve their every need.
Then the scene changes in the second half of chapter 18. Abraham is invited to a special conference with God. He is allowed to know God’s plans. God asks: “Should I hide from Abraham my plans?” The answer is no, and they discuss them as the Friend of God.
What a picture of what Christ says in John 15. We love Him and He loves us; and we are both servants (first half of Gen. 18) and friends (second half). But Christ treats us as friends if we do what He commands us. So we see that Abraham was God’s friend because He obeyed God (Gen. 18:19).
“If we have friendship with the world, we then experience opposition from God (James 4:1–4). Lot in Sodom was not called God’s friend, even though Lot was a saved man (2 Peter 2:7). God told Abraham what He planned to do to the cities of the plain, and Abraham was able to intercede for Lot and his family.
In John 14:16, Jesus reminded the men that they had this privileged position only because of His grace. They did not choose Him; He chose them! He chose them out of the world (John 14:19) and ordained them to do His will. Again, we find this important word fruit.
As branches, we share His life and bear fruit; and as friends, we share His love and bear fruit. As branches, we are pruned by the Father; as friends, we are instructed by the Son, and His Word controls our lives”.
The Greatest Thing of All