[Apologies for the audio quality.]
God is our friend!
When we think of “God” what comes to our mind?
Father, Wise, Healer, Creator, Author, Provider, Shepherd, Sanctifier, Peace maker, Righteousness, He is There (Omnipotent), Reconciler, All power4ful, I am, All bountiful, Blessing, Almighty, Master, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, etc
We can think of many ways of describing God But would we describe or think of him as our friend?
Romans 4:25-5:11 – “… FRIENDS OF GOD”
God is our friend because of Jesus! Jesus died on the cross to reconcile us to God. Before we were enemies, now we are his friends.
Enemies? Really? I’m just sitting on the fence? There is no fence!
Ephesians 2 explains that we were dead to God and Jesus has to come and make us alive – death to life – darkness to light – we are by our nature enemies of God – Until Jesus comes and reconciles us to God.
Why are we made friends of God?
We have to go back to the garden of Eden. God had relationship with Adam and Eve and walked with them. This was God’s heart for mankind. Sin destroyed that relationship. Jesus came to restore that relationship with God. The good news is that God wants to have relationship with all of us!
When you invite friends round for a meal you don’t expect them to help or serve you in any way - you just want them there for their friendship. It’s the same with God – so often we want to serve God (offerings, work, sacrifices and do stuff for him) but he wants is us to have a relationship with him, share our troubles, ask for help, ask for advice, talk to him, commune with him. It’s not just a one way street! When was the last time you just sat and listened for Gods voice to speak to you? You have to give time to God to improve your relationship with him.
How much time do we spend doing other things? How much time do you spend on your phone? We need to be careful of social media in all its forms – It’s just another thing that takes us away from having a chat with God.
God is not interested in what we can DO for him, he is interested in our heart attitude towards him. What is in your heart? This was the point with the Pharisees and Sadducees – they thought their actions following the law were enough – but in their heart they despised Jesus and wanted him crucified.
Let’s not get distracted by what we can do for God or bring to God – let’s come with our undivided attention and give him our heart, our time and our friendship – you will be amazed at what you receive in return!
This is our position in Christ… and what a position it is!! Don’t let it over become over familiar – it should always thrill us – you have received this “undeserved privilege” – How blessed are you!
Romans 5 vs 1 -2
Questions:
1.Why do you think we see Jesus and the Holy Spirit as our friends but not God the Father?
2.What distractions does the enemy use to stop you having time with God?
3.How can I improve my relationship with father God?
4.Do I think that God is interested in all of my life-even the small things?