A Friend

Bro Clarence Sexton preached a tremendous message on friends at Marion Avenue Baptist Church on Tuesday the 22nd. After hearing it I started doing some studying along that thought and this is the first outline that has come so far. I may post others as the Lord gives them to me.

Gen 18

Abraham is called “the friend of God” (James 2:23; 2 Chron 20:7; Isa. 41:8).
Genesis 18 is a picture of two friends having an intimate discussion.

Qualities that characterize this friendship in the chapter:

1. Friends enjoy companionship together (vs. 1-8). Fellowship Ge 18:1-8 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

2. Friends care for each other’s needs (v. 3). Serve each other.

3. Friends confide in each other (v. 17). Friends know each other (v. 19).

4. Friends are close (v. 22). They “draw near” to each other.

5. Friends are concerned for each other’s testimony (v. 25).

6. Friends concur with each other—are in agreement (vs. 23-32).

7. Friends are charitable with each other—Love is patient (v. 32).