Friend of God
To be called the 'Friend of God' is a sign of great intimacy with Him, and it is a desire that we can cultivate in our own lives by seeking to live wholly in His presence.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound relationship between God and Abraham, who is referred to as 'the friend of God' in both the Old and New Testaments. This title reflects a deep intimacy and affection, showcasing that true friendship with God comes from faith and closeness. Wilkerson highlights that while Abraham was engaged in worldly affairs, he prioritized his relationship with God, seeking a heavenly home with the Father rather than becoming attached to earthly possessions. The sermon encourages believers to cultivate a similar intimacy with Christ, recognizing Him as the true foundation of their lives.
Text
Consider the way God himself described his relationship with Abraham: "Abraham my friend" (Isaiah 41:8). Likewise the New Testament tells us, "Abraham believed God...and he was called the Friend of God" (James 2:23).
What an incredible commendation, to be called the friend of God. Most Christians have sung the well-known hymn, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." These biblical passages bring home that truth with power. To have the Creator of the universe call a man his friend seems beyond human comprehension. Yet it happened with Abraham. It's a sign of this man's great intimacy with God.
The Hebrew word that Isaiah uses for friend here signifies affection and closeness. And in the Greek, James' word for friend means a dear, close associate. Both imply a deep, shared intimacy.
The closer we grow to Christ, the greater our desire becomes to live wholly in his presence. Moreover, we begin to see more clearly that Jesus is our only true foundation.
The Bible tells us Abraham "looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God" (Hebrews 11:10). To Abraham, nothing in this life was permanent. Scripture says the world was "a strange place" to him. It was no place to put down roots. The heavenly country Abraham yearned for isn't a literal place. Rather, it is being home with the Father. You see, the Hebrew word for this phrase, "heavenly country," is Pater. It comes from a root word meaning Father. So, the heavenly country Abraham sought was, literally, a place with the Father.
Yet Abraham was no mystic. He was not an ascetic who put on holy airs and lived in a spiritual haze. This man lived an earthly life, heavily involved in the world's affairs. After all, he was the owner of thousands of head of livestock. And he had enough servants to form a small militia. Abraham had to be a busy man, directing his servants and buying and selling his cattle, sheep and goats.
Yet somehow, despite his many business affairs and responsibilities, Abraham found time for intimacy with the Lord.
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction to the concept of being a 'Friend of God'
- A. Biblical examples of Abraham's relationship with God
- B. The significance of being called the 'Friend of God'
- II. The nature of intimacy with God
- A. The Hebrew and Greek words for 'friend' imply affection and closeness
- B. The closer we grow to Christ, the greater our desire becomes to live wholly in his presence
- III. Abraham's example of seeking a 'heavenly country'
- A. Abraham's desire for a place with the Father
- B. The heavenly country is not a literal place, but a place of intimacy with God
Key Quotes
“What an incredible commendation, to be called the friend of God.” — David Wilkerson
“The closer we grow to Christ, the greater our desire becomes to live wholly in his presence.” — David Wilkerson
“The heavenly country Abraham yearned for isn't a literal place. Rather, it is being home with the Father.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We can grow closer to Christ by seeking to live wholly in His presence and by desiring a deeper intimacy with Him.
- We must balance our earthly responsibilities with our desire for intimacy with God by making time for prayer and devotion.
- The heavenly country is not a literal place, but a place of intimacy with God, where we can be home with the Father.