MY FRIENDS

Introduction:

A. Friendship.

1. What are the standards someone must meet to be your friend?

2. How do you determine if someone is your friend or not?

3. Why are some people friends, some acquaintances and others not accepted?

B. Jesus Has Told Us What It Takes To Be His Friend!

Body: John 15: 9 - 14

I. Abide In Love.

A. Live in the love Christ has for you.

1. God loved Jesus.

2. Jesus loved you.

B. Keep His Commandments.

1. Jesus obeyed God.

2. Jesus remained in God's love.

3. We must keep Christ's commandments to remain in His love.

II. Full Of Joy.

A. His Words were spoken to bring joy!

B. He wants our joy to be full!

C. Love one another.

1. This brings joy to us and our brethren.

2. This is what He has done for us.

III. Lay Down Life.

A. To die for.

1. To sacrifice one's own life to save another.

2. To sacrifice one's own life to be with them.

B. To empty oneself.

1. Give up one's "lifestyle" for someone else (Philippians 2: 7).

2. Reaching out to the "untouchable, unloving" (Romans 5: 8).

IV. Keep His Commandments.

A. Christ has friends.

B. Those who keep His commandments are Christ's friends.

Conclusion:

A. Are You A Friend Of Jesus?

1. The qualifications are not a secret.

2. The criteria are not overly difficult.

B. The Question Is, "Do You Want To Be His Friend?"