READ:
GENESIS 18:17-19
There are
stages of relationship with the Lord. After you are born again, you can become
a servant, friend or son. We have discussed what makes you a servant. A servant
who pleases the master continuously over a period of time is promoted to become
a part of the family (Matthew 24:45-47). As you excel as a faithful servant of
Christ, and having passed certain tests, you will move to the level of
friendship.
This is a level of increased trust and power of influence. In John 15:14, Jesus says an attribute of becoming His friend is complete, absolute and uncompromised obedience to Him. Proverbs 17:17 says a friend will love the master at all times, whether convenient or not, whether times are good or bad, while Proverbs 18:24 says such a relationship between Christ and His friends can be closer than that of blood relations.
A friend of Jesus enjoys several benefits. He becomes a close confidant of the Lord. Before events capable of affecting him, his family, community and nation take place, the Lord reveals them to him. In Isaiah 41:8, God called Abraham His friend hence He could hardly do things around him without confiding in him. A friend of God like Abraham wields so much influence on God and could actually make God to change His mind on some issues or determine the fate of individuals and even nations.
A servant serves the master because of wages. Sometimes, he looks down on the nature of the assignment, especially if it is very humiliating. A friend on the hand is the fellow who will serve his friend even do the lowly jobs without feeling be-littled because of the relationship that exists between them. A friend will go several steps ahead of a servant just out of love for the master. In John 15:13-15 the Lord Jesus told His disciples that because they had consistently obeyed His commands, they were no more servants but have been upgraded to the level of friends. Have you attained the level of friendship with God?
This is a level of increased trust and power of influence. In John 15:14, Jesus says an attribute of becoming His friend is complete, absolute and uncompromised obedience to Him. Proverbs 17:17 says a friend will love the master at all times, whether convenient or not, whether times are good or bad, while Proverbs 18:24 says such a relationship between Christ and His friends can be closer than that of blood relations.
A friend of Jesus enjoys several benefits. He becomes a close confidant of the Lord. Before events capable of affecting him, his family, community and nation take place, the Lord reveals them to him. In Isaiah 41:8, God called Abraham His friend hence He could hardly do things around him without confiding in him. A friend of God like Abraham wields so much influence on God and could actually make God to change His mind on some issues or determine the fate of individuals and even nations.
A servant serves the master because of wages. Sometimes, he looks down on the nature of the assignment, especially if it is very humiliating. A friend on the hand is the fellow who will serve his friend even do the lowly jobs without feeling be-littled because of the relationship that exists between them. A friend will go several steps ahead of a servant just out of love for the master. In John 15:13-15 the Lord Jesus told His disciples that because they had consistently obeyed His commands, they were no more servants but have been upgraded to the level of friends. Have you attained the level of friendship with God?
MEMORIZE:
EPHESIANS 4:15 –But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ.
