3 Ways to Become Best Friends with God Romans 5:6-11
6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
I think it’s fair to say that Jesus Christ is in love with us. Also, the word ‘much more’ seems to be the theme! He loved us when we were enemies and He loves us much more now that we have been reconciled! Vs.11 tells us that we should be rejoicing because of this reconciliation! God wants to be your best friend! In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve had a simple loving relationship with God, unhindered by guilt or fear they were created to live in God’s continual presence.
However, just a few men in the Old Testament were considered friends with God. Abraham, David, Job, Enoch and Noah. These were called God’s friend or men in whom had a heart for God.
Jesus changed the situation through the cross, and because of the cross the veil in the temple that symbolized separation from God was split from top to bottom.
Hebrews 10:19-20 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20). By a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,
Hebrews 10:11-12 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Listen to one of the 10 commandments, found in Exodus 20:5, and then again given in Exodus 34:14 (for you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God),
In other word’s, God is passionate about His relationship with you!
Here’s 3 ways to become best friends with God!
#1.Through constant conversation. Friendship is built by sharing all your life experiences. He wants to be included through every facet of life!
John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—
Proverbs 18:24 A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Read Brother Lawrence’s book Practicing the Presence of God. (Men miss out living in God’s presence because they don’t place Him first in even the small things of life. Most men wait until a proper time before they go to God in prayer, but God wants you 24-7!)
The second way to become best friends with God is
#2. “Through continual meditation!”
Psalm 1:1-6 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 119:97 Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.
The final way to become best friends with God is, #3. Becoming God’s extended hand in helping others!
Luke 10:30-37 Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a certain priest came down that road. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 Likewise a Levite, when he arrived at the place, came and looked, and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed, he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?” 37 And he said, “He who showed mercy on him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 6: 27-36 “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. 31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. 32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.
Become His best friend through: 1. Conversation. 2. Meditation. 3. Helping others.
Sources: "The Purpose Driven Life"
"Practicing His Presence"
NKJV-and prayer
