Lessons From The Friendship Of David & Jonathan

“Lessons From The Friendship of David & Jonathan”

Text: I Samuel 18:3-9

Intro: Quotes about Friends/Friendship

“When we lose a friend-we die a little.”

“Prosperity gives you friends, Problems reveal them.”

“If you were another person, would you like to be a friend of yours?”

“Short visits make long friends”

“The way to destroy an enemy is to make him your friend.”

“During a tough time in life, someone said, “I see you’ve lost a friend?” No I’ve simply discovered an enemy. If he were my friend, he would still be my friend.”

“Friends last longer, the less they are used.”

“There is no harmony, when you sing alone.”

-The Bible speaks much about our associations and contact with other people. It speaks to us of being friendly, by saying, “A man that hath friends, must show himself friendly…” It speaks of us being careful of the company we keep and wish to associate with by saying, “My son if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.”

-It would appear to me that God wants us dependent on Him, He is Lord, and independent when it comes to letting our associates control our will.

-One of the most amazing pictures in the Bible of friendship is that of Prince Jonathan and the shepherd boy turned career soldier, David of Bethlehem. You will not find in history or throughout the Bible a godlier example of friendship. David and Jonathan were FRIENDS! (Capitalization emphasized)

1. A True Friend Will Try To Steer You Away From Negative Assumptions- I Samuel 20:1-3

a. About People

1.) Their attitude toward you 2.) Their actions toward you

b. About Problems

2. A True Friend Is A Christian Friend That Steers You Closer to The Lord- I Samuel 23:13-17

-“Iron Sharpeneth iron, so doth a man sharpen the countenance of his friend.” Proverbs 27:17

3. A True Friend Is One That Keeps Their Promise of Friendship Even In Your Absence- I Samuel 20:3,14-17

-Actually it was Jonathan, who was closer to death than David, but he kept his word, and so did David.

(Reference:Study the story of Mephibosheth, the only living son of Jonathan)