Message: “Being a Great Friend” from Joe Summers

Biblical Qualities of a Great Friend Lesson Objective: to help believers understand the biblical qualities of a great friend and challenge us to cultivate Christlike friendship marked by love, loyalty, encouragement, honesty, and selflessness. Primary Scripture: John 15:13-15 (NIV) “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants... Instead, I have called you friends.” Proverbs 17:17 – “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Introduction Webster Definition of a Friend. a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically one exclusive of sexual or family relations: What is the difference between friend and acquaintance? 1. A Great Friend Is Loving and Loyal Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” 1 Samuel 18:1-4 The friendship of Jonathan and David shows deep loyalty, even in hardship. Key Points: • A true friend’s love isn’t conditional on convenience or comfort. • Jonathan remained loyal to David even though David was a threat to his father, King Saul. • Loyalty sometimes requires difficult choices—like defending or standing by someone when it’s unpopular. 2. A Great Friend Sharpens and Encourages Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Hebrews 10:24-25 “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Key Points: • Friends should help each other grow spiritually and morally. • "Sharpening" can involve encouragement, advice, and even correction. • Encouragement is not flattery—it’s truth spoken to strengthen. Application: • Do your friendships challenge you to grow in Christ? • Are you helping your friends become more of what God wants them to be? 3. A Great Friend Is Honest and Accountable Galatians 6:1-2 “If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently… Carry each other’s burdens.” Ephesians 4:15) “Speaking the truth in love…” Key Points: • A true friend doesn’t ignore sin or dangerous behavior—they speak truth gently. • Friends are accountable to each other—not to condemn, but to restore. • Honesty deepens trust and allows for healing and growth. Application: • Are you willing to tell a friend the truth when it's hard? • Do you allow close friends to lovingly correct you? ________________________________________ 4. A Great Friend Is Selfless and Sacrificial John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition… rather, value others above yourselves.” Key Points: • Jesus defines friendship as sacrificial love. • A true friend puts others’ needs above their own desires or convenience. • Sacrifice isn’t always dramatic—it can be time, energy, patience, or resources. Application: • When was the last time you gave up something for a friend’s benefit? • Is your friendship marked by "what can I give" or "what can I get"? ________________________________________ 5. Jesus: The Ultimate Friend John 15:13-15 “You are my friends if you do what I command… I have called you friends.” Key Points: • Jesus initiates friendship with us through grace and love. • He is loyal (He never leaves us), honest (He tells the truth about our condition), encouraging (He builds us up), and sacrificial (He died for us). • As His friends, we are called to reflect His nature in our relationships. Application: • If Jesus is your closest friend, His friendship should overflow into how you treat others. • Your friendship with Jesus should shape the way you love and care for your earthly friends. ________________________________________ Summary of Key Qualities (with One Word Themes): Quality Scripture Description Loyalty Proverbs 17:17; 1 Sam 18 Faithful through all seasons Encouragement Proverbs 27:17; Heb 10 Builds up, sharpens, inspires growth Honesty Gal 6:1-2; Eph 4:15 Speaks truth in love, restores with gentleness Selflessness John 15:13; Phil 2 Puts others first, willing to sacrifice Christlikeness John 15:13-15 Reflects the love, grace, and character of Jesus

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