jesus taught his followers about friendship (john 15:12-15)
Introduction:
1. This morning we showed from the Scriptures how "Jesus is the best friend anyone can have." 2. This evening we are studying these verses in which "Jesus taught His followers about friendship." a. Jesus explained why He is such a special friend. b. He explained how we can be His friends. c. He taught His followers to be friends to each other. Discussion: I. JESUS EXPLAINED IN JOHN 15:13 WHY HE IS A SPECIAL FRIEND
A. According to what He said in this verse, Jesus showed how great His love is by giving His life on our behalf. B. It was necessary for Jesus to lay down His life because of sin. 1. The Bible shows: a. in Romans 3:23 that sin is a widespread problem b. in Romans 6:23a that death is the penalty for sin c. in Romans 6:23b that the gift of eternal life is available through Christ. 2. The gift of eternal life cost Jesus His life, and His love led Him to give His life. C. The Lord's sacrifice is emphasized throughout the entire Bible. 1. Genesis 3:15 2. Psalm 22:1, 7-8, 16-18 3. Isaiah 53:4-6, 10-12 4. Matthew 20:28 5. 1 Timothy 1:12-15 6. 1 Peter 2:21-25 D. To summarize, Jesus is a special friend because He gave His life so we could be forgiven of our sins, and we can have the hope of eternal life. E. In addition to showing why He is such a special friend, . . . II. JESUS EXPLAINED IN JOHN 15:14 HOW WE CAN BE HIS FRIENDS
A. According to what Jesus said in this verse, we must obey His commandments (see Hebrews 5:9). B. Just as the Lord's love for us led Him to give His life on our behalf, our love for Him will lead us to do His will (John 14:15, 23). C. To receive forgiveness we must: 1. be taught the Gospel (Mark 16:15; Romans 10:17) 2. believe that Jesus is God's Son (John 3:16; 8:24) 3. repent of our sins (Luke 13:3, 5) 4. confess that Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10) 5. be baptized (Mark 16:16; Galatians 3:27). D. After saving us, the Lord wants us to serve Him faithfully (Revelation 2:10). E. Finally, . . . III. JESUS TAUGHT HIS FOLLOWERS IN JOHN 15:12 TO BE FRIENDS TO EACH OTHER
A. According to what the Lord said in this verse, His followers must love one another as He has loved us. B. On this occasion Jesus had much to say about love (John 13:34-35; 15:17). Conclusion:
1. Did you notice how Jesus connected love with friendship? 2. We have shown: a. why Jesus is a special friend -- He loves us b. how we can be friends to Jesus -- we are to love Him c. how the Lord's followers are to be friends to each other -- we are to love one another. 3. Are you a friend of Jesus?
