Friends of God
Notes
Transcript
Romans 4:1-8 Paul looks to Israel’s history to study the two who were closest to God- Abraham and David
First lets look at the history of these men and why Paul chose them for his illustration
Abraham
Follows God’s leading away from his family and pursues God’s promises (Gen 12:1-3)
Everywhere he goes he establishes his relationship to God by building an altar of praise and thanksgiving to Him (Gen 12:8, 13:4, 13:18, 14:20-22, 15:1-6)
God and Abraham are seen in Genesis as friends (Gen 17:1-2, 12:7, 18:8, 18:16-19)
Calles a friend throughout scripture (2 Chronicles 20:7, Isaiah 41:8, James 2:23)
David
A man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22)
Chosen by God for eternal kingship (2 Samuel 7:9-16)
These two men more than any other stand out in the OT as friends of God in constant relationship and communion with him and chosen by God to bring to father His people and father the Chosen One, Christ Jesus
They lived in God’s Promises (1-3)
They lived in God’s Promises (1-3)
These men rejected the things of the world to follow after God (Did not glory in the flesh- I will take nothing of this world lest it says that he made me rich and blessed)
They lived their life before God and according to His Word
They were interested in God’s promises not the riches of this world
They believed in God’s promises that they were true and worthy of all sacrifice (Hebrews 11:6)
They trusted in God’s Grace (4-5)
They trusted in God’s Grace (4-5)
They did not have a master servant relationship of debt and obligation but rather a friendship of trust and love
They searched for grace from his richness and abundance
They wanted so much more than they could earn and took God at his word in all his amazing promises given to these two men
They knew God and trusted in his qualities and power to save them
He is the one who justifies the ungodly, a friend of sinners
They rejoiced in God’s Goodness (6-8)
They rejoiced in God’s Goodness (6-8)
David knew the blessings that come from having a relationship with God
What is man that God would look on us?
Because of God’s grace we have God’s righteousness given to us, All the riches of God imputed to us!
God’s blessing are given to those who call God friend not those who earn it, anything earned is not a blessing
Knowing God’s love he confesses his sin openly to him just as he would a friend (Psalm 32:5)
He trusts in God’s protection and help in the worst of times just as you would go to a friend in times of distress (Psalm 32:7)
There is no coercion or obligation but a willing heart to be with a true friend (Psalm 32:9)
Psalm 32:11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, ye righteous; And shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
