The Value and Importance of Wisely Choosing our Friends

1. The BASIS of their friendship - mutual faith in God
1. 1 Samuel 13:19-22; 14:1, 6, 7-14 -- Jonathan's faith in God
2. 1 Samuel 17:29-37, 45-51 -- David's faith in God



2. The BACKBONE of their friendship -- making mature decisions
1. 1 Sam 18:5, 14 - "David behaved himself wisely in all his ways"
2. 1 Samuel 19:1-7 -- Jonathan intercedes for David
3. 1 Samuel 20:18-23, 30-34 -- Jonathan saves David's life
4. 1 Sam 23:16-18 -- Jonathan recognizes David's future as king



3. The BENEFICIARY of their friendship - Mephibosheth
1. 1 Samuel 20:13-17 -- Jonathan and David make a covenant
2. 2 Samuel 9:1-13 -- David honors his covenant with Jonathan (cf. 2 Samuel 21:1-7 the Gibeonites and the sons of Saul)



4. Other areas where these principles can be valuable:
1. Work -- Acts 16:36-41 - Paul Barnabas, & John Mark (13:13)
2. Dating / Choosing a Spouse



5. Jesus wants us to be His friend, he has done what He can to be ours:
1. Proverbs 17:17 -- a friend loveth at all times
2. Proverbs 27:6 -- faithful are the wounds of a friend
3. Abraham was called a friend of God - James 2:20-24
4. John 15:12-14
1. Luke 6:46
2. Matthew 7:21-27
5. James 4:4 friendship with the world