What Are Friends For?
INTRO: - How do you feel when you have a friend push the envelope? When they ask something from you that you would rather not do, or at least, they would let you decide what you are going to do. Maybe you would almost label it as their being "nibby". Maybe you would just as soon they mind their own business! Well Paul was that kind of friend. Not only did he push the envelope, he stuffed it and mailed it to Philemon. I get the idea that the "mailman" was waiting around for an answer to be sent back.
Let's look at the book
Philemon 1:1 - 25
1
Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,2
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:3
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.4
I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,5
Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;6
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.7
For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.8
Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,9
Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.10
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:11
Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:12
Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:13
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:14
But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.15
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;16
Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?17
If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.18
If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;19
I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.20
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.21
Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.22
But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.23
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;24
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.25
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
While not a requirement…
Friends really need to be…
Fellow laborers
Know the sacrifice, striving, reward, help, etc.
Fellow soldiers
Know the sacrifice, closeness and camaraderie, danger, satisfaction of winning, etc.
Let us also look at…
Things that make friends special
Having those who pray for them - 4
Having love and faith in the Lord -5
Having love and faith towards God's believers -5b
Having those who share their faith in a way to glorify God and help those around - 7
When we look more we can also see…
Things friends or brothers/sisters can ask
To do what is right - 8
To do what love will allow - 9
To do a friend a favor - 10
To find a touch of understanding - 10-13
Often my wife will do this for me- 14
To see the good side of hard times, discouragement, etc. - 15-16
And we see…
Things a real friend will do
Put their closeness on the line - 17
Put their money where their mouth is - 18
Put forth an argument that helps - 19
Put their faith in you all the way - 20-21
Put you on the spot - 21
Put themselves in your hands - 22
I know friends sometimes can and do push the envelope. They ask. They require. They want. They seek. They get. But, you know what, that is why they are friends, so we can help each other - right?
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 052707pm