This study was first taught on November 22, 2020

Topic: A Friend of Jesus

(use the audio to study)

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Background
Last week, as we looked at the acknowledgement of the Sanhedrin of the link between Peter and John and the Lord Jesus Christ, as them having been with Him, we asked ourselves if we have been with Jesus? We noted that to have been with Jesus is to:
 Have left all and remain with Him forever;
 Be in such close association with Him that there is a rub-off of Him on you, so much so it is difficult to distinguish you from Him; and
 Have His Spirit rest on you and work within you, thus enabling you to be like Him.

In conclusion, we noted that being with Jesus is about our constant/consistent interaction/fellowship with Him, our personal relationship with Him, our surrender to His Lordship, and our living the crucified and resurrected life. Thus, we asked:
 Are you intimate with Jesus?
 Has Jesus rubbed off on you?
 Can you be mistaken for Jesus?
 Can Jesus invite you into the Counsel of the Godhead?

Scripture Text(s)
Acts 4:13; John 15:12-16
We want to build on our discussion last week as we look at what it will take to be with Jesus or better put what it will take to be a friend of Jesus, even as He invites us into that friendship relationship.
The basic question is “Do you want to be with Jesus?” This is a matter of choice and if your answer is “Yes”, then let us see what is required of us to become close associates of Jesus—to be a friend of Jesus!
Amos 3:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14b-16a; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 1:9; Matthew 26:39, 42; John 4:34; Matthew 6:10; Hebrews 11:6; Job 13:15; Romans 8:5-8; James 2:21-23; James 4:4-5; 1 John 2:15; Colossians 3:1-2; James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5; Romans 12:3, 10b, 16b-c; Philippians 2:5-8; Isaiah 66:1-2; Hebrews 11:7, 8; Genesis 22:1-3ff; John 14:23-24; Luke 14:25-33; Matthew 16:23-24; Luke 5:11; 9:57-62; Genesis 5:21-24; 1 Chronicles 15:1-2; 16:7-9.

Conclusion
The Lord is not about religion as He is about relationship. He avoids those who do not honour Him nor regard Him; hence, He left Jerusalem, and the temple, and went to Bethany—the House of the Poor! It does not matter your estate in life, if you honour Jesus, He will come and dwell with you there. (<strong>Matthew 21:12-17</strong>)

We also need to quickly state that when Jesus is with you, temptation will come also, and that is because Satan wants to separate you from Jesus. Hence, we must guard our relationship with the Lord and not let it become mere religion! (<strong>Genesis 39:1-2, 7ff, 20-23; 41:32-45</strong>)

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