Abraham Friend of God

Answer: Abraham was not sinless, but he was one of the great men mentioned in the Bible. His faith is cited for our example (Jas._2, Heb._11). Abraham is called a "friend of God" three times (2Chron.20:7, Isa._41:8).

Abraham was a man of obedience. Abraham obeyed God when he left his country and kindred (Gen._12, Heb._11:8-10). He exhibited great faith regarding the offering of Isaac (Gen._22, Heb.11: 8-10). We never find Abraham rationalizing and attempting to circumvent God's commandments.

A man of promptitude and peace. God told Abraham, "...get out of thy country...." We immediately read, "...So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him..." (Gen._12:1, 4). Outstanding men of the Bible were always men of immediacy of action (Matt._4:18-22, Acts_9:20, 10:33). Abraham's desire for peace is seen in his dealings with Lot (Gen._13:5-12). The gospel is the "gospel of peace" (Rom._10:15).

Abraham was a man characterized by unselfishness and control of his family. He was a man who generously gave (Gen._14:17-24, Heb._7:4, 20). Many of us live to consume and simply satisfy self (Lk._9:23). Also, it was said of Abraham, "...for I know him that he will command his children and his household after him..." (Gen._18:18-19).

Friendship with God is a worthy goal. Jesus said, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (John_15:14). Too many are the enemies of God (Jas._4:4). Abraham was God's friend because of the quality of the character he possessed. Are you a friend of God? The way to determine friendship with Jesus, as we have seen, is in our obeying the commandments of God (John_15:14). Asked another way, are we obeying the things Jesus commands?