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Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

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Mark A. Copeland<br />

[To encourage the proper use of the tongue, the song in verse two and the chorus reminds us of...]<br />

II. THE IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIP AND LOVE<br />

A. THE BLESSINGS OF FRIENDSHIP...<br />

1. Some of the most beautiful passages in the Bible were expressions between friends<br />

a. Ruth’s love for her mother-in-law, Naomi - Rut 1:16-17<br />

b. Jonathan’s devotion to his friend, David - 1 Sam 18:1<br />

c. Jesus’ love for His disciple, John - Jn 19:25-27<br />

d. Paul’s love for his coworker, Timothy - 2 Ti 1:1-4<br />

2. Good friends provide wonderful benefits<br />

a. A true friend is “a man for all seasons” - Pro 17:17<br />

b. A true friend can be closer than blood relatives - Pro 18:24<br />

c. The rebuke of a true friend is of more value than the praise of an enemy - Pro 27:6<br />

d. The advice of a true friend can be precious - Pro 27:9<br />

e. Seek to hang on to good friends - Pro 27:10a<br />

-- “Love is much too pure and holy, friendship is too sacred far, for a moment’s<br />

reckless folly thus to desolate and mar.”<br />

B. THE NEED TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER...<br />

1. Our Savior teaches us to do so<br />

a. A new commandment, to love as He loved us - Jn 13:34-35<br />

b. Stressed again and again - Jn 15:12,17<br />

2. It is a “blest” command<br />

a. Love will avoid offending another with loose words - 1 Co 13:4-5a<br />

1) Love suffers long (patient)<br />

2) Love is kind<br />

3) Love does not envy (not jealous of others’ good fortune)<br />

4) Love does not parade itself (does not brag about itself)<br />

5) Love is not puffed up (not arrogant)<br />

6) Love does not behave rudely (not inconsiderate of others’ feelings)<br />

b. Love will not allow loose words offend it - 1 Co 13:5b-8a<br />

1) Love does not seek its own (not defensive)<br />

2) Love is not provoked (not sensitive)<br />

3) Love thinks no evil (assumes the best intention)<br />

4) Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but in truth (concerned more about truth than<br />

winning)<br />

5) Love bears all things (puts up with snide remarks, slights)<br />

6) Love believes all things (gives others the benefit of the doubt)<br />

7) Love hopes all things (looks for the best in others)<br />

8) Love endures all things (including hurt feelings by unkind or unthoughtful words)<br />

9) Love never fails (to show patience, compassion, forgiveness)<br />

-- “‘Love one another’, thus says the Savior; Children, obey His blest command.”<br />

CONCLUSION<br />

1. Friendship is too holy to let loose words in reckless moments destroy it...<br />

a. Especially between brethren in Christ<br />

b. Whose love is to be a mark of true discipleship - Jn 13:35<br />

<strong>Topical</strong> <strong>Sermons</strong> 11

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