John 15:14-17 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.… I. WHAT THIS PRIVILEGE IS IN THE GENERAL. 1. The friends of Christ, whereas naturally they were in a state of enmity with God, are now in a state of peace with Christ, and God through Christ (Ephesians 2:14). 2. Whereas they had divided interests as to heaven, now there is an unity of interests betwixt Christ and them (1 John 1:3). II. HOW THIS FRIENDSHIP IS MADE UP. 1. The first spring and source of it is everlasting free love (Jeremiah 31:3). 2. The plot for compassing it was laid from eternity between the Father and the Son (Titus 1:2). 3. The foundation of it was laid in the blood of Christ, in the fulness of time (Galatians 4:4, 5). 4. It was moved to them in the gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20). 5. They are won to it by His own Spirit (Isaiah 44:3, 5). 6. By faith they go into the friendship with Him (Ephesians 3:17). 7. The friendship is sealed by the sacraments, particularly that of His body and blood. It was an ancient custom to confirm a covenant of friendship with a feast (Genesis 31:54; John 15:13). III. WHAT A PRIVILEGE THIS IS! Men nor angels cannot fully express the value of it, for it is of infinite value (1 Corinthians 2:9). 1. It is an honourable friendship. Their Friend is the Prince of the kings of the earth; and through Him God is their friend. 2. It is a beneficial friendship. The friendship of many in the world is no more but an empty name. But Christ's friendship, the benefits of it who can tell? 3. It is an intimate friendship. There is no such close and intimate friendship betwixt any relations on earth (1 Corinthians 6:17). 4. It is an universal friendship, of universal influence. There is no friendship in the world but it is limited. But from the greatest to the least of the concerns of His friends, Christ interests Himself. 5. It is a sure and lasting friendship. The friendships in the world are very uncertain (Job 19:14; Psalm 38:11). But Christ's friendship never dies out (John 13:1; Isaiah 49:14-16). IV. IMPROVEMENT. See — 1. The wonderful condescension of heaven. We are rebels against God naturally, but may become friends through Christ. 2. They that are Christ's are most happy. 3. Jesus Christ is the best and most generous of masters. He makes all His servants friends. 4. Friendless persons, who have none to regard them, may best bestow themselves and get a friend, that will be better to them than all the world. 5. Let sinners seek this friendship. 6. Ye that profess to be the friends of Christ, walk worthy of your privilege. (T. Boston, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. |
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