John 15:9–17 NEW LIVING TRANSLATION
9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. 16 You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
A friend of God
How to remain: and
A friend of God .
“Delayed obedience is disobedience.” – Rick Warren
A friend of God is .
A friend of God .
John 15:5–6
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”
Small Group Questions
- Who was your best friend growing up?
- What do you consider an important attribute of a friend? Share a quick story of why it’s important.
- Read John 15:9-17. What does Jesus consider as attributes of a friend?
- What has helped you experience friendship with God? Are you able to receive that name?
- How can we pray for you right now and throughout the week?