Message Notes

YAG RETREAT 30 May 2005
Session #4
Monday Morning
Text: 1 Samuel 18
Potential of a Great Friendship

1. Understanding the Nature of a great Friendship

a) Initial

i) An Offer of Friendship

ii) Acceptance of Friendship

iii) Potential not obvious

b) Development of Friendship

i) Doing things with/for each other          1 Samuel 20:4

ii) Generosity – Giving of a suit of armour to David          1 Samuel 18:4

iii) For friendship’s sake

c) Destiny of Friendship

i) Unique

ii) Unsurpassed          2 Samuel 1 (Dirge)

2. Reasons for Success of a Friendship

a) Kindred spirit

i) Possession of a courageous spirit          1 Samuel 14:1-14

ii) Possession of faith          1 Samuel 14:6

iii) Possession of Depth          1 Samuel 18:1

iv) Possession of Capacity to love (purity)          1 Samuel 18:1; 20:17

b) Frankness/Openness          1 Samuel 19:2

c) Loyalty          1 Samuel 19:3; 20

d) Peace-maker          1 Samuel 19:4-7

3. Covenant of Friendship Established

a) Kindness to each other          1 Samuel 20:15

b) Kindness to the children          1 Samuel 20:15

c) Oath taken          1 Samuel 20:42

d) Friendship not taken for granted          1 Samuel 20:41

(David bows to Jonathan as prince)

e) Tears shed together          1 Samuel 20:41

4. Discussion

a) Do we believe that great friendships are possible at all?

b) Do we have the wherewithal to develop a potentially great friendship?

c) How do we honour our friendship with each other?

d) Attempt writing out “a covenant of friendship.”