Rev. Paul J. Miller - Sermon Outline – November 10, 2019

Series Title: “Being Thankful People in a Thankless World”

Today’s Title: “Thank God for Friends”

Today’s Texts: Acts 18 & Romans 16

Where does friendship begin?

• rooted in a common identity

• fellow Jewish converts

• fellow Christians,“dear friends” (35 in Rom. 16)

Why does friendship grow?

• working toward a common purpose (Romans 16)

• friends acknowledged for their “hard work”

• “outstanding” (Andronicus, Junia)

• “stood the test” (Apelles)

• “chosen in the Lord” (Rufus)

• “like a mother to me” (mother of Rufus)

• hosting the church (Gaius)

When does friendship deepen?

• strengthened through a common struggle

• Jason (v21 & Acts 17:1-9)

How does friendship become a life-long bond?

• willing to give an uncommon sacrifice

Priscilla & Aquila

• lived in Rome, but had to leave their home & business

because Claudius expelled the Jews from Rome

• like Paul, tentmakers (leather workers)

• hosted a church in their home (1 Cor. 16:19)

• went to Ephesus with Paul

• trained Apollos about the faith

- risked their life for Paul during a riot

(Acts 19:23-41, 2 Cor. 1:8-9)