• Who do you share your share your secrets with?[“friendship” - ESV]
• God has deeper covenant revelations He longs to share with you!

• Hard truth: God is not friends with all (probably most) Christians!
• There is a lot of grace for us in this journey (He delights in our effort)

• Abraham, at 100 years old, waited 25 years for the promise of his son
• The awe of the Lord is not in opposition to His friendship, but the key!

• A delayed “yes” demonstrates contempt for the Lord’s Word/authority
• At times, the loneliness state you can be in is in radical obedience
• This is what our Heavenly Father did for us sinners with His only Son

• Abraham’s holy fear manifested: He obeyed 1) immediately when 2) it didn’t make sense, 3) with no clear personal benefit, 4) through deep pain and loss, 5) and to completion

• God just revealed to His friend Abraham (James 2:23) a facet of His character that no human being knew before
• vs. 15-18 is a proclaimed blessing over Abraham’s descendants

• Don’t see it as a works-based relationship but one requiring proximity
• Obedience positions you with Him (perspective, passion, and priorities)