The Greatest Of These: What It Means to Become a Friend of God

By Curtis Wilson

One of the most unique aspects of Christianity is that the Creator of the universe draws us, the created, into a place of close relationship with himself. If you and I stopped at this point, it is quite certain that God has done more than we deserve. But God does not leave us to ourselves, even at the early stages of our born-again experience. He beckons each of us to live an existence that not only includes him but encompasses the kingdom through every part of our being.

This is the place of close relationship that Jesus told his disciples they would experience. It is the place of moving past just working for God and becoming a friend of God. This book will give you tools to understand the process, steps for you to get there, and how to live it out each day.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885400480

Curtis Wilson

Curtis Wilson was called by God to leave a successful business career and has been a missionary for over twenty years, spreading God’s word throughout the Mississippi Delta, the Navajo reservation, and elsewhere. He launched Curtis Wilson Ministries to share teaching material grounded and centered on the person of Christ. He hopes to inspire, equip, and release a generation of deeply devoted Jesus followers through writing, mentoring, and speaking engagements. He lives in Farmerville, Louisiana, with his wife and their two children.

Book preview

The Greatest Of These

What It Means to Become a Friend of God

Curtis Wilson

ISBN 979-8-88540-047-3 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88540-048-0 (digital)

Copyright © 2022 by Curtis Wilson

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Introduction

1

Trusting God

2

The Character of God

3

Defining God's Love

4

Reciprocating God's Love

5

Becoming One with God

6

Cocreating with God

7

Being God's Friend

8

On Assignment

9

The Mystery of Lawlessness

10

Living in Babylon

11

Conclusion

About the Author

Introduction

One of the most unique aspects of Christianity is that the Creator of the universe draws us, the created, into a place of close relationship with himself. This access is granted into the heart of the godhead through our trust in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The cleansing of our souls from sin and the shedding away of our old self is a feeling that is hard to describe with words. The Bible says that the angels rejoice over one sinner that comes to repentance. This is truly the greatest miracle and mystery of all, how God frees the human heart from the bondage of death to live eternal life with himself.

If you and I stopped at this point of being saved, it is quite certain that God has done more than we deserve. But God does not leave us to ourselves even at the early stages of our born-again experience. He beckons each of us to live an existence that not only includes him but encompasses the kingdom through every part of our being. This process of weaving in the kingdom starts at salvation and moves with us throughout our lives. This progression is described by a theological term known as sanctification. Being sanctified, in the short, is to have my character, attitudes, and my routines reflect those of a most holy nature. While most would agree that this process is ongoing throughout our lives, we can also say that there is a place where we lay to rest the old nature and adhere to the new. This is the doctrine that scripturally refers to us as walking in the newness of the Spirit.

I am describing a type of relationship with Christ that does not compartmentalize our time together but allows him to permeate every moment and decision (Colossians 2:10). It is my opinion that Christ is calling his church in these last days to a maturity that reflects the highest nature of our relationship with the godhead. This could possibly be what is mentioned of Abraham when the scripture says he was a friend of God. This place of closeness with God is where we intend to carry you throughout this teaching. It is our goal that you, the reader, have a relationship with your Creator that will carry past casual familiarity and into the true oneness that Jesus prays in John 17.

To do this, we will examine some different types of relationships mentioned in scripture, bring clarity to each, present their workings, and discuss how the enemy of our souls would try to disrupt our process of growth. We will also sort out some things that hang on the peripheral that go unnoticed much of the time. Don't worry if you are feeling that you fall short on the measuring line right now. It is something that grows through development. This is the same path of growth the disciples found themselves on throughout the gospels.

To have this sort of connection with the Lord and each other, the process must start with intention. You and I must purpose in our hearts that this relationship is a goal to be achieved, regardless of personal benefit. Of course, having this type of friendship with God carries certain returns but not necessarily on the natural level. It is in this thread that we will launch.

1

Trusting God

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

—Hebrews 11:1–3 (ESV)

Most people, when asked, would tell you the basis of any relationship is trust. This is also the fundamental requirement for our walk with the Lord. The first thing we must learn about God is that he is trustworthy. This requires a faith in him that surpasses what we hear, taste, feel, and see. The type of faith that springs up from an inner assurance that God is always for us.

To get us to this place of trust, God often takes us to impossible situations that require supernatural intervention that only he can provide. If we could peel back the veil of our flesh, then perhaps faith in the spirit realm would resemble the darkest most difficult arena to see across. It is in this place that the Psalmist declares, Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet. Often in this position, God does not show us the whole picture but just enough light to make the next step.

A