‘David – Shaped By Friendship’ – 11.1.2026

November 1, 2026
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1 “As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father’s house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt.”  1 Samuel 18:1-4 ESV

 

Covenant: a sacred, binding agreement based on loyalty, sacrificial love, and commitment.

 

Following Jonathan’s Example:

  1. “…because he loved him as his own soul.” 

“You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.” Leviticus 19:18 (Mark 12:29-31) 

 

  1. “And Jonathan stripped himself…”

‘Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”’ 

 

God Leads Us to Covenant Friendships to:

  1. Preserve Life – Jonathan directly saved David from multiple assassination attempts. 
  2. Provide Spiritual and Emotional Encouragement – Jonathan sought him out specifically to “strengthen his hand in God” (1 Samuel 23:16) (Iron Sharpens Iron Proverbs 27:17)
  3. Affirm Divine Purpose – Jonathan’s submission to David’s future kingship provided crucial affirmation. By stating, “You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you”.
    (1 Samuel 23:17)

Why We Struggle to Become or Accept Covenant Friends

Fear of vulnerability | Desire for convenience | Self-protection | Personal ambition | Fear of sacrifice or cost | Insecurity or jealousy | Desire to maintain control | Avoidance of accountability | Past wounds | Unforgiveness | Conditional love

 

The Nature of Christ: 

  • “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”
    (Philippians 2:3 ESV)
  • “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 ESV)
  • “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5:16 ESV)
  • “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 ESV)
  • 4 “Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.”
    (Romans 12:4-5 NLT)

 

Covenant Friendship With Jesus:

  • “You are my friends if you do what I command.”
    John 15:14 NLT
  • “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John 15:12 NLT
Next Steps

Handbook & Welcome Packet

•    The parent must complete the necessary registration forms and pay a non-refundable Annual materials fee. This covers registration fees, book, and materials for class.

•    The parent must provide the center with a pre-school/child immunization certificate, or Blue Slip. This is to be kept updated, if it is not, the center will send out a notice stating that the required immunizations are out dated. The form can be obtained through the health department or your pediatrician.

•    The parent will receive a copy of the policies and procedures and will go over them thoroughly. The parent will sign the Parental Agreement form which indicates policies and procedures and agreed upon fees.

•    All enrollment forms, including a Schedule Information Form, must be completed by the parent and returned to the center by the first day of attendance.

•    Parents of children with special needs or handicaps must inform the director of the child’s condition(s) prior to enrollment so it can be determined if the center can adequately meet the needs of the child. This is necessary for the well being of the child.

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