Building a Genuine Relationship with God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound importance of building a genuine relationship with God, rather than merely seeking His blessings. We often fall into the trap of treating prayer as a means to get what we want, rather than as a way to deepen our trust and intimacy with God. The children of Israel knew what God could do for them, but they didn't truly know Him. Similarly, many of us know God's capabilities but lack a deep, personal relationship with Him. We need to shift our focus from what God can do for us to who God is, and how much He loves us.
We also delved into the principles of giving, as outlined in 2 Corinthians 9. Giving should be purposeful and from the heart, not out of necessity or emotional manipulation. God loves a cheerful giver, and our giving should reflect our love and trust in Him. When we give with the right heart, God promises to make all grace abound toward us, ensuring that we have all sufficiency in all things.
Furthermore, we discussed the foundational stones of the kingdom, particularly the doctrine of eternal judgment. This often-overlooked doctrine reminds us that there are various judgments mentioned in the Bible, including the judgment of the cross, the judgment of believers, and the great white throne judgment. The key takeaway is that our lives should be built on the rock of Jesus Christ, the revelation of who He is. This foundation ensures that we can withstand any storm and live a life of trust and obedience to God.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of self-examination and repentance. We must judge ourselves in light of God's Word to avoid being judged later. Our faith in Jesus should lead to a lifestyle of obedience, reflecting our love for Him. By making Jesus the Lord of our lives, we can live in peace, knowing that we are prepared for the final judgment and eternal life with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Relationship Over Rituals: Our prayer life should be about building a relationship with God, not just asking for things. The children of Israel knew God's deeds but didn't know Him personally. We must strive to know God intimately, understanding His love and character, which will naturally lead to trust and obedience. [03:26]
2. Purposeful Giving: Giving should be a deliberate act of worship, not driven by need or manipulation. When we give with a cheerful heart, God promises to provide all grace and sufficiency for every good work. This principle teaches us to live a disciplined life, planning and giving with purpose. [06:31]
3. Foundation of Faith: Building our lives on the revelation of who Jesus is ensures that we can withstand any storm. The wise man builds on the rock, while the foolish man builds on the sand. Our faith in Jesus as the Son of God is the unshakeable foundation that sustains us through life's challenges. [29:20]
4. Self-Examination and Repentance: We must judge ourselves according to God's Word to avoid future judgment. This involves a lifestyle of continuous self-examination, repentance, and obedience. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and live a life that pleases Him. [47:44]
5. Eternal Perspective: Understanding the doctrine of eternal judgment helps us live with an awareness of our future beyond this life. Our works will be judged, and we will be rewarded accordingly. This eternal perspective motivates us to live righteously and purposefully, knowing that our faith in Jesus secures our place in His eternal kingdom. [52:05]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[03:26] - Building a Relationship with God
[04:30] - Purposeful Giving
[06:31] - Cheerful Giving and God's Grace
[07:28] - Abundance for Every Good Work
[09:42] - Giving from the Heart
[10:32] - Fundraising for Air Conditioners
[12:31] - Announcements and Prayer
[20:08] - Being a Light in the Darkness
[21:09] - Doctrine of Eternal Judgment
[23:07] - The Rock of Revelation
[29:20] - Building on the Rock vs. Sand
[32:06] - Hearing and Doing the Word
[35:30] - Four Types of People
[37:02] - Judgment of Believers
[47:44] - Self-Examination and Repentance
[52:05] - Eternal Perspective
[55:17] - Making Jesus Lord
[01:00:08] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
[01:03:47] - Life Rule for the Week
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8: "But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."
2. Matthew 7:24-27: "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."
3. Hebrews 6:1-2: "Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, what are the characteristics of a cheerful giver, and what does God promise to those who give with the right heart?
2. In Matthew 7:24-27, what are the differences between the wise man and the foolish man in terms of their actions and the outcomes of their choices?
3. Hebrews 6:1-2 lists foundational principles of the Christian faith. What are these principles, and why are they important for spiritual maturity?
4. The sermon mentioned that the children of Israel knew what God could do for them but did not know Him personally. How does this relate to our own relationship with God? [03:26]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the principle of giving outlined in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 challenge our current approach to generosity and financial stewardship?
2. What does it mean to build your life on the "rock" of Jesus' teachings, as described in Matthew 7:24-27, and how can this foundation help us withstand life's storms?
3. The doctrine of eternal judgment, as mentioned in Hebrews 6:1-2, often gets overlooked. How does understanding this doctrine influence the way we live our daily lives and our perspective on eternity?
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of self-examination and repentance. How can regular self-examination according to God's Word help us avoid future judgment? [47:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your prayer life. Do you find yourself more often asking for things from God rather than seeking to build a relationship with Him? How can you shift your focus to deepen your intimacy with God? [03:26]
2. Consider your approach to giving. Do you give out of necessity or emotional manipulation, or do you give purposefully and cheerfully? What steps can you take to ensure your giving reflects your love and trust in God? [06:31]
3. Think about a recent storm or challenge in your life. Was your response more like the wise man who built on the rock or the foolish man who built on the sand? What changes can you make to ensure your life is firmly built on the foundation of Jesus' teachings? [29:20]
4. How often do you engage in self-examination and repentance? What practical steps can you take to make this a regular part of your spiritual routine to align yourself with God's will? [47:44]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of living with an eternal perspective. How does the understanding of eternal judgment and rewards motivate you to live righteously and purposefully? [52:05]
6. Identify one area of your life where you need to make Jesus the Lord. What specific actions can you take this week to surrender that area to Him and live in obedience to His Word? [01:00:08]
7. How can you cultivate a lifestyle of trust and obedience to God, knowing that He loves you and has a plan for your life? What practical steps can you take to grow in your faith and reliance on Him? [03:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Relationship Over Rituals
Our prayer life should be about building a relationship with God, not just asking for things. The children of Israel knew God's deeds but didn't know Him personally. We must strive to know God intimately, understanding His love and character, which will naturally lead to trust and obedience. This means moving beyond a transactional approach to prayer and seeking a deeper, more meaningful connection with God. When we focus on who God is and how much He loves us, our prayers become a way to deepen our trust and intimacy with Him. [03:26]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: Think about your current prayer life. Are you more focused on asking for things or on building a relationship with God? How can you shift your focus to knowing God more intimately this week?
Day 2: Purposeful Giving
Giving should be a deliberate act of worship, not driven by need or manipulation. When we give with a cheerful heart, God promises to provide all grace and sufficiency for every good work. This principle teaches us to live a disciplined life, planning and giving with purpose. Our giving should reflect our love and trust in God, not be a response to emotional appeals or pressure. By giving purposefully and cheerfully, we align ourselves with God's will and open ourselves to His abundant grace. [06:31]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Reflect on your giving habits. Are they driven by purpose and cheerfulness, or by necessity and manipulation? How can you make your giving a more deliberate act of worship this week?
Day 3: Foundation of Faith
Building our lives on the revelation of who Jesus is ensures that we can withstand any storm. The wise man builds on the rock, while the foolish man builds on the sand. Our faith in Jesus as the Son of God is the unshakeable foundation that sustains us through life's challenges. This foundation is not just about knowing Jesus intellectually but about living out His teachings and embodying His character in our daily lives. When we build on this rock, we are equipped to face any adversity with confidence and peace. [29:20]
Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV): "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock."
Reflection: Consider the foundation of your life. Are you building on the rock of Jesus' teachings, or on the shifting sands of worldly values? What steps can you take to strengthen your foundation in Christ this week?
Day 4: Self-Examination and Repentance
We must judge ourselves according to God's Word to avoid future judgment. This involves a lifestyle of continuous self-examination, repentance, and obedience. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and live a life that pleases Him. Self-examination is not about self-condemnation but about recognizing areas where we fall short and seeking God's help to grow. Repentance is a daily practice that keeps our hearts aligned with God's purposes and prepares us for His eternal kingdom. [47:44]
1 Corinthians 11:31-32 (ESV): "But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world."
Reflection: Take a moment to examine your life in light of God's Word. Are there areas where you need to repent and seek God's help for growth? How can you make self-examination and repentance a regular part of your spiritual practice?
Day 5: Eternal Perspective
Understanding the doctrine of eternal judgment helps us live with an awareness of our future beyond this life. Our works will be judged, and we will be rewarded accordingly. This eternal perspective motivates us to live righteously and purposefully, knowing that our faith in Jesus secures our place in His eternal kingdom. By keeping our eyes on eternity, we can navigate the challenges of this life with hope and assurance, knowing that our ultimate reward is with God. [52:05]
2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV): "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil."
Reflection: How often do you think about eternity and the final judgment? What changes can you make in your daily life to live with a greater awareness of your eternal future?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If God never ever fails then why don't we just go trusting you see I think we've we've uh we have abused the word and our prayer life has become something that we use to try to get what we want from God instead of building a relationship with God of trust and so we go through all of the prayer rituals that the pharisees went through and and we say words to be heard by men and then when we talk to people we say words to be heard by men and then we say words to be heard by men and then when we talk to people we say words to be heard by we're always asking him to do something for us and I think sometimes God just says hold on a minute do you really know me" [03:26] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And all God wants from any of us is a relationship of an intimate knowledge of who he is and he's a God and i think that's what god wants for us and i think how much He really loves us. And then you can trust Him. Then you can do what Mary did and you can just simply sit at the feet of Jesus, grow and learn, build a relationship of trust, and know that no matter what, you can trust Him." [03:26] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We live in a world that's messed up. But there's no reason to be shocked or upset about it because Jesus said it was going to happen. But he has also called us to be a light in the middle of the darkness. He called us to be a light in a world that needs to see the truth. So the more we know, the more we can do. The word teaches us in Hosea that God's people are bound to destroy due to lack of knowledge. If there's anything we need, we need knowledge. We need knowledge of God, knowledge of the word. We need knowledge of his goodness so that we can display his fruit in the world we're living in." [20:08] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is the son of God and you believe that he came in the flesh and you believe that God raised him from the dead then you have the spirit of Christ. You no longer are controlled by the spirit of Antichrist. You have a revelation of truth. For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten son. So that whoever believes in him can have everlasting life. That's the truth. And if you believe you will receive him as Lord and you will repent and you will turn from your sin. There's no salvation without turning." [24:43] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When you have pure faith in who the Lord Jesus Christ is nothing can destroy you. Nothing can stop you. Oh but what about all my problems? Who cares about your problems? Where is your faith in Jesus? Everybody in this world has problems. It's common demand. What makes you so special that thinks you shouldn't have any? It's common demand. The purpose of our faith is to get us through our problems with joy and peace and victory and knowing that God's going to work out every detail for eternity for our life. Being a testimony in this life. Showing the world who Jesus really is so we can be more than a conqueror in the middle of our problem." [56:50] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Many people don't have a purpose in their giving. If you don't purpose in your heart in your giving, what you do, you give, sometimes you give when you have a need. Because we've been taught that if you give out of your need, God will give back to you. And we're missing the point entirely. If the only time you give to God is when you have a need, then you have not purposed in your heart how to give. Sometimes the only time we give to God is when we don't need anything and we have an abundance. We have a little extra. So we made a little extra this week, so we're going to give a little extra this week. And we're not giving out of purpose. We're giving out of, well, some emotional desire or some manipulation." [04:30] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If we give as we purpose in our heart, then we will not give grudgingly or we will not give out of necessity. If the only time we give is when there's a need, then we're giving out of necessity. The giving ought to be from our heart. Because he goes on to say, for God loves a cheerful giver. That means you're not controlled by someone in your giving. You're not manipulated by someone in your giving. You just give because you're in love with God. And you want the kingdom to increase." [06:31] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If you hear the word and don't do the word, you deceive yourself. If there's anything that bothers me as a pastor, it's people that have heard the word and heard the word and heard the word and heard the word and heard the word but they don't do it. Why? Because the word says, if you hear it and don't do it, you deceive yourself. Be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving yourself. So if you are deceived, then you just keep on living, thinking you're right, everything's good, I'm okay, but you're deceived because you're not hearing and obeying. You're only hearing and not doing." [32:06] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There are four types of people that live in the world today. There are people that call him Lord, we just read, but they don't do what he says. They call him Lord, go to church every Sunday, but they don't live the life. And then there are people that don't call him Lord, and they don't do what he says. They don't know him, don't care. And then there are other people that don't call him Lord, but they do what he says. They obey the word. They live a good life, but they don't make him Lord. And then there are those that both call him Lord, and they do what he says. Out of those four types of people, there's only one group going to make it to heaven, and that's those that call him Lord and do what he says." [35:30] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you don't obey him you don't know him because once you know him you can't help it. You want to do it because you crucified the flesh. You die out to your own desires. You're not praying to get, you're praying to give. Wow. Hebrews 10 17. Jesus paid the price. There's coming a day when we'll stand before him and this statement will be real for us. Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more. So there is a place under the blood where God destroys the authority of your past and you're free from sin." [40:45] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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