Deepening Intimacy: A Sacred Connection with God
Summary
In our journey with God, we delve into the profound essence of intimacy, not as the world perceives it, but as a sacred connection that transcends mere surface-level engagement. Intimacy with God is akin to the deep knowledge we have of our loved ones, understanding their likes and dislikes, what pleases them, and what does not. This knowledge is not superficial; it is born out of a devoted relationship, cultivated through listening, empathy, and genuine care. It is a relationship that thrives on communication, support, and accountability, despite the discomfort that the latter may sometimes bring.
The Scriptures are clear: we are called to have intimate friends, and gossip is a poison that erodes such relationships. When we gossip about others, we sever the bonds of intimacy, and when we gossip about God, we distance ourselves from Him. Intimacy is not only about our relationship with God but also extends to our relationships with people, our spouses, and our community. It is about covering and forgiving offenses, as Proverbs 17:9 teaches us, for in doing so, we seek love and build the foundation of a strong, intimate relationship.
Intimacy with God requires us to draw near to Him, to engage in prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. It is a daily choice, an ongoing process that involves a shift in our spiritual gears—sound mind, healing, intercession, faith, and testimony. This process is not about repeating what others have said but about engaging directly with the Scriptures, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal the multifaceted truths within.
The world has attempted to distort the concept of intimacy, reducing it to a physical act devoid of its true depth and purity. However, biblical intimacy is about a genuine connection that fosters growth, provides support, and encourages one another in faith. It is about being dedicated to God and to each other, just as God is dedicated to us. This dedication is exemplified in the love God has for each one of us, a love so profound that He gave His only Son for our salvation.
Intimacy is also about forgiveness, a key component that allows us to maintain close relationships without the barriers of past hurts. It is about seeking God with a deep longing, recognizing Him as a vital necessity in our lives, and understanding that our relationship with Him should mirror our relationships with others.
In conclusion, intimacy is not a fleeting emotion but a structured, protective, and strengthening force in our lives. It is about building authentic relationships that reflect our relationship with God, relationships that are characterized by trust, vulnerability, and a shared journey of spiritual growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Intimacy with God and others is foundational to our spiritual well-being. It is not a mere acquaintance but a deep, personal knowledge and connection that mirrors the relationship we have with our closest loved ones. This intimacy is built on communication, empathy, and a shared life, much like the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. [49:33]
- Gossip is a destructive force that can dismantle the very fabric of intimacy. To maintain intimate relationships, we must be vigilant in our speech, avoiding the spread of strife and embracing forgiveness and love as Proverbs 17:9 instructs us. This principle applies to our relationships with both God and people. [58:34]
- True intimacy with God involves a daily commitment to prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. It is a relationship that requires our active participation and the willingness to continually grow in our understanding of His love and purpose for our lives. [50:51]
- The world's perversion of intimacy cannot diminish the sacredness of the concept as God intended. Intimacy in the biblical sense is a pure, deep connection that goes beyond physicality and encompasses emotional, spiritual, and intellectual closeness. [42:25]
- Forgiveness is a cornerstone of intimacy. It allows us to move past our hurts and embrace love, which casts out fear. As we forgive and cover offenses, we build stronger, more resilient relationships that reflect the love and grace of God. [01:00:58]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 17:9 (NIV): "Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."
2. 1 John 4:18 (NIV): "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
3. James 4:8 (NIV): "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 17:9, what is the impact of covering an offense versus repeating it? How does this relate to maintaining intimate relationships? [01:00:58]
2. In 1 John 4:18, what does perfect love do to fear, and why is this significant for our understanding of intimacy with God? [43:53]
3. What does James 4:8 suggest about the relationship between drawing near to God and His response to us? How does this relate to the concept of intimacy? [50:10]
4. How does the sermon describe the world's distortion of intimacy, and what is the biblical perspective on true intimacy? [42:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of covering and forgiving offenses, as mentioned in Proverbs 17:9, foster love and intimacy in relationships? What might be the consequences of failing to do so? [01:00:58]
2. What does it mean for love to be "perfect" in the context of 1 John 4:18, and how does this perfection drive out fear? How can this understanding transform our relationship with God and others? [43:53]
3. James 4:8 emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God. What practical steps can believers take to draw near to God daily, and how might this affect their spiritual well-being? [50:10]
4. The sermon mentions that true intimacy involves vulnerability and trust. How can believers cultivate these qualities in their relationship with God and with others? [49:33]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you covered an offense rather than repeating it. How did this decision impact your relationship with the person involved? How can you apply this principle more consistently in your life? [01:00:58]
2. Think about an area in your life where fear has hindered your relationship with God or others. How can you allow God's perfect love to drive out that fear? What steps will you take this week to address this? [43:53]
3. What specific actions can you take to draw nearer to God in your daily routine? Consider incorporating prayer, worship, and Bible study. How will you hold yourself accountable to these practices? [50:10]
4. Identify a relationship in your life that lacks intimacy. What practical steps can you take to build trust and vulnerability in that relationship? How can you ensure that your actions align with biblical principles of intimacy? [49:33]
5. The sermon highlights the importance of forgiveness in maintaining intimate relationships. Is there someone you need to forgive to restore intimacy? What steps will you take to offer that forgiveness? [01:00:58]
6. How can you guard against gossip in your conversations to protect and foster intimate relationships? What strategies will you implement to ensure your speech builds up rather than tears down? [58:34]
7. Reflect on your current relationship with God. Do you see it as a vital necessity in your life? How can you deepen this relationship and make it a priority amidst your daily responsibilities? [01:12:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Cultivating Intimacy with God
Intimacy with God is not about a fleeting emotional experience but a deep, personal connection that requires active engagement and commitment. It is akin to the relationship one has with a close family member or friend, where there is a mutual understanding of each other's desires and dislikes. This level of intimacy is achieved through consistent communication, empathy, and shared experiences. It involves listening to God's voice, understanding His heart, and aligning one's own desires with His. To cultivate this intimacy, one must prioritize time with God, engaging in prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. It is a daily choice to draw near to Him, allowing the relationship to grow deeper and more personal each day [50:51].
James 4:8a ESV
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: How can you intentionally create space in your daily routine to deepen your intimacy with God through prayer and Scripture reading?
Day 2: Guarding Against Gossip
Gossip is a destructive force that undermines the intimacy we strive to build with God and others. It is a betrayal of trust and a violation of the sacredness of our relationships. To maintain intimacy, it is crucial to be mindful of our words, choosing to speak life and truth rather than engaging in conversations that tear down others. By avoiding gossip, we protect the bonds of closeness we share and honor the trust placed in us. This principle is not only vital in our relationships with people but also in our relationship with God, as speaking ill of His character or works is equally damaging. Embracing forgiveness and love, as instructed in Proverbs 17:9, is essential to fostering a loving and intimate community [58:34].
Ephesians 4:29 ESV
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Reflection: What steps can you take to ensure your conversations are edifying to others and honor the intimacy you share with them?
Day 3: Daily Commitment to God's Presence
True intimacy with God is cultivated through a daily commitment to being in His presence. This involves setting aside time for prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. It is not a passive relationship but one that requires active participation and a willingness to grow in understanding of His love and purpose for our lives. As we engage with the Scriptures, we allow the Holy Spirit to reveal deeper truths, transforming our minds and hearts in the process. This daily commitment is a testament to the value we place on our relationship with God, recognizing that it is the foundation upon which all other aspects of our lives are built [50:51].
Colossians 3:16 ESV
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: What is one change you can make to your daily routine to ensure you are spending quality time in God's presence?
Day 4: Embracing Biblical Intimacy
The world's view of intimacy often falls short of the depth and purity that the Bible presents. Biblical intimacy is a genuine connection that encompasses emotional, spiritual, and intellectual closeness, not just physicality. It is a relationship that fosters growth, support, and mutual encouragement in faith. This type of intimacy reflects the dedication and love that God has for us, and it is what we are called to emulate in our relationships with others. By pursuing this sacred intimacy, we honor God's design for our lives and relationships, building bonds that are strong and enduring [42:25].
1 Thessalonians 2:8 ESV
"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: How can you foster deeper spiritual and emotional connections in your relationships to reflect the intimacy God desires for us?
Day 5: Forgiveness as a Cornerstone of Intimacy
Forgiveness is essential in maintaining intimate relationships. It allows us to move beyond past hurts and embrace the love that casts out fear. When we forgive, we reflect God's grace and mercy, building stronger, more resilient bonds with those around us. This act of forgiveness is not always easy, but it is a powerful expression of love that can transform relationships and heal wounds. By choosing to forgive and cover offenses, we create an environment where intimacy can thrive, mirroring the forgiveness and love that God has shown us through Christ [01:00:58].
Colossians 3:13 ESV
"Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Who do you need to forgive to restore intimacy in your relationship, and what steps can you take today to begin that process?
Quotes
1) "Intimacy with God and with others has to have structure. There has to be a foundation, some type of pole for us to be covered. Intimacy with God requires us to draw near to Him." [50:10] (Download | )
2) "True intimacy with somebody, you're not going to be lacking anything. David's Psalm reveals his deep intimacy with God where he pours out his heart and finds solace in God's presence." [01:08:19] (Download | )
3) "Intimacy comes through dedication. When you drive into intimacy, there is a dedication that happens. It's the same dedication that the Son has for us." [01:10:25] (Download | )
4) "He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love. Forgiveness is one of those poles that intimacy hangs on. You have to forgive; that's how intimacy truly happens." [01:00:58] (Download | )
5) "Intimacy with God deepens your love for Him, increases your faith, and helps you find fulfillment in His presence. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." [01:05:27] (Download | )
6) "The world has perverted the word 'intimate,' but true building authentic relationships fosters a genuine connection. Intimacy with God is about trust in the love He has for us." [01:07:02] (Download | )
7) "When you're driving into your intimacy with God and with others, it's very crucial for us to have that for our spiritual growth. It creates something called effort and vulnerability." [01:09:39] (Download | )
8) "True love casts out all fear. You've never looked into the eyes of another human being that God wasn't passionately in love with. God wants to be intimate with you." [01:14:16] (Download | )
9) "With a deep longing, you will seek me and require me as a vital necessity. Is it a vital necessity for you to seek God, to be intimate with God?" [01:12:38] (Download | )
10) "The Bible is the source of revelation. It has the teaching, the rebuking, the correcting, the training. It's profitable so you can be outfitted thoroughly equipped for every good work." [01:18:48] (Download | )
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