Deepening Intimacy: Cultivating a Relationship with God
Summary
In our journey with God, we are invited into a profound intimacy that transcends any earthly relationship. This intimacy is not just a fleeting experience but a deep, abiding connection that requires intentional investment. Just as a marriage thrives on time and communication, so does our relationship with God. We must dedicate time to prayer, immerse ourselves in His Word, and engage in fasting to draw closer to Him. These practices are not mere rituals but pathways to knowing God more intimately.
Intimacy with God is about becoming one with Him, where our lives are so intertwined with His that it becomes difficult to distinguish where we end and He begins. This unity is greater than the sum of its parts, much like a marriage where two become one. It is in this unity that we find our true identity and purpose, as God calls each of us to walk in places others may never tread.
However, intimacy with God requires humility. Pride is a barrier that must be dismantled, as God resists the proud but draws near to the humble. We must be willing to let go of our self-importance and submit to God's will, allowing Him to shape us into His likeness. This humility extends to our relationships with others, fostering unity and love within the body of Christ.
Moreover, intimacy with God demands that we confront and overcome fear, worry, and anxiety. These emotions are contrary to God's nature of love, joy, and peace. By learning to control our thoughts and casting down negative thinking, we align ourselves with God's truth and experience His peace. This mental discipline is crucial for maintaining a close relationship with God.
Ultimately, intimacy with God is about seeking Him for who He is, not just for what He can do for us. It is about desiring to know His heart, to see as He sees, and to feel as He feels. As we pursue this closeness, we become more like Him, and our lives reflect His glory.
Key Takeaways:
- Intimacy with God requires time and dedication. Just as a marriage needs time to flourish, so does our relationship with God. We must invest in prayer, the Word, and fasting to draw closer to Him. This investment leads to a deeper understanding of His heart and His will for our lives. [01:09:31]
- Humility is essential for intimacy with God. Pride creates a barrier between us and God, but humility opens the door to His presence. By submitting to God's will and valuing others above ourselves, we foster unity and love within the body of Christ. [01:20:54]
- Overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety is crucial for a close relationship with God. These emotions are contrary to God's nature and hinder our intimacy with Him. By controlling our thoughts and aligning them with God's truth, we experience His peace and joy. [01:38:05]
- Intimacy with God is about seeking Him for who He is, not just for His blessings. Our desire should be to know His heart, to see as He sees, and to feel as He feels. This pursuit leads to a transformation in our lives, reflecting His glory. [01:56:30]
- Unity within the body of Christ is vital for intimacy with God. We must strive for harmony and love, putting aside personal agendas for the greater cause of the kingdom. This unity reflects the Spirit of Christ and strengthens our relationship with God. [02:09:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:03:47] - Experiencing the Holy Spirit
- [01:06:49] - The Call to Intimacy
- [01:09:31] - Time Investment in Relationships
- [01:11:27] - The Importance of Relationships
- [01:14:02] - The Role of Prayer and Fasting
- [01:16:49] - Seeking God Above All
- [01:18:29] - Humility and Pride
- [01:20:54] - The Dangers of Pride
- [01:24:20] - Humility in Action
- [01:26:28] - Submission to God's Will
- [01:29:15] - Controlling Thoughts and Emotions
- [01:38:05] - Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
- [01:48:40] - The Role of Angels
- [01:56:30] - Seeking God's Heart
- [02:00:52] - The Power of Fasting
- [02:06:17] - True Relationship with God
- [02:09:01] - Unity in the Body of Christ
- [02:15:06] - Pursuing Intimacy with Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. James 4:6 - "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"
2. Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
3. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Observation Questions:
1. What are some practices mentioned in the sermon that help deepen our intimacy with God? [01:09:31]
2. How does the sermon describe the relationship between humility and intimacy with God? [01:20:54]
3. According to the sermon, what role does controlling our thoughts play in our relationship with God? [01:38:05]
4. What is the significance of seeking God for who He is, rather than for what He can do for us, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:56:30]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of humility in James 4:6 relate to the sermon’s emphasis on dismantling pride to foster intimacy with God? [01:20:54]
2. In what ways does Philippians 4:6-7 align with the sermon’s message about overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety to maintain a close relationship with God? [01:38:05]
3. How does the sermon’s call to seek God’s heart reflect the teaching in Matthew 6:33 about prioritizing God’s kingdom and righteousness? [01:56:30]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the impact of unity within the body of Christ on our personal intimacy with God? [02:09:01]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you intentionally invest more time in prayer to deepen your intimacy with God? [01:09:31]
2. Identify an area of pride in your life. What steps can you take this week to practice humility and open the door to God’s presence? [01:20:54]
3. Consider a recurring worry or fear in your life. How can you apply Philippians 4:6-7 to transform your thoughts and experience God’s peace? [01:38:05]
4. Think about your motivations for seeking God. How can you shift your focus from seeking His blessings to desiring to know His heart? [01:56:30]
5. Evaluate your relationships within the church. What actions can you take to promote unity and love, reflecting the Spirit of Christ? [02:09:01]
6. Choose one practice (prayer, reading the Word, fasting) to focus on this week. How will you incorporate it into your daily routine to draw closer to God? [01:09:31]
7. Reflect on a recent situation where fear or anxiety hindered your relationship with God. How can you apply the sermon’s teachings to overcome these emotions in the future? [01:38:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Investing in Divine Relationship
Intimacy with God requires intentional time and dedication, much like nurturing a marriage. This relationship flourishes through prayer, immersion in His Word, and fasting, which are not mere rituals but pathways to a deeper understanding of God's heart and His will for our lives. By investing time in these spiritual disciplines, we open ourselves to a profound connection with God, allowing His presence to transform us from within. This investment is a commitment to seek God not just for His blessings but for who He is, fostering a relationship that is deeply rooted in love and devotion. [01:09:31]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: What specific time can you set aside each day this week to invest in your relationship with God through prayer or reading His Word?
Day 2: Humility as a Gateway to God's Presence
Humility is essential for intimacy with God, as pride creates a barrier between us and Him. God draws near to the humble, and by submitting to His will and valuing others above ourselves, we foster unity and love within the body of Christ. This humility is not about self-deprecation but about recognizing our dependence on God and our need for His guidance. It is through humility that we open the door to God's presence, allowing Him to shape us into His likeness and strengthen our relationships with others. [01:20:54]
"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 14:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice humility in your interactions with others this week, and how might this change your relationship with God?
Day 3: Conquering Fear and Embracing Peace
Overcoming fear, worry, and anxiety is crucial for a close relationship with God, as these emotions are contrary to His nature of love, joy, and peace. By learning to control our thoughts and aligning them with God's truth, we experience His peace and joy. This mental discipline requires us to cast down negative thinking and trust in God's promises, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds. As we confront and overcome these emotions, we draw closer to God and reflect His character in our lives. [01:38:05]
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one fear or worry that has been troubling you. How can you surrender this to God and replace it with His peace today?
Day 4: Seeking God's Heart
Intimacy with God is about seeking Him for who He is, not just for His blessings. Our desire should be to know His heart, to see as He sees, and to feel as He feels. This pursuit leads to a transformation in our lives, reflecting His glory. As we draw closer to God, we become more like Him, and our lives become a testament to His love and grace. This journey requires us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else, seeking His presence and guidance in every aspect of our lives. [01:56:30]
"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" (1 Chronicles 16:11, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take this week to seek God's heart more intentionally, and how might this change your perspective on your daily life?
Day 5: Unity in the Body of Christ
Unity within the body of Christ is vital for intimacy with God. We must strive for harmony and love, putting aside personal agendas for the greater cause of the kingdom. This unity reflects the Spirit of Christ and strengthens our relationship with God. By fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, we create an environment where God's love can flourish, and His purposes can be fulfilled. This unity is not just about agreement but about a shared commitment to live out the values of the kingdom in our interactions with others. [02:09:01]
"Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." (Philippians 2:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to unity within your church community this week, and what impact might this have on your relationship with God?
Quotes
"God is giving you a draw to take you into deeper places with Him. This is all like, like, uh, baiting you. Now, don't get me wrong. He's not mistreating. Whenever He baits us and draws us, it's for our own good. But He is, it's like He's saying, Girl, look how great this is. There's more. Come a little closer. Come a little deeper. Amen. That's what's really going on. That's what this is about. When God, when you first get in the church, there's tremendous experiences like this, and it's God trying to take you into intimacy with Him." [01:04:21] (46 seconds)
"That my being and my life is so wrapped up in Him that my thoughts, my actions, my dreams, my will, my ways are just so intertwined with God that it's almost impossible to tell when it's Paul Sharpe and when it's Jesus Christ. Because of this intimate walk, this intimate relationship, it's impossible without time. And not everybody's willing to invest time in relationships." [01:09:03] (37 seconds)
"You've got to spend time in prayer. Not, I didn't say praise. I said prayer. You've got to spend time in prayer. You've just got to get into prayer and not say, okay, I've got 15 minutes before I've got to leave. Jesus, thank you for this day. Be with me today. Bless me. Lead me. Guide me. Take care of me. I've got to go, Jesus. Try to catch you tonight. You know, is that intimacy?" [01:14:16] (38 seconds)
"Pride is an enemy of humanity. And the fact of the matter is, everybody deals with it. Amen. Some of us are just too proud to know it. But pride's got to go. If you want intimacy with God. You know what it says, brother? It says, he resisteth the proud. You know, we talk about resistance and understanding resist. Resist literally means push away. He resists the proud. But he draws near to the humble." [01:19:21] (40 seconds)
"Your fears, your worries, your anxieties have got to be put down and faith has got to rise over them. You cannot have intimacy with God and walk in fear and worry about everything. What intimacy with God the creator of heaven and earth the almighty and no you've not crucified your flesh you've not brought it into submission to God who's greater than everything who's got my back who my love who is my heavenly Father who will take care of my love you everything faith has got to bring all of that into submission." [01:33:10] (62 seconds)
"God taught me that years and years ago thank God he did I could have never pastored I could have never done what I did had I not learned this lesson because I was going through a very very dark day dark times dark years and it was getting it didn't get better it got worse and I and I literally I'm I'm very honest I thought I was losing my mind it was that got that bad I'm I'm I'm crying all the time crying during the day trying to do my job but but I'm talking about it I think that's okay you." [01:37:20] (29 seconds)
"How many times you come to church and the preacher preached exactly what you were thinking about? Come on, be honest. Raise your hand if that's ever happened to you. Look at this. Do you know why? The same Spirit was working in your life that was working in the preacher's life. God's trying to tap us. And we can walk in a sensitivity and a level where that becomes so real. Intimacy. Intimacy. Now, my wife is a greater person because of me. She is. She is. And she would have to admit it. And I'm a greater man because of her." [01:57:44] (41 seconds)
"How long has it been since you spent an hour in prayer? I'm talking just an hour. Just you and Jesus shut away. Talking to Jesus. Sharing your heart. Pouring your heart out. How long has it been since you spent an hour in prayer? If it's been more than a few hours ago, it's time for you to do it. How long has it been since you fasted?" [02:00:36] (31 seconds)
"How we gonna have intimacy with God unless we become how can to walk together except they be agreed says I think it's in Amos how can to walk together how can you walk with God in intimacy if you're not in agreement with God you can't do it so what's gonna happen everything about me he's got to submit I got to lay it down I got to get rid of it I gotta get rid of all attitudes all all my selfishness and all my pride and all my arrogance and all of my know -it -all -ness and and I've just got to humbly give myself to Christ." [02:12:08] (41 seconds)
"Want to invite you to an altar I want to invite you anybody that's after intimacy say man I got to grow I got to go there I've got to do it I'm going there I'm just doing it I'm just doing it if I got to crucify this flesh I just got to crucify it if I've got it I got to break this attitude I'll break it I'll you I'll starve you to death sucker you're not gonna." [02:13:00] (25 seconds)
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