Deepening Our Relationship: Knowing God Intimately

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound difference between knowing about God and truly knowing God. This distinction is crucial because it transforms our relationship with Him from a mere acknowledgment of His existence to an active, ongoing pursuit of intimacy. The essence of this relationship is not just about understanding His laws or receiving His blessings, but about knowing Him personally, much like how we introduce ourselves by name when meeting someone new. This personal connection is foundational, as seen from the very beginning in Genesis, where God sought a relationship with Adam and Eve, walking with them in the cool of the day.

We often miss our divine appointments—times set aside for prayer, worship, and studying the Word—because we view them as obligations rather than opportunities to deepen our relationship with God. Instead of seeing these practices as mere duties, we should approach them with a desire to know God more intimately. This desire is akin to the angels who continuously sing "Holy, holy, holy" before God, each time discovering a new facet of His glory, never growing weary of His presence.

Understanding the power of God's name is another key aspect of knowing Him. The Bible emphasizes the significance of His name, not just as a label, but as a representation of His presence and character. When we pray in His name, it is not about merely mentioning it; it is about having faith in the person behind the name. This faith is rooted in a relationship with Jesus, which is why many prayers go unanswered—because we lack a true connection with Him.

The righteous are called to run into the name of the Lord, which is described as a strong tower. This act of running signifies an active pursuit of His presence, not a passive expectation of protection or provision. To truly know God, we must abide in Him, allowing His words to dwell in us. This abiding relationship is the foundation for effective prayer and a life that reflects His will.

Key Takeaways:

1. Knowing God is an active, ongoing pursuit, not a one-time acknowledgment. It involves a personal relationship, much like introducing ourselves by name when meeting someone new. This relationship is foundational to our faith and transforms our understanding of God from a distant figure to a close companion. [04:22]

2. Our spiritual practices—prayer, worship, and studying the Word—should be seen as opportunities to deepen our relationship with God, not mere obligations. When approached with a desire to know Him more, these practices become life-giving and transformative. [07:00]

3. The angels' continuous praise of God reveals the endless facets of His glory. Each encounter with His presence offers a deeper understanding and awe, reminding us that knowing God is an ever-unfolding journey. [08:27]

4. The power of God's name lies in the relationship with the person behind it. Praying in His name requires faith and intimacy, not just the repetition of words. This connection is essential for seeing our prayers answered. [11:28]

5. The righteous are called to actively pursue God's presence, symbolized by running into His name, a strong tower. This pursuit requires responsibility and engagement, not passive expectation, and is foundational for a life aligned with His will. [12:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [04:03] - Knowing God vs. Knowing About God
- [05:34] - God's Desire for Relationship
- [06:30] - Missing Divine Appointments
- [07:00] - Transforming Spiritual Practices
- [08:12] - Endless Facets of God's Glory
- [09:26] - The Significance of God's Name
- [10:24] - Faith in the Name of Jesus
- [11:46] - The Righteous Run into His Name
- [12:52] - Pursuing God's Presence
- [13:33] - Intimacy and Abiding in God
- [14:29] - Effective Prayer through Abiding

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Daniel 11:32 - "The people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits."
2. Proverbs 18:10 - "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."
3. John 15:7 - "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Daniel 11:32, what is the result of knowing God? How does this differ from merely knowing about God? [04:03]

2. In Proverbs 18:10, what does it mean for the name of the Lord to be a "strong tower"? How is this imagery significant in understanding our relationship with God? [12:02]

3. What does John 15:7 suggest about the relationship between abiding in Christ and the effectiveness of our prayers? [13:57]

4. How does the sermon describe the difference between seeing spiritual practices as obligations versus opportunities? [07:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What might it look like in a believer's life to actively pursue a relationship with God, as described in Daniel 11:32? How does this pursuit impact their strength and actions? [04:22]

2. How does the concept of God's name being a "strong tower" in Proverbs 18:10 relate to the idea of running into His presence? What does this imply about our role in seeking God? [12:52]

3. In John 15:7, what does it mean to "abide" in Christ, and how does this abiding influence the desires we bring to God in prayer? [14:29]

4. The sermon mentions the angels' continuous praise of God. How does this illustrate the endless facets of God's glory and our journey in knowing Him? [08:27]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. Do you view them as obligations or opportunities to deepen your relationship with God? How can you shift your perspective to see them as life-giving? [07:00]

2. Consider a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take to actively pursue His presence, as described in Proverbs 18:10? [12:52]

3. How can you incorporate the practice of "abiding" in Christ into your daily routine? What changes might you need to make to ensure His words dwell in you? [14:29]

4. Think about the last time you prayed in Jesus' name. Did you feel a true connection with Him, or was it more of a ritual? How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus to see more answered prayers? [11:28]

5. The sermon highlights the importance of knowing God's name and the person behind it. How can you learn more about God's character and presence this week? [13:33]

6. Reflect on the angels' continuous praise of God. How can you cultivate a sense of awe and wonder in your own worship and relationship with God? [08:27]

7. Identify one area in your life where you feel you are missing divine appointments with God. What practical steps can you take to prioritize these moments and deepen your intimacy with Him? [06:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Transforming Acknowledgment into Intimacy
Knowing God is an active, ongoing pursuit, not a one-time acknowledgment. It involves a personal relationship, much like introducing ourselves by name when meeting someone new. This relationship is foundational to our faith and transforms our understanding of God from a distant figure to a close companion. The journey from knowing about God to truly knowing Him is marked by a deepening intimacy that changes how we live and perceive the world. This transformation is not a passive process but requires intentional engagement and a desire to draw closer to God. [04:22]

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: Consider how you introduce yourself to God in your daily life. What steps can you take today to move from merely acknowledging His existence to actively pursuing a deeper relationship with Him?


Day 2: Embracing Spiritual Practices as Opportunities
Our spiritual practices—prayer, worship, and studying the Word—should be seen as opportunities to deepen our relationship with God, not mere obligations. When approached with a desire to know Him more, these practices become life-giving and transformative. Instead of viewing them as tasks to check off a list, they should be embraced as moments to encounter God and experience His presence in new and profound ways. This shift in perspective can lead to a more vibrant and fulfilling spiritual life. [07:00]

Psalm 119:105-107 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O Lord, according to your word!"

Reflection: Reflect on your current spiritual practices. How can you approach them with a renewed desire to know God more intimately today?


Day 3: Discovering Endless Facets of God's Glory
The angels' continuous praise of God reveals the endless facets of His glory. Each encounter with His presence offers a deeper understanding and awe, reminding us that knowing God is an ever-unfolding journey. This perspective encourages us to remain open to the new and unexpected ways God reveals Himself to us, fostering a sense of wonder and reverence in our spiritual walk. [08:27]

Isaiah 6:2-3 (ESV): "Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!'"

Reflection: Think about a recent moment when you felt awe in God's presence. How can you cultivate a heart that is continually open to discovering new facets of His glory?


Day 4: The Power of God's Name in Relationship
The power of God's name lies in the relationship with the person behind it. Praying in His name requires faith and intimacy, not just the repetition of words. This connection is essential for seeing our prayers answered. Understanding the significance of God's name invites us to deepen our relationship with Him, recognizing that it is through this relationship that we experience the fullness of His power and presence. [11:28]

Proverbs 18:10 (ESV): "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe."

Reflection: Reflect on how you use God's name in prayer. What steps can you take to ensure that your prayers are rooted in a genuine relationship with Him?


Day 5: Actively Pursuing God's Presence
The righteous are called to actively pursue God's presence, symbolized by running into His name, a strong tower. This pursuit requires responsibility and engagement, not passive expectation, and is foundational for a life aligned with His will. Actively seeking God involves a commitment to abide in Him, allowing His words to dwell in us and shape our lives. This pursuit is not just about seeking protection or provision but about aligning our hearts and lives with His purposes. [12:52]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you can actively pursue God's presence today. What practical steps can you take to abide in Him more fully?

Quotes


verse it says but the people who know their God they will be strong and do exploits not the people that know there is a God there's a lot of people that know that there is a God not the people that knew their God the people that know their God so it's something that is active it is not a one moment thing it is a constant pursuing of a relationship with him. [00:03:47]

we don't even know his name we just want to know what he will do for us we kind of see God as our government that has laws and that gives handouts to people that's how we see our God but God is relational yes he has laws yes he gives things to people but it's about relationship from the beginning in Genesis one you can see that God wanted relationship he wanted relationship with Adam and Eve. [00:05:14]

God never misses his appointment we miss our appointment we miss our appointment with prayer we miss our appointment with worship some of you you even miss your appointment to be here right you miss your appointment when when you need to study your word study the word of God those are all ways that we get to know him so sometimes we see it as a law I have to pray I have to read the Bible. [00:06:32]

I want to pray I want to worship I want to read the word not just because it's good for me because I want to know him I want to know him more I think I told you this story before so someone said when you know how you can't imagine uh the Angels around the Lord singing holy holy holy is the Lord for already thousands and thousands of years imagine that. [00:07:15]

this is all they do stand around him and sing holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty and this preacher had a revelation and he said it see it as like a diamond or yeah like a diamond and and he says and every time when you sing holy holy holy is the Lord God Almighty you see another side you see another facet of God again you have more deeper understanding of who he is. [00:07:59]

if you ask anything in my name I will do it okay if you know this verse then you need to you need to get to know his name because if you don't know his name it's going to be hard to ask he says if you ask anything in my name I will do it it gives me a reason to know his name and to find out who who the person behind that name is. [00:09:59]

it's not about a ritual where you just throw out the name oh Jesus Jesus Jesus Jesus no it's having faith in the name of Jesus knowing the person of Jesus I think we have seen very little of this verse many many prayers that have gone unanswered because we don't know the name we don't know the person behind that name we have hardly a relationship with the person behind that. [00:11:00]

the name of the Lord is a strong tower the righteous run into it and they are safe okay what Christians want is they want well I'm righteous so I'm safe no it says the righteous run into the name the righteous run into the name right you just just want God to always protect you right because you are born again Christian you just want to be healed all the time. [00:11:43]

you need to do something it says the name of the Lord is a strong tower and their rightous they run into it and they are safe so you to run into the name of the Lord the name of the Lord is a substance that you can run into because the name of the Lord represents his presence if we want to get to know God we start with getting to know the names there's power in his name. [00:12:48]

if you abide in me and my words abide in you you will ask what you desire and it shall be done for you isn't that interesting because we just read if you ask anything in my name I will do it yeah I asked I asked I asked but I didn't get it well then you probably didn't ask in his name yeah I mentioned his name that's not what I said. [00:13:41]

because asking in his name means that you are abiding if you abide in me and my words abide in you and my then you will ask whatever you desire and it shall be done for you the whole Bible is not about law it's about relationship it's about knowing him it's about abiding in him and allowing his words to dwell in us. [00:14:19]

the righteous are called to actively pursue God's presence, symbolized by running into His name, a strong tower. This pursuit requires responsibility and engagement, not passive expectation, and is foundational for a life aligned with His will. The name of the Lord is a substance that you can run into because the name of the Lord represents his presence. [00:12:52]

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Transcript
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