Deepening Our Relationship with God: A Call to Intimacy
Summary
Today, the invitation is to step into a deeper relationship with God, to move beyond simply knowing about Him and to truly know Him personally. Life is not just about busyness, achievement, or even religious activity, but about making space for God to live in us, breathe through us, and heal the world through us. The call is to be available, to go where He sends, and to speak the words He gives, not out of obligation, but out of a heart that has been transformed by His presence.
The journey of faith is not about being perfect or having it all together. Even with years of ministry and travel across the world, the most important lesson remains: God Himself is the reward for those who seek Him. The story from Regensburg, Germany, illustrates that the world is hungry for something real, and that God’s presence can break through in the most unexpected places, reaching people who might never step into a church. The harvest is plentiful, but it requires laborers who are willing to step out, sometimes into uncomfortable or unfamiliar territory, trusting that God’s love will do the work.
It’s easy to think that sharing the good news is only for a select few, but the truth is, every believer is called to be a witness. The catalyst for this is not duty, but love—a love that grows as we spend time with God. The more time spent in His presence, the more His love overcomes fear, insecurity, and the obstacles that hold us back. The Christian life is not about buildings or programs, but about relationship—knowing God, being filled with His love, and letting that love overflow to others.
There is a reward for those who diligently seek God, and that reward is God Himself. When He becomes the center, everything else falls into place. The invitation is to lay aside distractions, to surrender whatever holds us back, and to pursue deeper intimacy with Him. In that place, fear is cast out, purpose is found, and the world is changed—one surrendered life at a time.
Key Takeaways
- The true reward of seeking God is not what He gives, but God Himself. When the pursuit shifts from blessings or outcomes to simply knowing Him, life takes on a new depth and meaning. This is the inheritance and portion that satisfies beyond anything the world can offer. [01:26:33]
- God’s love is the catalyst that moves us from fear to boldness. Spending time in His presence fills us with His identity and love, which becomes stronger than our fears or insecurities. Perfect love truly casts out all fear, enabling us to step out and be witnesses in ways we never thought possible. [01:33:21]
- The harvest is plentiful, but it requires every believer to participate. The call to share the good news is not reserved for a select few, but is a commission for the whole body of Christ. Each person has a unique witness and purpose, and God desires to use all of us to reach the world. [01:18:42]
- Deep relationship with God requires intentional pursuit and surrender. It’s not enough to know about God; we are invited to know Him personally, which means setting aside distractions, cultivating gratitude, and making space for His presence. Breakthrough comes as we diligently seek Him, even when it feels difficult or dry. [01:23:49]
- The Christian faith is ultimately about relationship, not religion or structures. While churches and ministries are important for gathering and discipleship, the foundation is a living connection with God. This relationship is what sustains, transforms, and empowers us to fulfill our purpose in the world. [01:30:20]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[56:38] - Opening Prayer: It’s Harvest Time
[57:10] - “Live in Me” Song and Worship
[59:46] - Surrendering Busyness and Making Space
[01:03:00] - Introduction: A Kingdom of Purpose
[01:07:33] - The Regensburg Story: More Famous Than the Rolling Stones
[01:12:00] - The Power of God’s Presence in Unlikely Places
[01:15:30] - God’s Heart for the World
[01:18:42] - The Call to Go: Every Believer’s Role
[01:23:49] - Seeking God Through Difficulty
[01:26:33] - The Reward: God Himself
[01:28:08] - God is Our Portion and Inheritance
[01:30:20] - Relationship Over Religion
[01:31:09] - Overcoming Fear Through Love
[01:32:51] - How to Overcome Giants in Our Lives
[01:34:20] - Responding to the Call for Deeper Intimacy
[01:36:07] - Surrender and Breakthrough Moment
[01:38:25] - Altar Call: Laying Down Distractions
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Reward of Seeking God
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### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 24:14
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
2. Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
3. Psalm 16:5
“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 24:14, what does Jesus say will happen before the end comes?
2. According to Hebrews 11:6, what is the reward for those who earnestly seek God?
3. In the sermon, what did the speaker say is the true reward for seeking God? ([01:26:33])
4. What was the significance of the Regensburg, Germany story in showing how God’s presence can reach people outside of church walls? ([01:07:33])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus says the gospel must be preached to all nations before the end comes? What does this say about God’s heart for the world? ([01:18:42])
2. The speaker said, “The reward for those who take time to diligently seek him is him.” What does it mean for God Himself to be our reward, rather than what He gives us? ([01:26:33])
3. How does spending time in God’s presence help us overcome fear and insecurity, according to the sermon? ([01:33:21])
4. The sermon emphasized that every believer is called to be a witness, not just a select few. Why do you think many Christians feel unqualified or afraid to share their faith? ([01:18:42])
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### Application Questions
1. The speaker shared about intentionally setting aside distractions to seek God. What is one specific distraction in your life that you sense God might be asking you to lay down to pursue deeper intimacy with Him? ([01:36:07])
2. The sermon said, “God’s love is the catalyst that moves us from fear to boldness.” Can you think of a time when God’s love helped you overcome fear? What would it look like to let His love fill you in a current area of fear or insecurity? ([01:33:21])
3. The story from Regensburg showed God working outside traditional church settings. Who in your life might never step into a church, and how could you be available for God to reach them through you? ([01:07:33])
4. The speaker described a breakthrough in his relationship with God after a season of seeking, even when it felt dry. Have you ever experienced a “dry” season in your faith? What helped you keep seeking God during that time? ([01:23:49])
5. The sermon said, “The Christian faith is ultimately about relationship, not religion or structures.” How can you make your relationship with God more personal and less about routine or obligation this week? ([01:30:20])
6. Every believer is called to be a witness. What is one practical way you can share your story or God’s love with someone this week? ([01:18:42])
7. The speaker encouraged the group to ask the Holy Spirit what needs to be surrendered to go deeper with God. Take a moment now—what do you sense God is inviting you to surrender, and how can your group support you in this? ([01:36:07])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person seek Him more deeply and to be available for His love to flow through them to others.
Devotional
Day 1: The Gospel Must Be Preached to All Nations
God’s kingdom has a purpose: that the good news of Jesus is proclaimed throughout the whole world, reaching every nation and people group before the end comes. This is not just a task for a select few, but a calling for every believer to participate in God’s mission, whether by going, sending, or supporting. The fields are ripe for harvest, and God desires to use each of us as witnesses to His love and truth. As we step out in faith, we become part of His unfolding plan to redeem and restore the world. [01:03:00]
Matthew 24:14 (ESV)
"And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
Reflection: Who is one person or group in your life who has not yet heard or experienced the love of Jesus? How can you intentionally share the gospel with them this week, whether through words, actions, or prayer?
Day 2: God’s Love Is the Catalyst for Mission
The driving force behind our willingness to go where God sends us is His overwhelming love for the world—a love so great that He gave His only Son for our salvation. This love is not condemning but saving, and it compels us to move beyond our comfort zones to reach others. When we truly grasp how deeply God loves us and every person, our hearts are set on fire to see others come to know Him. Let His love be the catalyst that moves you to action and compassion today. [01:15:00]
John 3:16-17 (ESV)
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to let God’s love move you from comfort to compassion? What is one step you can take today to show His love to someone who feels far from Him?
Day 3: God Rewards Those Who Diligently Seek Him
There is a promise for those who earnestly pursue God: He rewards them with Himself. The journey of seeking God may have moments of dryness or discouragement, but persistent pursuit leads to a deeper relationship and the tangible experience of His presence. The true reward is not material blessings, but God Himself—His nearness, His love, and His transforming power in your life. Make space for Him, and you will find the fulfillment your soul longs for. [01:26:33]
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can set aside time today to seek God with your whole heart, even if you don’t feel anything right away?
Day 4: The Lord Is Our Portion and Inheritance
When we pursue God above all else, we discover that He Himself is our greatest treasure and inheritance. All other pursuits pale in comparison to knowing and being with the Creator. As we draw near to Him, He fills us with His presence, love, and identity, making us whole and secure. The things of this world may come and go, but the Lord remains our portion forever—He is enough. [01:28:08]
Psalm 16:5 (ESV)
"The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot."
Reflection: Are there things in your life that you have been valuing above your relationship with God? What would it look like to make Him your portion and inheritance today?
Day 5: Perfect Love Casts Out All Fear
As we spend time with God and allow His love to fill us, His perfect love drives out fear and empowers us to step out in faith. The more we know Him, the more His love becomes stronger than our fears—whether it’s fear of people, failure, or inadequacy. God’s love gives us the courage to share our story, to serve others, and to live boldly for Him. Draw near to Him, and let His love set you free from whatever holds you back. [01:33:21]
1 John 4:18 (ESV)
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."
Reflection: What fear is holding you back from fully following God’s call on your life? How can you invite His perfect love to replace that fear today?
Quotes
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