Deepening Your Friendship with God: A Journey

 

Summary

Building a deep and meaningful friendship with God is a journey that requires intentionality and commitment. The first step is to make knowing God your number one priority. This means seeking Him with all your heart, as Jeremiah 29:13 encourages. It's not about fitting God into your spare time but making Him the central focus of your life. The Apostle Paul reminds us that everything else is worthless compared to the priceless gain of knowing Christ. This relationship is the most important one you can have, and it should be the foundation of your daily life.

The second key is to slow down and be quiet. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the importance of stillness. Psalm 46:10 calls us to "be still and know that I am God." This means setting aside time each day to be in God's presence, to listen, and to speak with Him. It's about creating a space where you can hear His voice and understand His will for your life.

Deciding whose friendship you want most is the third step. You can't be friends with everyone, and if you try, you might miss out on the most important relationship of all. James 4 warns us about loving the world, which can lead us away from God. Instead, we should value what God values and prioritize our relationship with Him above all else.

Maintaining a constant conversation with God is the fourth key. This means talking to Him throughout your day, sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to pray without ceasing, making our relationship with God an ongoing dialogue.

Finally, trust God in your pain. Every friendship is built on trust, and this is especially true with God. Psalm 55:22 tells us to cast our cares on the Lord, trusting that He will sustain us. Pain can draw us closer to God, fueling our passion and deepening our relationship with Him. Being honest with God about our struggles and emotions is crucial, as it prevents bitterness and strengthens our bond with Him.

Key Takeaways:

- Make knowing God your number one priority. This relationship is the most important one you can have, and it should be the foundation of your daily life. Seek Him with all your heart, as everything else is worthless compared to the priceless gain of knowing Christ. [10:51]

- Slow down and be quiet. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the importance of stillness. Set aside time each day to be in God's presence, to listen, and to speak with Him. This creates a space where you can hear His voice and understand His will for your life. [14:09]

- Decide whose friendship you want most. You can't be friends with everyone, and if you try, you might miss out on the most important relationship of all. Value what God values and prioritize your relationship with Him above all else. [16:21]

- Maintain a constant conversation with God. Talk to Him throughout your day, sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Make your relationship with God an ongoing dialogue, as encouraged by 1 Thessalonians 5:17. [20:34]

- Trust God in your pain. Every friendship is built on trust, and this is especially true with God. Pain can draw us closer to Him, fueling our passion and deepening our relationship. Be honest with God about your struggles and emotions to prevent bitterness and strengthen your bond. [22:12]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[10:05] - Make Knowing God Your Priority
[11:11] - Seek God with All Your Heart
[12:38] - Signs of Not Knowing God
[13:36] - Slow Down and Be Quiet
[15:23] - Decide Whose Friendship You Want
[16:41] - Love People, Not the World
[18:11] - Obey Out of Love
[20:34] - Maintain a Constant Conversation
[21:51] - Trust God in Your Pain
[23:32] - Honest Conversations with God
[25:47] - Bible Scripture Cards Offer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 29:13 - "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
2. Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God."
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 - "Pray without ceasing."

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#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what does it mean to make knowing God your number one priority? How does this relate to Jeremiah 29:13? [10:05]
2. What are the benefits of slowing down and being quiet in God's presence, as mentioned in the sermon? How does Psalm 46:10 support this practice? [13:36]
3. How does the sermon describe the importance of maintaining a constant conversation with God? What does 1 Thessalonians 5:17 suggest about this practice? [20:34]
4. What role does trust play in our relationship with God, especially during times of pain, according to the sermon? [22:12]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might the sermon emphasize making God the central focus of one's life rather than fitting Him into spare time? How does this align with the message of Jeremiah 29:13? [10:05]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that stillness can help us understand God's will for our lives? How does this connect to Psalm 46:10? [13:36]
3. How does the sermon interpret the idea of praying without ceasing? What might this look like in a believer's daily life? [20:34]
4. How does the sermon explain the relationship between pain and trust in God? What might be the purpose of experiencing pain in this context? [22:12]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Is knowing God truly your number one priority? What changes can you make to align your life more closely with this goal? [10:05]
2. Consider your daily routine. How can you incorporate moments of stillness to better hear God's voice? What specific time of day could you set aside for this practice? [13:36]
3. Think about your conversations with God. How can you make them more constant and genuine throughout your day? What reminders or habits could help you achieve this? [20:34]
4. Identify a recent painful experience. How did you respond to it in terms of your relationship with God? What steps can you take to trust Him more in future challenges? [22:12]
5. Evaluate your friendships and relationships. Are there any that might be hindering your relationship with God? How can you prioritize your friendship with God above others? [15:23]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What actions or attitudes contributed to that distance? How can you actively seek to draw closer to Him now? [11:27]
7. Consider the values you hold dear. Do they align with what God values? What practical steps can you take to align your values more closely with His? [17:44]

Devotional

Day 1: Prioritize Knowing God Above All Else
To build a deep and meaningful friendship with God, it is essential to make knowing Him your number one priority. This involves seeking God with all your heart, as emphasized in Jeremiah 29:13. It is not about fitting God into your spare time but making Him the central focus of your life. The Apostle Paul reminds us that everything else is worthless compared to the priceless gain of knowing Christ. This relationship is the most important one you can have, and it should be the foundation of your daily life. By prioritizing your relationship with God, you align your life with His purpose and experience the fullness of His love and guidance. [10:51]

"For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: 'Seek me and live; but do not seek Bethel, and do not enter into Gilgal or cross over to Beersheba; for Gilgal shall surely go into exile, and Bethel shall come to nothing.'" (Amos 5:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to make knowing God the central focus of your life, rather than just an addition to your schedule?


Day 2: Embrace Stillness to Hear God's Voice
In our fast-paced world, it is easy to overlook the importance of stillness. Psalm 46:10 calls us to "be still and know that I am God." This means setting aside time each day to be in God's presence, to listen, and to speak with Him. By slowing down and being quiet, you create a space where you can hear His voice and understand His will for your life. This practice of stillness allows you to connect deeply with God, fostering a relationship that is rooted in peace and clarity. [14:09]

"For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling." (Isaiah 30:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally create moments of stillness in your day to better hear and understand God's voice?


Day 3: Choose God's Friendship Above All Others
Deciding whose friendship you want most is crucial in your spiritual journey. You can't be friends with everyone, and if you try, you might miss out on the most important relationship of all. James 4 warns us about loving the world, which can lead us away from God. Instead, you should value what God values and prioritize your relationship with Him above all else. By choosing God's friendship, you align your life with His values and experience the depth of His love and wisdom. [16:21]

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." (1 John 2:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: What worldly friendships or influences might be hindering your relationship with God, and how can you begin to reprioritize your connections today?


Day 4: Engage in Constant Conversation with God
Maintaining a constant conversation with God means talking to Him throughout your day, sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages us to pray without ceasing, making our relationship with God an ongoing dialogue. This practice of continuous communication allows you to stay connected with God, seeking His guidance and wisdom in every aspect of your life. By engaging in constant conversation with God, you cultivate a relationship that is dynamic and ever-growing. [20:34]

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison." (Colossians 4:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate moments of prayer and conversation with God into your daily routine, even in the midst of busyness?


Day 5: Trust God Through Your Pain
Every friendship is built on trust, and this is especially true with God. Psalm 55:22 tells us to cast our cares on the Lord, trusting that He will sustain us. Pain can draw us closer to God, fueling our passion and deepening our relationship with Him. Being honest with God about your struggles and emotions is crucial, as it prevents bitterness and strengthens your bond with Him. By trusting God in your pain, you allow Him to work in your life, bringing healing and growth. [22:12]

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, ESV)

Reflection: What pain or struggle are you currently facing, and how can you invite God into that situation to experience His comfort and guidance?

Quotes



Make knowing god your number one priority my number one priority in life Jesus said seek first the kingdom of God it doesn't matter how many things I accomplish or what happens in my life that seems to be good how many windfalls that come into my life doesn't matter if at the end of the day I don't know God a little bit better and and love him a little bit more I miss the purpose of that day. [00:10:00]

You will find me when you seek me with all your heart knowing and loving God is our greatest privilege and being known and being loved by God is our greatest pleasure. Here's what God says Jeremiah 9 look up here on the screen God says the wise must not brag about their wisdom and the strong must not brag about their strength and the rich must not brag about their money but if somebody wants to brag let him brag that he really understands and knows me. [00:11:47]

Our friendship with God is like any other friendship you have to make time for it if you don't make time for your human friends they're not your friends you make time for your friends and if God is going to be your best friend you've got to give your best time to God the Bible says this you've seen these verses many times Psalm 4 610 be still that means just slow down and know that I am God. [00:13:27]

Friendship with the Lord is reserved for those who reverence him with them he shares the secrets of his Covenant friendship with God is reserved for those who reverence him you sit down you slow down you be quiet and you spend time with God what would a friend be if you never spend any time with him not a friend you will never have God as your best friend if all you do is just come to church services. [00:14:10]

Decide whose friendship you want most you don't have time for everybody to be your friend and if everybody else is going to be your friend you're not going to have time for God in your life you've got to decide who you want most to be your best friend let me show you a verse on the screen 1 Timothy chapter 6 says this some people have missed the most important thing in life they don't know God. [00:15:25]

You should know that loving the world is the same thing as hating God what's that mean anyone who wants to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God now I don't understand this it tells me here that I'm not supposed to love the world and yet in John 3:16 the most famous verse it says God so loved the what so which one is it okay am I supposed to love the world or not love the world. [00:16:21]

Maintain a constant conversation you got to talk with God all the time about anything everything whatever you're feeling all day 24 hours a day you just have this running conversation with god 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says this pray all the time and I talk to God all the time just like I'm talking to you in fact while I'm talking to you right now now I'm talking to him. [00:20:34]

My determined purpose is that I may know him that my progress that I may progressively become more deeply and more intimately acquainted with him perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of his person more strongly and more clearly I love that in the Amplified maintain a constant conversation talk to God all the time and number five this is an important one if you're going to build a friendship with God. [00:21:15]

Trust God in your pain every friendship is the Bedrock of every friendship is trust and that's true with God too you got to trust him and you got to trust him when things don't make sense when things are backwards when things are going sideways and when you're going under and you think I'm going under for the last time psalm 55:22 cast all your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you he will never let the righteous fall. [00:21:51]

God actually lets you go through pain in order to draw you closer to him pain is the fuel of passion when you're going through a tough time all of a sudden your prayers get a whole lot more intense have you noticed that when you're in deep pain you don't just go Oh Our Father how art thou today you're going help you cry out to God pain is the fuel of passion it energizes us with intensity we cry out. [00:23:32]

The more honest to God you are the deeper your friendship will be the more honest to God you are the deeper your friendship will be God can handle your frankness he can handle your cries he can handle your complaints he can handle your accusations as I told you that in the Psalms 150 Psalms a third of them are Psalms of lament there's a God life sucks God I don't like it and when God hears you complaining to him in your prayers God says that's not audacious that's authentic. [00:24:18]

You're never going to have a deep friendship with God till you got got level honest about your fears your faults your flaws your friends and everything everything else doesn't have to be fancy doesn't have to be flowery I'm not a flowery prayer but God says just be gut honest with me and when you are hurting tell me why because it keeps you from becoming bitter bitterness is the number one enemy of Friendship with God. [00:25:47]

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Transcript
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