Embracing Friendship: Deepening Our Relationship with God

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound relationship that God desires to have with each of us, drawing inspiration from the story of Moses in Exodus 33. We began by reflecting on the extraordinary friendship between Ruth and Beryl, two women who maintained a pen pal relationship for over 80 years, despite living thousands of miles apart. This story serves as a powerful metaphor for the kind of relationship God wants with us—a relationship that transcends distance and circumstance.

We delved into the context of Exodus 33, where Moses finds himself in the aftermath of the Israelites' idolatry with the golden calf. Despite their rebellion, God shows mercy, largely due to Moses' intercession. This highlights the importance of prayer and intercession in our relationship with God. Moses' plea for God's presence and his desire to know God's ways underscore the necessity of seeking a deeper understanding of God beyond mere knowledge of His word.

The heart of the message is the invitation to approach God as a friend. Just as Moses spoke to God face-to-face, we too are invited to cultivate a personal and intimate relationship with our Creator. This involves open communication, honesty, and a willingness to seek God's presence even in the midst of life's messiness. We are reminded that God is not just a distant commander but a loving friend who desires to walk with us through every aspect of our lives.

In closing, we are challenged to examine our own relationship with God. Are we treating Him as a distant authority, or are we embracing the friendship He offers? The call is to draw near to God, to communicate with Him openly, and to trust in His promises. As we do so, we will find that God is faithful to meet us where we are and to guide us into a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with Him.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Intercession: Moses' intercession for the Israelites demonstrates the power of prayer in influencing God's actions. Despite their sin, Moses reminded God of His promises, leading to mercy instead of destruction. This teaches us that our prayers can have a profound impact, and we should never underestimate the power of interceding for others. [10:27]

2. God's Grace and Mercy: The story of the golden calf reveals God's incredible grace. Despite the Israelites' rebellion, God showed mercy because of Moses' intercession. This reminds us that God's grace is available to us, even when we fall short, and that we should approach Him with confidence, knowing that He desires to forgive and restore us. [12:20]

3. Friendship with God: God desires a relationship with us that is as intimate as a friendship. Just as Moses spoke to God face-to-face, we are invited to communicate openly with God, sharing our hearts and listening for His voice. This relationship is built on honesty, trust, and a willingness to seek God's presence in our lives. [16:25]

4. Praying God's Promises: Moses' prayer for God's presence highlights the importance of praying God's promises back to Him. By knowing and claiming God's promises, we align our prayers with His will and invite His presence into our lives. This practice strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with God. [33:37]

5. Seeking God's Glory: Moses' request to see God's glory reflects a deep desire for a personal revelation of God's presence. While we may not fully understand what it means to see God's glory, this prayer encourages us to seek a deeper understanding of God and to desire His presence in our lives. [38:31]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:23] - The Story of Ruth and Beryl
- [07:24] - The Golden Calf Incident
- [10:27] - Moses' Intercession
- [12:20] - God's Grace and Mercy
- [14:47] - Building a Relationship with God
- [16:25] - Friendship with God
- [18:07] - Communication with God
- [20:04] - God's Friendship with Abraham
- [22:04] - Approaching God in Our Mess
- [24:05] - Fear God, But Don't Be Afraid
- [26:39] - God as Commander and Friend
- [28:25] - Knowing God's Way
- [29:59] - God's Higher Ways
- [31:49] - Praying God's Promises
- [33:37] - Persistence in Prayer
- [36:15] - The Persistent Widow
- [38:31] - Show Me Your Glory
- [40:11] - The Dark Room of Prayer
- [42:26] - Following God's Voice
- [44:39] - Invitation to Know God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Exodus 33:11 - "So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend."
- John 15:15 - "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you."
- Isaiah 41:8 - "But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend."

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Observation Questions:

1. In Exodus 33:11, how is the relationship between God and Moses described, and what does this imply about the nature of their communication? [14:47]

2. What was the significance of Moses' intercession for the Israelites after the golden calf incident, and how did it affect God's response? [10:27]

3. How did the friendship between Ruth and Beryl serve as a metaphor for the kind of relationship God desires with us? [03:23]

4. According to the sermon, what role does communication play in building a friendship with God, and how was this illustrated through the story of Ruth and Beryl? [18:07]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for God to speak to Moses "face to face" as a friend, and how does this challenge our understanding of prayer and communication with God? [16:25]

2. How does Moses' intercession for the Israelites demonstrate the power and importance of prayer in influencing God's actions? [10:27]

3. In what ways does the story of the golden calf highlight God's grace and mercy, and how can this understanding impact our approach to God when we fall short? [12:20]

4. How does the concept of praying God's promises, as demonstrated by Moses, encourage us to align our prayers with God's will and deepen our relationship with Him? [33:37]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. Do you see Him more as a distant authority or as a friend? What steps can you take to cultivate a more intimate friendship with Him? [24:05]

2. Consider a time when you felt distant from God due to guilt or shame. How can the story of God's mercy towards the Israelites encourage you to approach Him with confidence and seek restoration? [12:20]

3. How can you incorporate the practice of intercession into your prayer life, and who in your life might benefit from your prayers of intercession? [10:27]

4. Think about a specific promise from God that you need to claim in your life right now. How can you incorporate this promise into your daily prayers and trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill it? [33:37]

5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's presence in the midst of life's messiness. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's friendship and faithfulness? [22:04]

6. Identify one area in your life where you need to seek a deeper understanding of God's ways rather than just knowing His word. What practical steps can you take to pursue this understanding? [28:25]

7. How can you create space in your daily routine to communicate openly with God, and what changes might you need to make to prioritize this relationship? [18:07]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Intercession
Intercession is a powerful tool that can influence God's actions and bring about change. In Exodus 33, Moses intercedes for the Israelites after their sin with the golden calf, reminding God of His promises and pleading for mercy. This act of intercession demonstrates the profound impact that prayer can have, not only in our own lives but also in the lives of others. By standing in the gap for those around us, we can invite God's grace and mercy into situations that seem hopeless. Intercession is not just about asking for things; it's about aligning our hearts with God's will and trusting in His faithfulness to act. [10:27]

Exodus 32:11-14 (ESV): "But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, 'O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, "With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth"? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, "I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever."' And the Lord relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people."

Reflection: Who in your life needs intercession today? Spend time praying for them, asking God to intervene in their situation and to reveal His mercy and grace.


Day 2: Embracing God's Grace and Mercy
The story of the golden calf in Exodus 33 reveals the depth of God's grace and mercy. Despite the Israelites' rebellion, God chooses to show mercy because of Moses' intercession. This narrative reminds us that God's grace is always available to us, even when we fall short. We are encouraged to approach God with confidence, knowing that He desires to forgive and restore us. God's grace is not something we earn; it is a gift that He freely gives. By embracing His grace, we can experience the fullness of His love and the transformation it brings to our lives. [12:20]

Psalm 103:8-12 (ESV): "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to accept God's grace and mercy? How can you let go of guilt and embrace His forgiveness today?


Day 3: Cultivating Friendship with God
God desires a relationship with us that is as intimate as a friendship. In Exodus 33, Moses speaks to God face-to-face, illustrating the kind of open communication and honesty that God invites us to have with Him. This friendship is built on trust, vulnerability, and a willingness to seek God's presence in our lives. By approaching God as a friend, we can experience a deeper connection with Him, one that goes beyond mere knowledge of His word. This relationship requires us to be honest with God about our struggles and to listen for His voice in our daily lives. [16:25]

James 2:23 (ESV): "And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness'—and he was called a friend of God."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper friendship with God today? What steps can you take to communicate with Him more openly and honestly?


Day 4: Praying God's Promises
Moses' prayer for God's presence in Exodus 33 highlights the importance of praying God's promises back to Him. By knowing and claiming God's promises, we align our prayers with His will and invite His presence into our lives. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also deepens our relationship with God. When we pray God's promises, we are reminded of His faithfulness and His desire to fulfill His word in our lives. This type of prayer requires us to be familiar with God's promises and to trust in His timing and plan. [33:37]

2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you can pray over your life today? How can you incorporate this promise into your daily prayers?


Day 5: Seeking God's Glory
Moses' request to see God's glory in Exodus 33 reflects a deep desire for a personal revelation of God's presence. While we may not fully understand what it means to see God's glory, this prayer encourages us to seek a deeper understanding of God and to desire His presence in our lives. Seeking God's glory involves a willingness to be transformed by His presence and to allow His light to shine through us. It requires us to be open to the ways God wants to reveal Himself to us and to be attentive to His voice in our daily lives. [38:31]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: How can you seek God's glory in your life today? What steps can you take to be more open to His presence and transformation?

Quotes

"We have prayed, we have worshipped, we have given, and now we're time to receive his word this morning. The word of God is powerful. The word of God has the power to transform, to convict, to set us free." [00:00:00] (17 seconds)


"Ruth is from Ontario, Canada, and Beryl from Liverpool, England. They were paired up through their teachers, and it was a match that was made in heaven. Ruth, Maggi, and Beryl Richmond, their friendship went on to stand the test of time and distance. Despite living more than 3,000 miles apart in Canada and the UK, they've been the best friends for more than 80 years." [00:01:48] (31 seconds)


"And the same way that God spoke to Moses and Moses spoke to God, I believe we can approach the throne as well, that we can know him and he can know us. Let's read our scripture together, just one verse, and we're going to be popping around throughout this chapter. But Exodus chapter 33, verse 11, one verse here, which says, So the Lord spoke to Moses face-to-face as a man speaks to his friend." [00:05:33] (32 seconds)


"Some people, you have a problem building relationship with God because you have a guilt complex, because you say to yourself, I'm not that kind of person who prays every day. I'm not that kind of person. I'm not spiritual enough. I'm not religious enough. I'm not Christian enough. You know, there's a separation between me and God. And so, you know, leave that to the pastor. Leave that to more spiritual people." [00:11:48] (25 seconds)


"Prayer is how we approach God. Prayer is how we build a relationship. Do you hear what it said? It said, the Lord spoke to Moses face to face. Who's speaking there? The Lord is speaking. Moses got close enough to hear what God was trying to say. Can I ask you this morning? When's the last time you got close enough to the Lord to be able to hear what he wanted to say for your life?" [00:14:24] (32 seconds)


"Can I tell you, God wants to be that kind of friend to you. Some people treat God like he's the priest. Some people treat God like he's the pastor at the church. I'm not saying that because I don't want to be your friend. I'm just saying that some people, they want to keep some kind of distance. I remember what it was like when I was a new convert." [00:16:05] (22 seconds)


"How did these ladies build a friendship that lasted 80 plus years? They communicated. In a very crude, a very simple way, just writing letters. But they built a lasting relationship. Can I tell you something? You can build that kind of relationship with God. He wants to hear from you. He wants to speak to you. And guess what? You don't even have to write a letter." [00:18:00] (24 seconds)


"Listen to what God said to his people. Isaiah 41, verse 8. You, Israel, are my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham, my friend. Isn't that amazing? When God mentions Abraham, he's prophesying through Isaiah, and he remembers, Abraham, yeah, I remember. He's my friend. And it was shown in the interaction that Abraham had with God." [00:19:28] (29 seconds)


"The problem is if we never approach God in prayer, we don't build a relationship with him. It's like the librarian. The librarian knows all the books but doesn't know all the people. It's possible to even call yourself a Christian but be intimidated to bring your issues before the Lord. I have a friend, Pastor Greg Colon. I was talking to him about this message." [00:25:36] (30 seconds)


"Listen, we were at the Pentagon the other day. I went to go take a tour a couple of weeks ago when I was up there in Manassas. And walking down the one hallway there, I was with a guy who's also a pastor in our fellowship. And he says, whoa, that's the commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. It's like, whoa, that's the guy." [00:26:21] (21 seconds)


"God wants to show himself to you, but we've got to make a place in our lives to speak to him the way that a man speaks to his friend. Is that you? Maybe you've been slacking when it comes to your prayer life. Can I tell you, God's not slacking. He's waiting for you. The Bible says in Psalms that the Lord bends his ear toward those who would call upon his name. He wants to hear from you." [00:43:07] (28 seconds)


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Transcript
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