Embracing Intimacy with God and Each Other

 

Summary

In my recent sermon, I delved into the profound nature of intimacy with God and its manifestation in our relationships with others. I began by emphasizing the unity between a husband and wife, drawing parallels to our oneness with Christ. I highlighted the virtues of God—grace, justice, faithfulness, wisdom, and patience—and how these attributes are reflected in our lives when we cultivate a close relationship with Him. I shared that God's wisdom often surpasses our understanding, yet His plans are always for our good, leading us to prosperity and opportunities to bring others to Christ.

I spoke about the patience of God, His long-suffering nature that allows time for repentance and change, and how this should stir compassion within us for those who do not yet know Him. I encouraged the congregation to be unoffendable in their patience with others, recognizing that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. I reminded them of the full armor of God, which equips us to stand firm in our faith, rooted in truth, and propelled by the gospel of peace.

I recounted a personal story about my brother, illustrating the importance of making time for God amidst our busy lives. I stressed the significance of prayer, obedience, and being led by the Holy Spirit, as well as the need for sympathy, love, compassion, and humility in our relationships.

I used the metaphor of a teepee to describe the structure of our spiritual lives, with poles representing virtues like trust, empathy, emotional safety, commitment, communication, connection, and care—all covered by the cloth of God's Word. I emphasized that these virtues are not just ideals but practical expressions of our faith in daily life.

I shared the story of the woman with the issue of blood to illustrate the power of faith and the importance of reaching out to Jesus for healing. I also spoke about vulnerability and the importance of being open to God's work in our lives, even when it requires us to reveal our weaknesses.

Finally, I concluded with a call to action, inviting the congregation to come forward for prayer and to receive prayer cloths as a point of contact for God's healing power. I affirmed that God's anointing is not limited to any one person but is available to all who seek Him.

Key Takeaways:

- Intimacy with God is foundational to our spiritual lives and is reflected in the virtues we exhibit, such as grace, justice, faithfulness, wisdom, and patience. These virtues are not just for our benefit but also serve as a testimony to others, drawing them closer to Christ. [01:22:39]

- Patience is a divine attribute that we must emulate, especially in our interactions with others. Understanding God's patience with us should inspire compassion for those who are yet to accept Christ, and it should motivate us to live in a way that allows others the time to seek repentance. [01:23:42]

- The armor of God is not just a metaphor for spiritual warfare but a reality that equips us to live out our faith daily. Each piece, from the belt of truth to the shield of faith, is interconnected and rooted in the love of Jesus Christ, which is the foundation of our significance and purpose. [02:01:13]

- True intimacy with God and others involves vulnerability, which allows us to be shaped and strengthened by divine love. It is in our moments of openness that we can experience the fullness of God's presence and the encouragement of the body of Christ. [56:46]

- Our commitment to God is mirrored in our commitment to others. Through acts of love, communication, and care, we demonstrate the reality of God's kingdom on earth. This commitment is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel in our lives and in the lives of those around us. [01:08:56]

Study Guide

### Bible Reading

1. Ephesians 4:2 - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
2. Colossians 3:12-14 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
3. Acts 19:11-12 - "God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them."

### Observation Questions

1. What virtues does Paul encourage believers to clothe themselves with in Colossians 3:12-14?
2. According to Ephesians 4:2, what attitudes should we exhibit towards one another?
3. In Acts 19:11-12, what extraordinary miracles did God perform through Paul, and what was used as a point of contact for these miracles?
4. How did the pastor describe the structure of our spiritual lives using the metaphor of a teepee? [38:23]

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes the need to clothe ourselves with virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience in Colossians 3:12-14?
2. How can the patience described in Ephesians 4:2 help us in our interactions with those who do not yet know Christ? [01:23:42]
3. What does the story of the woman with the issue of blood teach us about faith and vulnerability? [47:01]
4. How does the metaphor of the teepee help us understand the importance of virtues in our spiritual lives? [38:23]

### Application Questions

1. Think of a recent situation where you struggled to be patient with someone. How can Ephesians 4:2 guide you in handling similar situations in the future? [01:23:42]
2. Reflect on the virtues listed in Colossians 3:12-14. Which one do you find most challenging to exhibit, and what steps can you take to improve in that area?
3. The pastor shared a personal story about making time for God amidst busy lives. How can you prioritize your time to ensure you are cultivating intimacy with God? [01:20:03]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of being unoffendable in our patience with others. How can you practice being unoffendable in your daily interactions? [01:23:42]
5. The story of the woman with the issue of blood highlights the power of faith. Can you recall a time when your faith led to a significant change or healing in your life? How did it impact your relationship with God? [47:01]
6. The pastor used the metaphor of a teepee to describe our spiritual lives. What are some practical ways you can strengthen the "poles" of trust, empathy, and emotional safety in your relationships? [38:23]
7. How can you use the concept of prayer cloths as a point of contact for God's healing power in your own prayer life? [45:00]

Devotional

Day 1: Reflecting Divine Patience in Relationships
Intimacy with God is foundational to our spiritual lives and is reflected in the virtues we exhibit, such as grace, justice, faithfulness, wisdom, and patience. These virtues are not just for our benefit but also serve as a testimony to others, drawing them closer to Christ. When one cultivates a close relationship with the Divine, these attributes naturally become part of their character. As grace flows from a heart aligned with God's, it touches every interaction, making room for understanding and forgiveness. Justice becomes not only a concept but a way of life, where fairness and righteousness guide decisions. Faithfulness is no longer a struggle but a joyful commitment, reflecting the steadfast love of God. Wisdom and patience are marks of a life deeply connected to the Creator, providing the strength to navigate life's complexities with divine insight and enduring calm.

"Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly." - Proverbs 14:29 ESV

Reflection: How can you demonstrate God's patience in a current relationship that is challenging your ability to be understanding and slow to anger?

Day 2: Embracing Compassion Through Divine Patience
Patience is a divine attribute that we must emulate, especially in our interactions with others. Understanding God's patience with us should inspire compassion for those who are yet to accept Christ, and it should motivate us to live in a way that allows others the time to seek repentance. This patience is not passive but active, engaging with others in a manner that is unoffendable, always seeking to understand rather than to be understood. It is a patience that recognizes the spiritual battles at play and chooses to respond with the love and strength that comes from being grounded in the full armor of God. This divine patience is transformative, both for the individual who practices it and for those who are on the receiving end of its gentle power. [01:23:42]

"But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life." - 1 Timothy 1:16 ESV

Reflection: In what ways can you show mercy and patience to someone who has not yet come to faith, mirroring the perfect patience that Christ has shown you?

Day 3: Standing Firm with the Armor of God
The armor of God is not just a metaphor for spiritual warfare but a reality that equips us to live out our faith daily. Each piece, from the belt of truth to the shield of faith, is interconnected and rooted in the love of Jesus Christ, which is the foundation of our significance and purpose. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith, rooted in truth, and propelled by the gospel of peace. This armor provides protection and strength to face the challenges of life, ensuring that one's spiritual foundation remains unshaken. It is a reminder that the battles faced are not merely physical but spiritual, and the victory is won through steadfastness in Christ. [02:01:13]

"Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness." - Ephesians 6:14 ESV

Reflection: Which piece of the spiritual armor do you need to focus on this week, and how can you actively put it on to stand firm in your faith?

Day 4: Vulnerability as a Pathway to Intimacy
True intimacy with God and others involves vulnerability, which allows us to be shaped and strengthened by divine love. It is in our moments of openness that we can experience the fullness of God's presence and the encouragement of the body of Christ. Vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but of courage, the willingness to reveal one's weaknesses and to reach out for healing and support. It is through this process that faith is deepened, and the power of God is made manifest in one's life. As believers open themselves up to God's work, they find that their own stories become testimonies of His grace and healing power. [56:46]

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." - James 5:16 ESV

Reflection: What is one area of vulnerability you can bring before God today, trusting in His strength and healing?

Day 5: Commitment to God Mirrored in Relationships
Our commitment to God is mirrored in our commitment to others. Through acts of love, communication, and care, we demonstrate the reality of God's kingdom on earth. This commitment is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel in our lives and in the lives of those around us. It is through the practical expressions of trust, empathy, emotional safety, and connection that the love of Christ is made tangible. As believers engage in these acts, they build a spiritual structure akin to a teepee, supported by the virtues of faith and covered by the cloth of God's Word. This structure provides shelter and strength, not only for the individual but for the entire community of faith. [01:08:56]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

Reflection: How can you actively encourage someone in your community of faith today, demonstrating your commitment to them and to God?

Quotes

1) "The virtues, the grace, justice, God is justice and righteous. He upholds faithfulness and impartial in his dealings with humility. There's a faithfulness that happens in an intimacy with God and others. God is faithful and trustworthy. Lamentations says, he keeps his promises and remains steadfast in his love and commitment." [01:21:34]( | | )

2) "When we understand there's a wisdom that happens with the intimacy level, there's a patience that happens. See, God is patient with you out of 2 Peter 3, 9. He shows long-suffering and forbearance, allowing time for repentance and change. I'm going to say that again, allowing time." [01:23:42]( | | )

3) "Get down and just be able to know that I'm going to pray without ceasing. I'm going to be able to listen and obey and be led by the Holy Spirit. And it says also, it says be sympathetic. Love one another. Be compassionate. And humble. 1 Peter 3, 8. That is what intimacy looks like." [01:38:56]( | | )

4) "It's easy to be a place where God is seen, love is felt, and lives are changed. You come over here to Greg. Why are we here? To be a place where God is seen, love is felt, and lives are changed. You're not even here for a few months because you want to go live somewhere else." [01:36:32]( | | )

5) "And so when I'm covered in the Word, there's a commitment that happens. When I'm covering my wife, there's a commitment that happens. When I'm covering my mom, there's a commitment that happens. When I'm covering my relationship and my intimacy with Patrick or Justin or Hunter or Jesus, there's an intimacy that happens, right Levi?" [01:07:49]( | | )

6) "You're vulnerable. You're vulnerable. How vulnerable are you going to be for Jesus? Are you ready for him to reveal those things in your life to help you? And here's the thing. Jesus is here to help, strengthen, build up, and encourage. That's what the body of Christ is here to do." [56:46]( | | )

7) "You clothe yourself with these virtues before you put on the armor of God. So many times we try to go into battle without the virtues of God, but we got a breastplate of righteousness, our helmet of salvation, and next thing we know, we're losing our salvation." [01:15:43]( | | )

8) "I mean, I can see the thief up there. And you think about, hey, so how did you really, did you really love your neighbor as yourself? How did you love your neighbor as yourself? I mean, just kind of think about all of it. All the questions people ask. How do you know you're getting to heaven?" [01:30:26]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?