Embracing Joy in Our Relationship with God
Summary
In today's message, I wanted to emphasize the importance of truly enjoying our relationship with God, not just believing in Him or serving Him out of obligation. It's about experiencing His presence in a way that is unique to each of us, much like the way we cherish the presence of a loved one. This enjoyment of God is deeply connected to how we love and relate to others. As 1 John 4:20 reminds us, if we claim to love God but harbor hatred towards our brothers, we are deceiving ourselves. Our relationships with others are a reflection of our relationship with God, and in today's world, these relationships are becoming increasingly shallow due to distractions and a lack of genuine connection.
I shared a personal story about how technology, like smartphones, can distract us from meaningful interactions. This distraction is a tool of the enemy, pulling us away from the deep, loving relationships we are meant to have. We must be intentional about making the best use of our time, as Ephesians 5:16 urges, and prioritize building strong, loving connections with those around us.
Furthermore, I discussed the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We must approach the Holy Spirit with reverence, recognizing His power and mystery. Being filled with the Spirit is not just about experiencing supernatural gifts but about living a life characterized by gratitude, worship, and submission to one another. This filling of the Spirit is both a cause and effect of living a life of worship and thanksgiving.
I encouraged everyone to welcome the Holy Spirit by engaging with one another through Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and by expressing gratitude. This is how we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can move freely among us, transforming our hearts and relationships.
Key Takeaways:
1. Enjoying God's Presence: Our relationship with God should be one of enjoyment, not just duty. Like a cherished relationship with a loved one, it should be filled with joy and desire for His presence. This enjoyment is unique to each individual and is reflected in how we love others. [13:47]
2. The Impact of Distractions: Modern distractions, particularly technology, can hinder our ability to form deep, meaningful relationships. These distractions are tools of the enemy, pulling us away from the love and connection we are meant to experience with others and with God. [17:42]
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: We must approach the Holy Spirit with reverence, recognizing His power and mystery. Being filled with the Spirit involves living a life of gratitude, worship, and submission, which in turn invites the Spirit to fill us more fully. [23:22]
4. Living a Spirit-Filled Life: A Spirit-filled life is characterized by continuous worship, gratitude, and submission. This lifestyle both results from and leads to being filled with the Spirit, creating a cycle of spiritual growth and connection. [28:10]
5. Welcoming the Holy Spirit: We can invite the Holy Spirit into our lives by engaging with one another through worship and gratitude. This creates an environment where the Spirit can move freely, transforming our hearts and relationships. [37:13]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [13:17] - Enjoying God's Presence
- [14:04] - Love and Relationships
- [15:14] - Shallow Connections
- [16:35] - The Distraction of Technology
- [18:00] - Making the Best Use of Time
- [20:21] - Balancing Responsibilities
- [22:20] - Being Filled with the Spirit
- [23:22] - Reverence for the Holy Spirit
- [24:51] - The Mystery of the Holy Spirit
- [26:09] - Careful with Our Words
- [27:46] - Spirit-Filled Living
- [28:59] - Worship and Gratitude
- [30:54] - The Equation of Spirit-Filled Life
- [37:13] - Welcoming the Holy Spirit
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 4:20 - "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen."
2. Ephesians 5:16-21 - "Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 John 4:20 say about the relationship between loving God and loving others? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on genuine connections? [14:21]
2. According to Ephesians 5:16, why is it important to make the best use of our time? How does this connect to the sermon’s discussion on distractions? [19:11]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, particularly in relation to gratitude and worship? [23:22]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how technology can distract us from meaningful relationships? [17:42]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the connection between enjoying God’s presence and our relationships with others? Why is this connection significant? [14:04]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that modern distractions, like technology, are tools of the enemy? How might this impact our spiritual lives? [17:42]
3. What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit according to the sermon, and how does this differ from simply experiencing supernatural gifts? [23:22]
4. How does the sermon suggest we can create an environment where the Holy Spirit can move freely among us? What role do worship and gratitude play in this? [37:13]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. Do you find joy in His presence, or do you feel it’s more of a duty? What steps can you take to deepen your enjoyment of God? [13:47]
2. Identify a distraction in your life that hinders your relationships with others. How can you minimize this distraction to foster deeper connections? [17:42]
3. Consider how you approach the Holy Spirit in your daily life. Are there ways you can show more reverence and openness to His work in you? [23:22]
4. Think about a recent interaction where you could have been more present and loving. How can you apply Ephesians 5:16-21 to improve your future interactions? [19:11]
5. How can you incorporate more worship and gratitude into your daily routine to invite the Holy Spirit’s presence? What specific actions can you take this week? [37:13]
6. Reflect on a relationship in your life that feels shallow. What intentional steps can you take to deepen this relationship and reflect God’s love more fully? [15:14]
7. How can you use psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to encourage others in your community? Share a specific example of how you might do this. [28:10]
Devotional
Day 1: Experiencing Joy in God's Presence
Our relationship with God should be more than just a duty or obligation; it should be a source of joy and fulfillment. Much like the cherished presence of a loved one, our connection with God is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated. This enjoyment is unique to each individual and is reflected in how we love and relate to others. When we truly delight in God's presence, it transforms our interactions with those around us, allowing us to love more deeply and genuinely. As 1 John 4:20 reminds us, our love for God is intertwined with our love for others. If we claim to love God but harbor negative feelings towards others, we are deceiving ourselves. Therefore, cultivating a joyful relationship with God is essential for nurturing authentic relationships with others. [13:47]
Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Reflection: Think of a specific way you can intentionally enjoy God's presence today. How can this joy overflow into your interactions with others?
Day 2: Overcoming Distractions for Deeper Connections
In today's world, distractions, particularly from technology, can hinder our ability to form deep, meaningful relationships. These distractions are tools that pull us away from the love and connection we are meant to experience with others and with God. It's crucial to recognize these distractions and be intentional about making the best use of our time, as Ephesians 5:16 urges. By prioritizing strong, loving connections with those around us, we can resist the shallow interactions that have become prevalent. This intentionality requires us to set boundaries with technology and focus on being present in our relationships, allowing us to experience the depth of connection that God desires for us. [17:42]
Proverbs 4:25-27 (ESV): "Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."
Reflection: Identify one technological distraction that often pulls you away from meaningful interactions. How can you limit its influence today to foster deeper connections?
Day 3: Reverence for the Holy Spirit
Approaching the Holy Spirit with reverence is essential for recognizing His power and mystery in our lives. Being filled with the Spirit is not just about experiencing supernatural gifts but about living a life characterized by gratitude, worship, and submission to one another. This filling of the Spirit is both a cause and effect of living a life of worship and thanksgiving. By acknowledging the Holy Spirit's role in our lives, we open ourselves to His transformative power, allowing Him to guide us in our daily walk with God. This reverence invites the Spirit to fill us more fully, leading to a deeper spiritual connection and growth. [23:22]
Isaiah 11:2 (ESV): "And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper reverence for the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to invite His presence more fully?
Day 4: Living a Life of Worship and Gratitude
A Spirit-filled life is characterized by continuous worship, gratitude, and submission. This lifestyle both results from and leads to being filled with the Spirit, creating a cycle of spiritual growth and connection. By living a life of worship and gratitude, we align ourselves with God's will and open our hearts to His transformative power. This alignment allows us to experience the fullness of the Spirit, leading to a deeper relationship with God and others. As we cultivate a heart of worship and gratitude, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can move freely, transforming our hearts and relationships. [28:10]
Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can practice more gratitude and worship today? How might this change your perspective and interactions with others?
Day 5: Creating an Environment for the Holy Spirit
We can invite the Holy Spirit into our lives by engaging with one another through worship and gratitude. This creates an environment where the Spirit can move freely, transforming our hearts and relationships. By intentionally fostering a community of worship and thankfulness, we open ourselves to the Spirit's work in our lives and the lives of those around us. This communal engagement through Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs allows us to experience the Spirit's presence in a powerful way, leading to deeper spiritual growth and connection. As we welcome the Holy Spirit, we are transformed and empowered to live out our faith authentically. [37:13]
Ephesians 5:18-20 (ESV): "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you create an environment in your home or community that welcomes the Holy Spirit? What specific steps can you take to engage with others through worship and gratitude today?
Quotes
Our relationships with others are a reflection of our relationship with God, and in today's world, these relationships are becoming increasingly shallow due to distractions and a lack of genuine connection. [00:15:14]
Modern distractions, particularly technology, can hinder our ability to form deep, meaningful relationships. These distractions are tools of the enemy, pulling us away from the love and connection we are meant to experience with others and with God. [00:16:35]
We must be intentional about making the best use of our time, as Ephesians 5:16 urges, and prioritize building strong, loving connections with those around us. [00:18:00]
Being filled with the Spirit is not just about experiencing supernatural gifts but about living a life characterized by gratitude, worship, and submission to one another. [00:23:22]
This filling of the Spirit is both a cause and effect of living a life of worship and thanksgiving. [00:28:10]
We can invite the Holy Spirit into our lives by engaging with one another through worship and gratitude. This creates an environment where the Spirit can move freely, transforming our hearts and relationships. [00:37:13]
The Holy Spirit is a mystery, and we must approach Him with reverence, recognizing His power and mystery. [00:24:51]
The Spirit-filled life is characterized by continuous worship, gratitude, and submission. This lifestyle both results from and leads to being filled with the Spirit, creating a cycle of spiritual growth and connection. [00:28:59]
A Spirit-filled person will be grateful always. They'll have this song going on in their hearts; they're very pleasant people to be around. [00:30:54]
Imagine if you were a person who, every time you saw someone, you would speak to them with Psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, like scripture. [00:37:13]
The Holy Spirit wants to fill us, and we are His temple, His bride. He desires to fill us, and we must welcome Him by the way we speak to each other. [00:37:13]
We must be careful with our words because they can damage people's relationship with God. [00:26:09]
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