Entering the Secret Place: Intimacy with God
Summary
In my sermon, I began by expressing gratitude for the congregation's participation in a recent community outreach, where we provided groceries to families in need. I highlighted the importance of meeting tangible needs as a vehicle for sharing the gospel, emphasizing that our actions as the body of Christ fuel the spread of the gospel in our community. I reminded the congregation that our giving, whether through service or financial contributions, is an act of obedience to God that allows us to witness His work among us.
I then transitioned into the heart of the sermon, focusing on the concept of the "secret place" as described in Psalm 91 and its connection to prayer as taught by Jesus in Matthew 6. I explained that the secret place is no longer a physical location like the Old Testament tabernacle but is now within us, as believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit. I emphasized that accessing the secret place requires intentionality in our relationship with God and that distractions must be eliminated to cultivate intimacy with Him.
I shared personal reflections on the importance of prioritizing time with God, confessing that even my own practice of rising early for prayer had become routine and lacked the fervent desire to be in God's presence. I encouraged the congregation to approach God with the eagerness of a child seeking their parent's attention and affection.
I delved into the teachings of Jesus on prayer, highlighting the need for privacy and sincerity when praying, as opposed to the hypocritical practices of praying for public admiration. I reiterated the Lord's Prayer as a model for our prayers, emphasizing the need for forgiveness and the pursuit of God's will above our own.
I concluded the sermon by drawing a parallel between the desires that lead us to seek God's presence and those that entice us towards sin, as described in James 1. I warned that a life lived outside of God's presence is susceptible to secret sins, which will eventually be brought to light. I contrasted this with the life-transforming power of dwelling in God's presence, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who grants us access to the secret place and eternal life.
Key Takeaways:
1. The act of giving, whether through service or finances, is a profound expression of our faith and obedience to God. It is through these acts that the gospel finds its way into the hearts of our community, demonstrating the love of Christ in practical ways. Our generosity is not just a blessing to others but also a testament to our own faithfulness and commitment to God's work. ([04:53])
2. The secret place of prayer is not a physical location but a state of being within us, made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As temples of God, we carry the secret place wherever we go, and it is our responsibility to enter it with reverence and intentionality. This understanding transforms our approach to prayer and our daily walk with God. ([29:02])
3. Intentionality is crucial in our pursuit of God's presence. Just as the Israelites had to be intentional about visiting the tabernacle, we too must be deliberate in setting aside time and space to commune with God. This intentionality is the first step toward a deeper relationship with Him. ([29:49])
4. Distractions are the enemy of intimacy with God. To truly enter the secret place, we must shut the door to anything that divides our attention. In a world filled with constant noise and interruptions, it is vital to create a sacred space where we can focus solely on God and His voice. ([44:56])
5. Our lives are a reflection of where we dwell spiritually. If we live in the secret place of God's presence, it will be evident to those around us through our peace, joy, and compassion. Conversely, a life of secret sin will also become apparent over time. The choice of which desire we allow to prevail—pursuit of God or pursuit of sin—will ultimately shape our destiny. ([55:37])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 91:1 - "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."
2. Matthew 6:6 - "But when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."
3. James 1:14-15 - "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 91:1, what is promised to those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High?
2. In Matthew 6:6, what instructions does Jesus give about how to pray?
3. What does James 1:14-15 say about the process of temptation and sin?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of the "secret place" in Psalm 91 relate to the instructions Jesus gives in Matthew 6:6 about prayer? [23:45]
2. Why do you think Jesus emphasizes the need for privacy and sincerity in prayer, as opposed to public displays? [22:30]
3. How can the desires mentioned in James 1:14-15 lead someone away from dwelling in the secret place of God? [53:07]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own prayer life. Are there any routines or habits that have become more about ritual than genuine connection with God? How can you rekindle a fervent desire to be in God's presence? [32:13]
2. What are some practical steps you can take to eliminate distractions when you set aside time for prayer? Consider specific actions like turning off your phone or finding a quiet place. [44:56]
3. Think about a recent time when you gave to someone in need. How did that experience impact your faith and your sense of obedience to God? How can you make giving a more regular part of your life? [04:53]
4. Jesus modeled intentionality in seeking God's presence by often withdrawing to pray. How can you incorporate this intentionality into your daily routine? What specific time and place can you set aside for this purpose? [43:06]
5. The sermon mentioned that our lives reflect where we dwell spiritually. How do you think your current spiritual dwelling place is reflected in your daily actions and interactions with others? [55:37]
6. The pastor shared a personal story about how his early morning prayer time had become routine. Have you experienced something similar in your spiritual practices? What changes can you make to ensure your time with God remains vibrant and meaningful? [32:13]
7. James 1:14-15 warns about the dangers of unchecked desires. Identify one desire in your life that might be leading you away from God. What steps can you take to address this and refocus on dwelling in God's presence? [53:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Generosity Reflects Faith and Obedience
Generosity is not merely a charitable act; it is a profound expression of faith and an act of obedience to God. When one gives, whether through service or financial contributions, it is a demonstration of trust in God's provision and a commitment to His command to love and serve others. This act of giving is a tangible way to share the gospel, as it shows the love of Christ in practical ways. It is a blessing to the recipients and a testament to the giver's faithfulness. Generosity should be a natural outflow of a heart transformed by God's love, seeking to meet the needs of the community and further His kingdom on earth. [04:53]
"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." - Matthew 6:3-4 ESV
Reflection: How can you practice intentional generosity this week in a way that seeks no recognition but simply honors God?
Day 2: The Secret Place Within Us
The secret place of prayer is a sacred state of communion with God that resides within each believer, made possible by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This concept transforms the understanding of prayer from a religious ritual to a personal encounter with the divine. In this secret place, one can find solace, guidance, and strength away from the distractions of the world. It is a space where the soul can be bare before God, and where one can cultivate a deep, intimate relationship with the Creator. Entering this place requires reverence and intentionality, acknowledging that as temples of God, believers carry this secret place with them at all times. [29:02]
"For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." - Colossians 3:3 ESV
Reflection: What steps can you take today to create a dedicated time and space for entering the secret place of prayer?
Day 3: Intentionality in Seeking God's Presence
Intentionality is the key to deepening one's relationship with God. It involves making a deliberate effort to set aside time and space to commune with Him, much like the Israelites who intentionally visited the tabernacle. This pursuit of God's presence is not passive; it requires active engagement and a conscious decision to prioritize time with God above all else. By being intentional, one acknowledges the value of the relationship with God and the desire to grow closer to Him. This commitment is the first step toward experiencing the fullness of God's love and transforming power in one's life. [29:49]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." - James 4:8 ESV
Reflection: What is one distraction you can remove from your daily routine to make room for more intentional time with God?
Day 4: Eliminating Distractions for Intimacy with God
Distractions are the enemy of intimacy with God. To truly enter the secret place and experience the fullness of God's presence, one must be willing to shut the door to anything that divides their attention. In a world filled with constant noise and interruptions, it is vital to create a sacred space where one can focus solely on God and His voice. This may require making difficult choices to limit certain activities or to silence technology, but the reward is a deeper, more meaningful relationship with the Creator. The discipline of eliminating distractions is an act of worship in itself, honoring God with undivided attention and devotion. [44:56]
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." - Colossians 3:2 ESV
Reflection: Identify one source of distraction in your life and commit to setting it aside during your times of prayer and devotion this week.
Day 5: Dwelling in God's Presence Transforms Life
The choice to dwell in the secret place of God's presence has a profound impact on one's life. It is in this place that one can find peace, joy, and compassion, which become evident to those around them. Conversely, a life lived outside of God's presence, indulging in secret sins, will eventually be exposed and lead to destruction. The decision to pursue God or to pursue sin is a daily one, and it shapes one's destiny. Dwelling in God's presence is made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who grants access to the secret place and the promise of eternal life. [55:37]
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33 ESV
Reflection: Reflect on the desires that drive your actions. Are they leading you closer to God or away from Him? What change can you make today to ensure you are seeking God's presence first?
Quotes
1) "Distraction is the destroyer of intimacy. What do I mean by that? Can you imagine for just a moment? And I'm sure you've seen it. Anybody still dating your wife? Oh, come on. I'm dating my wife all the time. And you know, you know, here's the reality. We can go to a restaurant and look around the room and see couples that are sitting there with each other. And you know what they got? They've got their phones out and they are sitting right there with the person that they love the most." [45:28]
2) "Distraction, distractions are the enemy of presence. Distraction, distractions are everywhere and they're destroying marriages on a daily basis. I've got two directions here. Distraction, to divide our attention, to divide our affections. Distraction, distractions are the enemy of presence." [46:45]
3) "Distraction will keep you from the one thing that is needed. Distractions will rob you of the presence of God, even when the access, is made available to you. Distraction will keep you from it. But one thing is needed and Mary has chosen that good part which will not be taken away from her." [49:01]
4) "The secret to the secret place is which desire will to win. I heard one pastor say one time, he said it this way. He said, you will either dwell in the secret place of God or you will eventually dwell in the place of secret sin. You will either dwell in the secret place of God or you will eventually dwell in the secret place of sin. Desire will take you one way or the other." [53:47]
5) "Can I just tell you that when you live in the secret place of the Most High and you live in His presence, the people around you will know it. What do I mean by that? They're going to see that person's got a peace, that person's got a joy, that person's got compassion, that person's got something that I don't have." [56:03]
6) "A life of separation from God. A life of pursuing His presence in the secret place. That's the life of prayer. That's the life of fellowship. That's the life of intimacy. That's the life that allows God to put you into His image and His likeness. But there's only one way in. There's only one way that you get to be in the secret place. And that way is through the blood of Jesus Christ." [58:40]
7) "The secret place, because we have no tabernacle, is in you, because of the blood of Christ. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians chapter 3 and verse 16, do you not know that you are the temple of God, and the spirit of God dwells in you? So the first thing that we have to understand this morning as we're talking about dwelling in the secret place is that it's not a physical location any longer." [29:02]
8) "If you're not intentional about pursuing your relationship with God, you will not find yourself in his presence. Amen. The secret to the secret place. The first one to entering into the presence of God and being led by the presence of God in your life is you have to be intentional about it. You don't just stumble into it." [29:49]
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