Fierce Intimacy: Embracing God's Heart for Us
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the heart of the Father, focusing on the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15. This story, often misnamed, is not just about the wayward son but also about the Father's heart and His desire to be near us. The younger son, despite his sins, finds his way back to the Father, who welcomes him with open arms and no condemnation. This illustrates God's longing for intimacy with us, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. We also touched on the older son, who took the Father's presence for granted, and David, who cried out to God not to take His Holy Spirit away after his sin. The core message is that there is a constant attack on our intimacy with God, and we must be fierce in protecting it.
We explored how God values our intimacy with Him more than our sin. This was highlighted through a personal story of backsliding and the realization that the enemy uses isolation and shame to draw us away from God. The prodigal son's return and the Father's joyous reception underscore that God wants us to come to Him, no matter how many times we struggle with the same issues.
We also examined the story of Adam and Eve, who hid from God after their sin. God's first question to them was, "Where are you?"—a call to return to intimacy. This question is a call to us as well, urging us to fight for our relationship with God. We looked at David's complacency, which led to his sin with Bathsheba, and how we must guard against becoming self-satisfied and losing our desperation for God.
Paul's words in Philippians 3:12-13 remind us to press on, forgetting what lies behind and straining toward what lies ahead. This dual action of letting go of the past while moving forward is crucial for our spiritual growth. The enemy uses our past to paralyze us, but God wants to use it to propel us forward. We must fight to maintain our intimacy with God, being vigilant and fierce in our pursuit of His heart.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Heart for Intimacy: God's primary desire is to be near us, as illustrated in the story of the prodigal son. Despite our sins, He welcomes us back with open arms and no condemnation. This shows that our relationship with Him is more important than our past mistakes. [01:25]
2. The Enemy's Attack on Intimacy: There is a constant attack on our intimacy with God. The enemy, life’s currents, and even our flesh work to draw us away from Him. We must be fierce in protecting our relationship with God, understanding that apart from Him, we can do nothing. [02:54]
3. God Values Intimacy Over Sin: God cares more about our intimacy with Him than our sin. The moment we stop coming to Him, we begin to backslide. The enemy uses isolation and shame to keep us from God, but we must continually come to Him, no matter how many times we struggle. [06:34]
4. Complacency Leads to Sin: David's story with Bathsheba shows how complacency can lead to sin. When we become self-satisfied and lose our desperation for God, we are vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. We must fight to remain desperate and dependent on God. [18:11]
5. Pressing On in Faith: Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 3:12-13 to press on, forgetting the past and straining toward what lies ahead, teaches us that spiritual growth requires both letting go of past failures and actively pursuing God’s future for us. This dual action helps us avoid stagnation and move forward in faith. [28:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:52] - The Heart of the Father
[01:25] - No Condemnation
[01:59] - Attack on Intimacy
[02:54] - Abide or Die
[03:47] - Intimacy Over Sin
[04:37] - Personal Story of Backsliding
[05:58] - The Lie of the Enemy
[06:34] - The Prodigal Son's Return
[07:26] - The Father's Embrace
[08:44] - Adam and Eve's Intimacy with God
[09:35] - Hiding from God
[10:15] - Where Are You?
[11:20] - Pursuing Holiness
[12:23] - Consistently Pursuing God
[12:58] - The Simplicity of Pursuing Holiness
[13:36] - Fighting to Maintain Intimacy
[14:11] - David and Bathsheba
[15:23] - David's Complacency
[16:21] - The Danger of Complacency
[18:11] - Self-Satisfaction and Sin
[19:49] - Definition of Complacency
[20:27] - The Danger of Self-Satisfaction
[21:12] - Fighting for Desperation
[21:59] - Philippians 3: Pressing On
[22:54] - Context of Paul's Message
[23:32] - Knowing Jesus Intimately
[24:07] - Experiential Knowledge of Christ
[24:45] - The Infinite Value of Knowing Christ
[25:12] - Pressing On Through Resistance
[25:55] - The One Thing: Forgetting and Straining
[28:24] - The Action of Moving Forward
[29:19] - Using the Past to Propel Forward
[30:09] - The Current of Life
[31:07] - Validating Trust in God
[31:55] - Unpacking the Baggage of the Past
[32:21] - Dealing with the Past
[33:02] - The Theme of Your Life
[33:44] - Satan's Use of the Past
[34:29] - The Enemy's Lies About the Past
[35:23] - The Good and Bad of the Past
[36:11] - Honoring Without Bondage
[37:24] - God of New Beginnings
[38:19] - New Mercy Every Morning
[39:14] - Awake, O Sleeper
[40:07] - Moving Forward in Faith
[40:53] - Not a Slave to the Past
[41:46] - Regret, Guilt, and Shame
[42:36] - The Progression to Depression
[43:44] - Fighting to Press On
[44:35] - Prioritizing God's Presence
[45:20] - Being Fierce in Intimacy
[46:22] - Commitment to Intimacy
[48:46] - Validating Your Commitment
[50:02] - Here I Am, Lord
[51:12] - Fierce Protection of Intimacy
[52:14] - Sealing the Commitment
[53:10] - Abiding in Christ
[54:30] - Final Prayer and Commitment
[55:14] - Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son
2. Genesis 3:8-9 - Adam and Eve Hiding from God
3. Philippians 3:12-13 - Pressing On Toward the Goal
#### Observation Questions
1. In the story of the prodigal son, how does the father react when his wayward son returns? What does this reveal about God's heart? ([01:25])
2. What was Adam and Eve's first response after they sinned, and what was God's initial question to them? ([10:15])
3. According to Philippians 3:12-13, what does Paul say he does to move forward in his faith journey? How does he describe this process? ([25:12])
4. How did David's complacency lead to his sin with Bathsheba, and what does this teach us about the dangers of self-satisfaction? ([18:11])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the father's reaction to the prodigal son's return teach us about God's attitude towards our repentance and intimacy with Him? ([07:26])
2. How does the enemy use isolation and shame to attack our intimacy with God, according to the sermon? ([05:58])
3. Why is it important to both forget the past and strain toward what lies ahead, as Paul describes in Philippians 3:12-13? How can focusing on only one aspect be detrimental? ([28:24])
4. What are the potential dangers of becoming complacent in our spiritual lives, as illustrated by David's story? How can we guard against this? ([19:49])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take to restore that intimacy, and how can you apply those steps now if needed? ([01:59])
2. The sermon mentioned that the enemy uses isolation and shame to keep us from God. Are there areas in your life where you feel isolated or ashamed? How can you bring these to God and seek His presence? ([05:58])
3. Paul talks about pressing on and forgetting the past. Is there something from your past that you need to let go of to move forward in your faith? What practical steps can you take this week to start this process? ([28:24])
4. David's complacency led to significant sin in his life. Are there areas where you have become complacent in your spiritual walk? How can you reignite your desperation and dependence on God? ([19:49])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of being fierce in protecting our intimacy with God. What specific actions can you take to fiercely guard your time with God this week? ([46:22])
6. How can you ensure that your pursuit of holiness is consistent and not just a temporary phase? What routines or habits can you establish to maintain this pursuit? ([12:23])
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of validating our trust in God by moving forward despite uncertainties. Is there a step of faith you feel God is calling you to take? How can you trust Him and take that step this week? ([31:55])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Unwavering Welcome
God's primary desire is to be near us, as illustrated in the story of the prodigal son. Despite our sins, He welcomes us back with open arms and no condemnation. This shows that our relationship with Him is more important than our past mistakes. The prodigal son, despite his waywardness, finds his way back to the Father, who welcomes him with open arms and no condemnation. This illustrates God's longing for intimacy with us, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible. The Father's joyous reception underscores that God wants us to come to Him, no matter how many times we struggle with the same issues. [01:25]
Isaiah 30:18 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt distant from God. How can you take a step today to return to Him, knowing He welcomes you with open arms?
Day 2: The Enemy's Distraction
There is a constant attack on our intimacy with God. The enemy, life’s currents, and even our flesh work to draw us away from Him. We must be fierce in protecting our relationship with God, understanding that apart from Him, we can do nothing. The enemy uses isolation and shame to draw us away from God. We must be vigilant and fierce in our pursuit of His heart, recognizing that our intimacy with God is under constant threat. [02:54]
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
Reflection: Identify one distraction in your life that pulls you away from God. What practical steps can you take today to minimize this distraction and protect your intimacy with Him?
Day 3: Intimacy Over Sin
God cares more about our intimacy with Him than our sin. The moment we stop coming to Him, we begin to backslide. The enemy uses isolation and shame to keep us from God, but we must continually come to Him, no matter how many times we struggle. The prodigal son's return and the Father's joyous reception underscore that God wants us to come to Him, no matter how many times we struggle with the same issues. [06:34]
Micah 7:18-19 (ESV): "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."
Reflection: Reflect on a recurring sin in your life. How can you approach God today, trusting that He values your relationship with Him more than your sin?
Day 4: Guarding Against Complacency
David's story with Bathsheba shows how complacency can lead to sin. When we become self-satisfied and lose our desperation for God, we are vulnerable to the enemy's attacks. We must fight to remain desperate and dependent on God. David's complacency led to his sin with Bathsheba, and we must guard against becoming self-satisfied and losing our desperation for God. [18:11]
Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV): "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."
Reflection: In what areas of your spiritual life have you become complacent? What steps can you take today to rekindle your desperation and dependence on God?
Day 5: Pressing On in Faith
Paul’s exhortation in Philippians 3:12-13 to press on, forgetting the past and straining toward what lies ahead, teaches us that spiritual growth requires both letting go of past failures and actively pursuing God’s future for us. This dual action helps us avoid stagnation and move forward in faith. The enemy uses our past to paralyze us, but God wants to use it to propel us forward. [28:24]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What past failure or regret is holding you back? How can you let go of it today and press on toward the future God has for you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God's heart is to be near us. So the opposite of that. The enemy, the current of life, our flesh even, will attack to draw you from that place. The enemy, the current of life, our flesh even, will attack to draw us away from that place. There's an attack on intimacy. I know there is in my life. And what I want to say is you have to be fierce in protecting that place of intimacy. You have to be fierce. You have to do whatever it takes. I mean, you've heard me say it. Abide or die. It's like the slogan for my life." [02:54] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I believe that God cares more about your intimacy with him than he does about your sin. Okay? Now hear me out here. I believe he cares more about your intimacy than your sin. You know, a couple Wednesday nights ago, and just to let you know, every first Wednesday we have a service together. But every other Wednesday we still come together. We pray. We worship. And we've been having just a great time of discussion where we just ask a few questions. And we just open it up. And those that are here are able to share. And we really just are diving in deeper to the message that went forth on the Sunday before." [03:47] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Don't ever stop going to God. Don't listen to that whisper, that lie of the enemy that will try to tell you God doesn't want to hear that again. That's baloney. That is baloney. You go to God. You go to God. I mean, we see this in the picture that we looked at of the younger son in the prodigal story, right? What happens? He finally comes to his senses. He's living in sin. Everything around him is crumbling down. A famine has broke out. He has nothing. He's living with pigs. He wants to eat the pig slop. And he comes to his senses and he says, I got to get back to my father's house at all costs." [07:26] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Pursuing holiness is really just this. It's consistently pursuing the heart of God. That's what it is. Because God is holy. I mean that is like. The main attribute. Of God is that he is holy. So. Pursuing holiness is just pursuing God. I mean if we are pursuing him in our life. If we are pursuing the heart of God. Naturally we are pursuing holiness. The closer we get to him. Everything in our life begins to change." [12:58] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Satan wants to use your past to paralyze you, to keep you stuck. God wants to use your past to propel you. You've got to understand this. One thing. It's one thing, right? One thing. It has to be the same action. Why? Why? Why? Why? Why? Why is it one action? Why is it one thing? Because I believe if we're just focused on forgetting the past, like if that is our main focus, you will become stagnant in your life. You know what stagnant is, right? Stagnant water. There's no movement. It's just sitting and it just becomes gross, right?" [30:09] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What causes someone to walk away from that place of intimacy with God? What causes someone to backslide? What causes that distance in someone's heart? And, you know, I shared just my story a little bit because that happened to me. Like right out of high school, like I met the Lord and I knew the Lord in high school and I was serving him. But something happened where right around the time when high school ended, man, I just, I ran from it. I ran from God. I was backslidden 100%. And I was just living my life, doing all kinds of dirt. And I, when I came back to the Lord years later, that was always something that I searched my heart because I wanted to be able to help other people that maybe to prevent that from happening in their lives." [04:37] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "David became complacent. Complacent. It says this. In the year where kings normally go out to war. And David. David was a warrior. You read it. I mean he was the first one out there. Leading his troops. Right. But when in this moment. When he's supposed to be out there. Leading his troops. He's not there. He's not where he's supposed to be. He's back chilling in the palace. Because he's got to a place now. Where he's become complacent. I could just see him feeling like I've made it. Here I am. I'll send Joab out there. Like I'm good right here. Right. And it says he gets up from his midday nap. In the palace. Isn't that nice? This all takes a midday naps. Gets up from that. Walks on the roof of the palace. And looks down." [18:46] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I press on. I press on. I press on. This is like a visual thing. I press on. I move forward. I press on. That means to have to press on. Means there is resistance. That he is pressing through. He wouldn't use this type of language if there was no resistance. He'd say. I. I. I. I. I. He says I press on. I have to fight to keep moving forward. Because there is resistance coming against me in this. In my pursuit of knowing him in a deeper way. I have to press on in that. Because there is resistance. I have to fight. I have to move forward. for that pursuit. I have to fight to continue this. I have to fight for this desperation in my life. I have to fight to remind myself I am dependent on him. I have to press. I have to press on, he says." [25:12] (82 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I believe that God is not the God of a second chance. Hear me out. He's the God of new beginnings. He's the God of new beginnings. God says this, I am the God of the new, the new life, the new birth, the new covenant. Time and time again he says this, behold, I make all things new. New. What does he say this? He says this. My mercy is new every morning. is new mercy, fresh mercy waiting for you every morning, every new morning. What is the one requirement for you to experience a new morning? You simply have to wake up, right? You got to wake up. a new morning." [38:19] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There is an attack on your intimacy. There is. For some of you, that attack has ramped up even more in your life. And really, for those that know there's an attack on your intimacy, it's because you know. But I'm going to tell you, some of you don't even know it. Because there hasn't been any intimacy in your life for quite some time. So you don't even realize it anymore. This is not, and again, this is not a shame thing at all. For some of us, this is a reminder. Where are you? I got to get back. I got to prioritize your presence of God. For some of you, you've never developed that in your life. You've never really truly prioritized the presence of God in your life on a daily, daily basis. And today is the day where God is saying, this is what matters most." [44:35] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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