Developing Intimacy with God

Developing Intimacy with God

“And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took Him”

(Genesis 5:24)

INTRO

In the frantic pace of modern living, it is very possible that many of us are relatively religious, but not very spiritual. There is a difference. One is more outward, the other more inward. We may know much about God, but struggle to really know God (Philippians 3:10; 1 John 5:20).

What is Intimacy?

Intimacy means creating an authentic connection. That is the definition of intimacy. Intimacy is linked with feelings of closeness, safety, trust and transparency among partners in a collaborative relationship.

I. DEVELOPING INTIMACY WITH GOD

A. God Desires Communion. Don’t let the greatness and awesome majesty of God fool you—He desires communion with His creation. Note how He has sought communion with man at various times.

• Genesis 3:8-9

• Exodus 25:8-9

• 1 Kings 6:11-13

• Matthew 1:23

• Ephesians 2:19-22

• Ephesians 3:17

• 1 John 4:12-16

B. Communion through Meditation. Meditation allows us to suspend the world around us for a time while we consider things of a spiritual nature (Psalm 4:4). What does “meditation” help us to do?

• Psalm 5:1-3

• Psalm 19:14

• Psalm 46:10

• Psalm 49:3

• Psalm 63:6-8

• Psalm 143:5-6

C. Communion through Worship. Worship lifts us to a higher spiritual plane, where we come in contact with the Lord Himself (Hebrews 4:16). How does each of the following bring us into communion with God and Christ?

• Assembling for worship (Matthew 18:20)

• Prayer (Philippians 4:6)

• Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:23-29)

• Singing (Hebrews 13:15)

CONCLUSION—There is great joy and rich blessings in “knowing God” and sharing that intimate relationship with Him (Jeremiah 9:23-24; John 17:3). Such is the kind of men God seeks (Hosea 6:6). The man, who sets out to know God and His Son, never arrives—he keeps on arriving all the time. He never fully comprehends—but he keeps on...