Intimacy with God (1)

Intimacy with God 1 (111)

Genesis 28:7-16

7 And that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother, and was gone to Padan-aram; 8 And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father; 9 Then went Esau unto Ishmael, and took unto the wives which he had Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife. 10 And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. 11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. 16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not. (KJV)

Introduction:

In his interesting book Singing With Understanding, Kenneth Osbeck tells of the origin of the much loved hymn, "Nearer, My God to Thee." He writes that the author, Sarah Adams of England, was known for her literary talents. One day her pastor said he wished he could find a song to use with his sermon about the Lord's unique appearance to Jacob recorded in Genesis 28.

Remember the patriarch was reminded of God's covenant of grace with him through a dream. This expression of His loving, providential care drew Jacob into a closer fellowship with the Heavenly Father. This was at a time when all of Jacob's plans had been foiled and he had only a stone for a pillow.

Having caught the gist of her minister's sermon, Sarah Adams skillfully condensed that Biblical story into five stanzas. These two stanzas give the spiritual flavor of its lyrics: "Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me; Still all my song shall be, Nearer, my God, to Thee. There let the way appear, steps unto heaven; All that Thou sendest me, in mercy given-- Angels to beckon me Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!"

Many touching stories have been told of how this song was used in the hour of crisis. For instance, William McKinley, assassinated American President, whispered some of its words on his deathbed. And in 1912, as the "Titanic" sank into the icy waters of the Atlantic sending 1,500 people into eternity, survivors said that the band played, "Nearer, My God, to Thee."

How can a simple mortal enjoy friendship with God? What possible common ground could bring us together in intimacy and friendship?

Intimacy with God is something all should desire. The thought of a human becoming friends with God boggles the mind. As small, weak creatures, what could we possibly have in common with the Almighty Creator of the universe?

God desires that we know Him intimately.

I. The Great Men of the Past Enjoyed Intimacy with God.

A. Enoch a man who walked with God. You notice that ten men are listed in that chapter, starting with Adam, continuing through Seth, and ending with Noah. In each case the Bible says that each man lived for so many years. You need to underscore the word "lived". Every man was said to "live" from the time he became a father to the time he was buried, except Noah and Enoch.

In Gen 5:18-24 the Bible records one of those genealogies that are so tempting to skip or read through quickly.

Gen 5:22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: (KJV)

Gen 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. (KJV)

1. The others mentioned in that chapter lived out their allotted time, but Noah and Enoch walked with God.

2. Walked with God is a common phrase in Eastern countries, indicating constant, familiar and confidential communion. It portrays intimacy and implies a situation of nearness to God. When the Bible says that Enoch and Noah "walked with God," it means they both "realized God's presence and enjoyed His communion in extraordinary measure." They cultivated a deepening intimacy with God, not an occasional stroll, but in a walk that covered three hundred years, and that in a godless environment.

B. Abraham God's friend.

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (KJV)

Isa 41:8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. (KJV)

2 Chr 20:7 Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? (KJV)

C. Moses had a special relationship with God. Before the tabernacle was built, he put up a tent on the outskirts of the camp of Israel. It was to this "tent of meeting" that he would go so he could talk to God face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.

Ex 33:7 And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the Tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass, that every one which sought the LORD went out unto the tabernacle of the congregation, which was without the camp. (KJV)

Ex 33:7 Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the "tent of meeting." Anyone inquiring of the LORD would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp. (NIV)

1. A believer recalled visiting Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, near Edinburgh. He said, "After the guide had shown us the great author's elaborate, richly furnished study and private desk with its secret compartments, he led us to a door in the corner. It opened into a tiny undecorated room with space only for a table and two benches. The guide said in hushed tones, 'This is where all intimately personal and important matters were discussed. When publishers, bankers, or royalty came to talk, they were taken to this room. We Scots call it the "closet." You know, like the Bible says in Matthew 6:6.'"

De 34:10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, (KJV)

2. This is a great tribute to Moses and conveys the idea that he was an intimate friend of God.
Moses' intimate communion with God was a result of not only his personal contact with Him , but his candidness and openness with God. Nothing was between them. Moses did not hold anything back or camouflage his feelings. This unrestricted, face-to-face dialogue with God does not surprise us because this is the kind of communication we would expect in deep friendship.

D. Job experienced an intimate friendship with God. Job reflected on his life and recalled a time when he enjoyed special friendship with God.

Job 29:2-4

2 "How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me, 3 when his lamp shone upon my head and by his light I walked through darkness! 4 Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house, (NIV)

E. It's what made David a man after God's own heart. David clearly enjoyed intimacy with God. One of the primary reasons David was intimate with God was because of the hours he spent in prayer in personal communication with God.

1 Sam 13:14 But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD's command." (NIV)

Acts 13:22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. He testified concerning him: `I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.' (NIV)

F. Paul's desire to know God intimately.

Phil 3:10 I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, (NIV)

1. Intimacy goes beyond abstract knowledge of God or facts about him, but knowing him personally and intimately.

2. Paul was not referring to mere intellectual knowledge; he was talking about having a relationship with God on a personal level, enjoying friendship and communion, having a special intimacy with Him.

G. Intimacy with God is the Christians goal.

Eph 1:17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. (NIV)

1. When Queen Victoria reigned in England, she occasionally would visit some of the humble cottages of her subjects. One time she entered the home of a widow and stayed to enjoy a brief period of Christian fellowship. Later on, the poor woman was taunted by her worldly neighbors. "Granny," they said, "who's the most honored guest you've ever entertained in your home?" They expected her to say it was Jesus, for despite their constant ridicule of her Christian witness, they recognized her deep spirituality. But to their surprise she answered, "The most honored guest I've entertained is Her Majesty the Queen." "Did you say the Queen? Ah, we caught you this time? How about this Jesus you're always talking about? Isn't He your most honored guest?" Her answer was definite and scriptural, "No, indeed! He's not a guest. HE LIVES HERE!"

2. We have an almost glorified view of the faith of the ancients and are forever putting them up on a spiritual pedestal. For some reason many of us have come to believe that only they could have an intimate relationship with God. We have convinced ourselves and each other that people who lived in biblical times were somehow different than those of us living today.

3. The great desire of God is for His people to know Him personally -- intimately.

II. God Calls Christians To Intimacy.

A. God calls His sons and daughters to enter into and enjoy a close relationship with Him.

He 10:19-22
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (KJV)

The writer of Hebrews spoke of the worship that took place in the tent of meeting. They did not have the freedom of approach. They had to travel to Jerusalem. But now, at any time, anywhere, every Christian has the privilege and opportunity of intimacy with the heavenly Father.

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (KJV)

1 Pet 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (KJV)

Rev 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV)

B. In the book of James is also another passage where God calls us near. God was not only calling His people back to Him in James 4:8, but He was assuring us that if we do return, he will be ready to meet us.

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (KJV)

1. If you go after God, He will go after you! Inch toward God, and He will step toward you. Step toward God, and He will sprint toward you. Sprint toward God, and He will fly to you!

2. James was writing passionately about Christians living close to God and having a warm, personal intimate relationship with Him. When we come to the Father, He always responds. He without fail comes close to us. What a great blessing and comfort it is for all God's children to know that we can draw near Him!

Gal 3:26-27 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (KJV)

3. "Some people feel greatly honored when they are given a place at the dinner table where the finest china and the costliest linen are set. But the people who are really honored are the ones whose places at the table have been set with dishes that don't match and paper napkins. "These are the tried and true and trusted friends who have no need to be impressed--and would never think of criticizing. These are the most honored guests!" [The Preacher's Illustration Service, Jan/Feb 1991. Page 15.]

C. Jesus gave his disciples the right to come in on the same level of intimacy as Himself.

Mt 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (KJV)

Mk 14:36 And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. (KJV)

Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (KJV)

D. How is it possible for God's children today to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him? It is possible only through Jesus. It is through Him that we know God. John said that it is through Jesus that we are given an understanding that makes it possible for us to have knowledge of God.

1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. (KJV)

1. The word "Know" in this verse means to go beyond intellectual apprehension, or information. "Know" denotes knowledge gained by personal experience, close association and fellowship.

2. A relationship is something that must be nurtured. The idea is that this relationship should grow, deepen and be dynamic. Our knowledge of God, which begins at conversion, must be cultivated.

3. God wants his children to grow and mature in their knowledge of and relationship with Him.

1 Pet 2:2-3 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (KJV)

2 Pet 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (KJV)

4. Our goal after conversion is to develop our relationship with God, get closer to and deepen our fellowship with Him as we continue to live our life of faith.

Conclusion:

1. It is true that God is not very far from any of us. Paul spoke of God's nearness.

Acts 17:25-29 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. (KJV)

2. But how is intimacy developed? Does it come by accident? Is a deep relationship with God possible without any activity on your part? We need to be involved in specific spiritual activities on a daily basis if we want to walk close to God.

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