CULTIVATING A DEEP RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: James 4:8
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Supporting Texts:
Psalm 63:1-4
John 15:4-5
Philippians 3:10
Jeremiah 29:13
Psalm 42:1-2
INTRODUCTION:
A deep relationship with God is the essence of the Christian walk. It is the foundation for experiencing His presence, knowing His will, and living a life that pleases Him. However, cultivating such a relationship requires intentionality and dedication. It’s not enough to have surface-level encounters with God; we must desire and seek a profound connection with Him. This sermon will explore practical steps and biblical examples that show how we can develop a close, intimate relationship with God.
1. THE DESIRE FOR A DEEPER RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
The first step toward cultivating a deep relationship with God is to have a burning desire for more of Him. This desire must go beyond seeking God for what He can give but focus on knowing Him for who He is.
a) Hunger for God’s Presence: True depth in our relationship with God begins with a hunger for His presence, a longing to be with Him (Psalm 63:1).
b) Thirst for Spiritual Growth: Like the psalmist, we must thirst for spiritual nourishment and growth, wanting to be filled with God’s Word and Spirit (Psalm 42:1-2).
c) Seeking to Know God More: Our pursuit should not be based solely on blessings but on knowing God intimately and understanding His nature (Philippians 3:10).
d) Consistency in Seeking God: Cultivating a deeper relationship requires a daily commitment to seek God, not just in times of crisis (Jeremiah 29:13).
e) Making God Your Priority: A deeper relationship with God comes when we prioritise Him over all other things in life (Matthew 6:33).
Biblical Example:
David (Psalm 27:4) sought the presence of God above all else. His desire to dwell in God’s house and behold His beauty demonstrated his heart’s longing for a deep, personal relationship with the Lord.
2. ABIDING IN CHRIST: THE FOUNDATION OF DEEP RELATIONSHIP
Jesus taught that a deep relationship with God is built upon abiding in Him. Abiding means to remain, to dwell continuously in Christ.
a) Staying Connected to the Vine: Just as branches remain connected to the vine to bear fruit, we must stay connected to Christ for spiritual nourishment (John 15:4-5).
b) Dependency on God: Abiding in Christ involves total dependence on Him for every aspect of our lives, knowing we can do nothing without Him (John 15:5).
c) Walking in Obedience: To abide in Christ means walking in obedience to His commands, which is essential to maintaining a deep relationship with Him (John 14:15).
d) Abiding through the Word: A deep relationship with God is sustained by abiding in His Word, meditating on it day and night (Joshua 1:8).
e) Abiding in Prayer: Consistent communication through prayer deepens our relationship with God, as we pour out our hearts to Him and listen for His voice (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Biblical Example:
Jesus (Mark 1:35) often withdrew to solitary places to spend time with the Father. His continuous communion with God in prayer set an example of what it means to abide and maintain a deep relationship.
3. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES THAT DEEPEN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Spiritual disciplines are practices that help us cultivate a deeper walk with God. These disciplines are not merely religious rituals but are designed to draw us closer to God.
a) Prayer and Fasting: Prayer is our means of communication with God, and fasting intensifies our focus and reliance on Him (Matthew 6:6, Matthew 6:17-18).
b) Study of the Word: The Word of God is our guide for life, and studying it regularly helps us to know God’s heart and will (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
c) Worship: Worshipping God in spirit and truth draws us into His presence and aligns our hearts with His (John 4:23-24).
d) Solitude and Meditation: Spending quiet time with God, away from distractions, allows us to reflect on His goodness and hear from Him clearly (Psalm 46:10).
e) Confession and Repentance: Maintaining a pure heart through confession and repentance keeps our relationship with God unhindered by sin (1 John 1:9).
Biblical Example:
Daniel (Daniel 6:10) had a disciplined prayer life. Despite facing persecution, he remained steadfast in seeking God, and his deep relationship with God gave him boldness and favour.
4. INTIMACY WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in helping us cultivate a deep relationship with God. He is our Comforter, Teacher, and Guide, leading us into deeper truth.
a) The Holy Spirit as Our Helper: The Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses and intercedes for us according to God’s will (Romans 8:26).
b) The Holy Spirit as Our Teacher: He teaches us all things and reminds us of Jesus’ words, deepening our understanding of God’s ways (John 14:26).
c) Walking in the Spirit: As we walk in the Spirit, we are guided by Him in our daily lives, keeping us in step with God’s plan (Galatians 5:16).
d) The Spirit as a Source of Intimacy: The Holy Spirit reveals the deep things of God and makes them known to us, leading us into a deeper relationship with Him (1 Corinthians 2:10).
e) The Fruit of the Spirit: As we cultivate a deeper relationship with God, the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more—becomes evident in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).
Biblical Example:
Paul (Acts 16:6-10) was sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. His deep relationship with God allowed him to be guided by the Spirit in his missionary journeys, leading to fruitful ministry.
5. OBSTACLES TO A DEEP RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Several factors can hinder us from cultivating a deep relationship with God. Identifying and overcoming these obstacles is key to growing closer to Him.
a) Distractions and Busyness: The cares of life and constant distractions can pull us away from spending quality time with God (Luke 10:38-42).
b) Unrepentant Sin: Sin separates us from God and hardens our hearts, preventing us from experiencing deeper intimacy with Him (Isaiah 59:2).
c) Spiritual Apathy: A lack of spiritual fervour and complacency can cause us to drift away from God and lose our passion for Him (Revelation 3:15-16).
d) Doubt and Unbelief: Doubting God’s love and promises can hinder us from fully trusting Him and cultivating a close relationship (Hebrews 11:6).
e) Neglect of Spiritual Disciplines: Inconsistent prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers can weaken our relationship with God (Hebrews 10:25).
Biblical Example:
Martha (Luke 10:38-42) was distracted by her busyness and missed the opportunity to sit at Jesus’ feet like Mary did. Mary chose the better part by prioritising intimacy with Jesus.
6. BENEFITS OF A DEEP RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
When we cultivate a deep relationship with God, we experience profound benefits that enrich our spiritual lives and draw us closer to His heart.
a) Intimacy with God: A deep relationship with God leads to a greater sense of His presence in our lives and an intimate connection with Him (Psalm 16:11).
b) Spiritual Maturity: As we draw near to God, we grow in spiritual wisdom, discernment, and maturity, becoming more like Christ (Ephesians 4:13-15).
c) Inner Peace and Joy: The closer we are to God, the more we experience His peace that surpasses understanding and His joy that strengthens us (Philippians 4:7, Nehemiah 8:10).
d) Divine Guidance: Those who cultivate a deep relationship with God receive His guidance and direction in all aspects of life (Proverbs 3:5-6).
e) Fruitfulness in Ministry: A close relationship with God equips us to bear much fruit in our ministry and impact the world around us (John 15:5).
Biblical Example:
Enoch (Genesis 5:24) walked closely with God, so much so that God took him to heaven without experiencing death. His life is a powerful example of the blessings that come from cultivating an intimate, deep relationship with the Lord. Enoch’s walk with God demonstrated unwavering faith and complete reliance on Him.
CONCLUSION:
Cultivating a deep relationship with God requires desire, intentionality, and discipline. By prioritising God in our daily lives, abiding in Christ, practicing spiritual disciplines, and overcoming distractions, we can draw closer to Him and experience the richness of His presence. As we deepen our walk with the Lord, we are transformed, empowered, and guided by the Holy Spirit, leading to greater fruitfulness in our spiritual journey.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a burning desire to draw closer to You daily.
2. Father, help me to abide in You and stay connected to Your presence.
3. Holy Spirit, guide me in cultivating spiritual disciplines that deepen my walk with God.
4. Lord, remove any distractions or obstacles that hinder my relationship with You.
5. Father, grant me a heart that seeks You earnestly, even in difficult seasons.
6. Holy Spirit, teach me to walk in obedience to God’s Word and live according to His will.
7. Lord, help me to overcome spiritual apathy and ignite a passion for You in my heart.
8. Father, fill me with the knowledge of Your will and help me grow in spiritual maturity.
9. Holy Spirit, lead me into deeper intimacy with the Father and reveal His heart to me.
10. Lord, may my life reflect Your glory as I cultivate a deeper relationship with You.
