GROWING IN INTIMACY WITH GOD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Psalm 42:1-2
Supporting Texts: Jeremiah 29:13, James 4:8, John 15:4-5, Philippians 3:10, Revelation 3:20
INTRODUCTION:
Intimacy with God is not a casual relationship—it is a deep and personal connection where your spirit longs for Him just as the psalmist declared: "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God." Many believers today know about God, but very few truly know Him in deep fellowship. We must move from surface religion into sincere communion.
Growing in intimacy with God transforms every area of our lives. It affects our desires, our decisions, and our destiny. It is in this place of closeness that we hear His voice clearly, enjoy His presence fully, and walk in His power boldly. Intimacy brings satisfaction that material things can never give.
Today, God is calling us to seek Him wholeheartedly, to pursue Him with passion, and to make Him the centre of our lives. Let us explore how to grow in intimacy with our heavenly Father.
1. DESIRE FOR GOD MUST BE GENUINE AND DEEP
When our hearts truly long for God, it becomes evident in how we seek Him daily.
a) Intimacy starts with hunger (Psalm 63:1): True intimacy begins when our soul thirsts for God like someone in a dry and weary land.
b) Desire is proven by pursuit (Jeremiah 29:13): God promises to be found when we seek Him with all our hearts.
c) Superficiality kills intimacy (Matthew 15:8): We must avoid drawing near to God with lips only, while our hearts remain far.
d) Intimacy requires time and focus (Luke 10:39): Just as Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, intimacy demands undivided attention.
Biblical Example: David's life shows deep yearning for God; he was called a man after God's heart because he consistently sought the Lord (Psalm 27:4).
2. INTIMACY GROWS THROUGH CONSISTENT FELLOWSHIP
To become intimate with God, you must spend regular time in His presence.
a) Prayer is the lifeline of intimacy (James 4:8): When we draw near to God in prayer, He draws near to us.
b) The Word of God reveals His heart (Psalm 119:105): His Word is the primary way He speaks and reveals Himself.
c) Worship creates an atmosphere of closeness (John 4:23-24): True worship invites God's presence and deepens our bond with Him.
d) Quietness allows us to hear Him (Psalm 46:10): We must be still and intentional to know and feel God near.
Biblical Example: Enoch walked with God daily, and his deep fellowship led to a supernatural departure from earth (Genesis 5:24).
3. INTIMACY WITH GOD REQUIRES HOLINESS AND OBEDIENCE
God does not fellowship with sin; intimacy is nurtured by a pure and surrendered life.
a) Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2): We must confess and forsake sin to maintain intimacy.
b) Obedience is the evidence of love (John 14:23): Those who obey His commands are those who truly love Him.
c) Purity of heart attracts God (Matthew 5:8): The pure in heart shall see God and experience His closeness.
d) Intimacy grows as we live in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16): Walking in the Spirit keeps us connected and sensitive to God.
Biblical Example: Daniel maintained holiness in a corrupt land and enjoyed divine favour and revelation (Daniel 1:8; 9:23).
4. INTIMACY WITH GOD PRODUCES SUPERNATURAL RESULTS
As we grow closer to God, His nature begins to reflect in our lives, and we enjoy His supernatural blessings.
a) Divine direction flows from closeness (Psalm 32:8): God leads those who stay near Him.
b) Power and boldness increase (Acts 4:13): The apostles’ boldness came from being with Jesus.
c) Intimacy brings peace and assurance (Isaiah 26:3): A close relationship with God calms all fears.
d) Fruitfulness is guaranteed (John 15:5): Abiding in Him results in lasting fruit in every area.
Biblical Example: Jesus often withdrew to solitary places to pray, and from that intimacy flowed power and miracles (Mark 1:35).
5. INTIMACY WITH GOD MUST BE A LIFELONG PURSUIT
We must never settle for yesterday’s encounter; intimacy must grow daily and continually.
a) The more we know Him, the more we desire Him (Philippians 3:10): Paul, after great exploits, still longed for deeper knowledge of Christ.
b) Daily surrender keeps the fire burning (Romans 12:1): Presenting ourselves daily as a living sacrifice keeps intimacy alive.
c) Avoid spiritual complacency (Revelation 2:4-5): Intimacy fades when love for God is replaced by routine.
d) God rewards those who continually seek Him (Hebrews 11:6): Intimacy attracts divine approval and rewards.
Biblical Example: Moses never stopped pressing into God’s presence—even after great miracles, he asked, “Show me Your glory” (Exodus 33:18).
CONCLUSION:
Growing in intimacy with God is the highest calling of every believer. It is not a one-time event, but a continual pursuit of knowing, loving, and experiencing God more deeply each day. Intimacy transforms us, empowers us, and aligns us with His will.
Make the decision today to hunger for Him more, to spend quality time in His presence, and to remove every obstacle to deeper fellowship. God is waiting with open arms to draw you close and reveal Himself in new ways. Like the deer longs for water, let your soul continually long for God.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, increase my hunger and thirst for You.
2. Help me to prioritise time with You daily.
3. Remove every distraction that hinders intimacy.
4. Cleanse my heart from all sin and bitterness.
5. Teach me to love Your presence above all else.
6. Empower me to walk in obedience and holiness.
7. Reveal Yourself to me in greater dimensions.
8. Help me grow in worship, prayer, and the Word.
9. Let my life reflect the fruit of close fellowship with You.
10. Cause my spiritual walk to be strong and unshakeable.
