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"Getting Closer to God" Part 1 of the "8 Simple Things" series
1 Timothy 3:6-11
Dr. Scott E. Koenigsaecker, January 9, 2011
INTRODUCTION:
- “It has been said that the quality of one’s life is determined by the quality of one’s relationships.”
· Four levels of relationships:
o Public
o Social
o Personal
o Intimate
B. If our desire is to have a greater faith we must have a greater closeness to Christ.
· Closeness to God is about growth and maturity.
“That you may become mature Christians and may fulfill God’s will for you.”
Colossians 4:12b (Phillips)
- What does it take?
I. GETTING CLOSER TO GOD REQUIRES ACTION.
A. How distant or close do you feel to God?
B. Closeness to God is a matter of training.
"Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives' tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and the life to come." I Timothy 4:7-8
· Easier to be religious than be godly.
"I see that in every way you are very religious… I…looked carefully at your objects of worship. I even found an alter with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you." Acts 17:22-23
· Easier to do when things are good, harder when things are difficult.
"But He knows where I am going and when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God's paths; I have followed His ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from His commands…" Job 23:10-12
C. God’s training program:
· Worship plus 2
o Attend worship regularly
o Become part of a Bible study
o Join a Ministry Team in service
II. GETTING CLOSER TO GOD REFLECTS WISDOM.
- Normally, intimacy with God is not instant or automatic.
· It is a relationship built over time.
“Continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ.” II Peter 3:18
· It is a relationship deepened through vulnerability.
“And the man and woman were both naked and were not ashamed.” Genesis 2:25
- This is an issue of character development.
· Not the mere gaining of knowledge
· Not the mere increase in our skill level
- "The training we need is that which corrects, molds and prefects our moral character."
Pastor/Author Charles Swindoll
C. The crucible of wisdom is the collision of our will with God’s Will.
“I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead.”
Philippians 3:10
CONCLUSION: