1. Developing Intimacy with God Lesson 6 “And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” -- Genesis 5:24

2. Developing Intimacy with God What is the difference between being religious and being spiritual? (James 1:26- 27; Romans 8:6; 1 Corinthians 9:11) –Thayer’s definitions: RELIGION: Θρησκεία (threskeia) “religious worship, especially external, that which consists of ceremonies. Religious discipline…” SPIRITUAL: Πνευματικός (pneumatikos) “relating to the human spirit, or rational soul, as part of the man which is akin to God and serves as his instrument…” The Pharisees were religious without being spiritual (Matthew 23:25-28) –It is the difference between knowing about God and knowing God (Jn. 17:3; 1 Jn. 5:20)

3. Developing Intimacy with God God desires communion with man. –From the beginning. (Genesis 1:26-27; 2:8-9; 3:8-9) –With Israel (Exodus 25:8-9; 1 Kings 6:11-13; Ezekiel 36:24-28; Jeremiah 24:7; 31:3) –Through His Son (Matt. 1:23; John 1:18; 14:8-9; 1 John 4:13-15) –In His church (Ephesians 2:19-22; 2 Corinthians 6:14-16)

4. Developing Intimacy with God Intimacy with God begins when we pursue a relationship with Him with the whole heart. (Psalms 27:8; 63:1-8; 105:4; James 4:8) Meditation enables communion with God because it aids in the following: –Thoughtfulness in Prayer (Psalm 5:1-3) –An awareness that God is listening to our hearts as well as to our words. (Psalm 19:14) –A deeper appreciation of the nature of God, His works and His word (Psalms 46:10; 63:6-8; 143:5-6)

5. Developing Intimacy with God Communion with God through worship. –God is in our worship assemblies (Matthew 18:20; cf. 1 Corinthians 14:25) –We draw near to Him, and He to us, through prayer (Psalm 69:16-18) –We commune with Him and one another in the Lord’s supper (1 Corinthians 10:16-17) –Our singing is done “to God” (Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 13:15) “A close relationship with Him is cultivated the same way human friendships are—through time spent together, open communication and shared interests.”

6. Developing Intimacy with God Man can have no greater experience than a close, intimate relationship with his Creator. Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD...” (Jeremiah 9:23-24)