REDISCOVERING INTIMACY

Revelation 2:1 – 5 1 Timothy 4:6 – 8

Being Presentor

Presence

Revelation 2: 1 – 51 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.2 “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. 3 I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

Intimacy There is a difference between

growing beyond your first love and leaving it.

There is a difference between emphasizing the relational contract and relational contact.

Relational progress requires personal proximity.

Intimacy

How do we rediscover our intimacy with God?

1 Timothy 4: 6 – 10 “6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.”

Intimacy Requires Discipline

“being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have

followed” (v. 6)

Rule # 1 of Intimacy:If matters to God, it must

matter to us.

Intimacy Requires Distance

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths” (v. 7)

Rule # 2 of Intimacy:The only way to draw closer to

God is to distance ourselves from distracting influences.

Intimacy Requires Dedication

“godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for

the life to come” (v. 8)

Rule # 3 of Intimacy:Our focus must shift from

momentary selfish pleasures to the promises of a God-filled life.

Intimacy Requires Desire “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who

believe.” (v. 10)

Rule # 4 of Intimacy:We must strive to discover not only the

benefits of relationship, but also the personhood of God.

REDISCOVERING INTIMACY

Revelation 2:1 – 5 1 Timothy 4:6 – 8