Obstacles to Intimacy with God

I. Introduction: Several weeks ago, we studied about the importance of developing an intimate relationship with God. In such a relationship, we will know the joy, peace, security, and love that God has for His children. We also learn the importance of pleasing God in order to preserve the relationship and communication with God through study and prayer. This morning, we are going to examine some obstacles that hinder our efforts to develop an intimate relationship with God.

II. Text: Colossians 3:1-11

III. Sinfulness

A. Sin separates God and man

B. Isaiah 59:1-2 – Our iniquities separate us from God Ephesians 4:17-19 – No longer walk in sin

C. We will sometimes sin

D. 1 John 1:8-9 – We deceive ourselves if we say we have no sin We strive for holiness but will sometimes fail However, if we are walking with Jesus, we can have forgiveness of sins

E. The obstacle to intimacy with God is continuing in sin after one becomes a Christian

F. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 – Behaving carnally, not spiritually Hebrews 10:26-27 – If we rebel, we no longer benefit from Christ’s sacrifice2 Peter 2:20-21 – It would have been better to not know God than to turn from Him

G. Remedy: Put on the new man

H. Ephesians 4:20-24 – Put on the new man1 Peter 1:13-19 – Be holy and do not conform to the worldI cannot have intimacy with God if I know that I am not trying to please Him and am willfully disobeying His commands

IV. False Worship

A. God is not pleased with false worship

B. Mark 7:6-8 – Vain worship Matthew 7:21 – Not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord” shall enter heaven

C. We must worship in spirit and truth

D. John 4:23-24 – Jesus’ exhortation True worshippers as distinguished from false worshippers

E. Must have both spirit and truth in order to please God

F. Spirit without truth, Colossians 2:23 Truth without spirit, Amos 5:21-22“Unfortunately, the current climate in the church tends to treat worship as a time for entertaining the worshipper and catering to the worshipper’s wants. Consequently, worshippers have lost the deep, reverent mindset that approaches the worship assembly with a strong sense of respect and cautious intention to please God.” Dave Miller, Piloting the Strait, p.182.

G. If we want intimacy with God, we must approach Him in the way He commanded

V. Philosophy and Empty Deceit

A. The philosophy of the world can separate us from God

B. Colossians 2:8 – Do not let anyone cheat you Worldly wisdom is appealing to modern man

C. However, God’s wisdom is superior though presented in a simple form, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.

D. The modern wise man seeks more than is revealed; he cannot be satisfied with the simplicity of the gospel. Some seek hidden messages, modern prophecies, and miss the obvious message of the Scripture. With God, much is unknowable for man cannot grasp it but he does not have to know it; God has revealed what is necessary, Job 42:2-3

E. We must be satisfied with the truth in Christ

F. John 14:6 – Jesus is the embodiment of truth Colossians 2:2-3 – In Christ is hidden all knowledge

VI. Persecution

A. Some will allow persecution to hinder their relationship with God

B. 1 Thessalonians 3:3-5 – Paul feared this in the Thessalonians

C. Some will give up because of trials

D. Perhaps they suffer insults from family and friends for becoming a Christian. Perhaps they suffer insults and slights from family and friends for trying to teach true worship and service to God as revealed in the Bible.

E. We must not give up since, if we endure, we will have a reward, Hebrews 10:32-39

F. After they became Christians, they suffered persecution The writer urges them to continue in the faith lest they suffered in vain If they do not give up, they will have an eternal reward promised by God.

G. We must remember that the righteous will suffer persecution

H. Matthew 5:10-12 – Jesus’ promise of persecution1 Peter 4:12-16 – Glory to suffer as a Christian

I. Let persecution draw you closer to God

VII. False Doctrine

A. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 – Some will follow religious deception instead of the truth

B. Paul’s warning

C. Appear godly but are not, 2 Timothy 3:5 Always learning but never knowing the truth, 2 Timothy 3:7 Use profane and idle babblings and foolish and ignorant disputes to promote their beliefs, 2 Timothy 2:16, 24 Will tell people what they want to hear, 2 Timothy 4:3 Insubordinate to God’s will, Titus 1:10; Jude Profess to know God but in works deny Him, Titus 1:16

D. The only way to overcome this obstacle is through the truth

E. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-122 Timothy 2:10, 14-15 Titus 1:9;2:1

F. Do not let anyone cheat you of your salvation and an intimate relationship with God by leading you away from the truth

VIII. Worldliness

A. Love of the world will separate us from God

B. 1 John 2:15-17 – Love not the world Jesus taught this in Matthew 6:24

C. The allurements of the world beckon us to turn our backs on God

D. We are tempted to enjoy the passing sinful pleasures instead of denying sinful lusts and looking toward the eternal pleasures of heaven We are tempted to hold onto this earthly home instead of living as pilgrims journeying towards our heavenly home. We are tempted to make friends with the world instead of friends in the kingdom.

E. We forget that this world is temporary, a fleeting joy, and a vapor compared to the long expanse of eternity

F. We must focus on eternal things

G. 2 Corinthians 5:1 – Our eternal home that awaits us2 Peter 3:10-13 – What manner of persons ought you be Colossians 3:1-11 – Seek the things above

IX. What hinders you from an intimate relationship with God?