Francis Chan: Intimacy With God (Part 1)

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message is a call to reevaluate our priorities and desires, encouraging us to pursue intimacy with God above all else. The speaker emphasizes that nothing on this Earth can bring us more pleasure than knowing God intimately. This teaching challenges us to stop focusing on what we don't have and start recognizing the good things we already possess in our relationship with God.

Key Scripture References

• Psalms 73:1-3 - The psalmist expresses his struggle with envy towards the wicked, who seem to be prospering without any struggles. He acknowledges that he almost lost his faith due to this temptation.
• Psalms 73:4-5 - The psalmist describes the wicked as having no struggles in their lives, being healthy and strong, and living in prosperity. He notes how they seem to have no regard for God or His laws.
• Genesis 3:1-7 - This passage highlights the temptation of Adam and Eve by Satan, who promised them that eating from the forbidden tree would bring them knowledge and power like God's. However, this desire led to their downfall and separation from God.
• Matthew 6:33-34 - Jesus teaches us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and promises that all these things will be added unto us. This passage emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above material wealth and security.
• Romans 8:32 - Paul reminds us that God's love for us is so great that He would not withhold any good thing from us, even if it means giving up His own Son. This passage highlights the depth of God's commitment to our well-being and relationship with Him.
• Psalm 16:9-11 - David expresses his confidence in God's goodness and provision, stating that He will not abandon him or let his enemies triumph over him. This psalm encourages us to trust in God's loving care and protection.
• 1 John 2:15-17 - The apostle John warns us against loving the world and its desires, which are contrary to God's will. He reminds us that we must not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds through Christ.

Main Points

• We often struggle with envy towards those who seem to be prospering without any struggles, just like the psalmist in Psalm 73.
• The wicked may appear to have no regard for God or His laws, but this does not mean they are truly happy or fulfilled.
• Our desire for wealth and security can lead us away from our relationship with God, just as it did for Adam and Eve.
• We must prioritize our relationship with God above all else, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33-34).
• God's love for us is so great that He would not withhold any good thing from us, even if it means giving up His own Son (Romans 8:32).
• We must trust in God's loving care and provision, just as David did in Psalm 16.
• We must not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds through Christ (1 John 2:15-17).

Application

This message encourages us to reevaluate our priorities and desires, recognizing that nothing on this Earth can bring us more pleasure than knowing God intimately. We must stop focusing on what we don't have and start acknowledging the good things we already possess in our relationship with God.

As we reflect on our own struggles with envy and temptation, let us remember the psalmist's words: "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart" (Psalm 73:1). Let us prioritize our relationship with God above all else, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. May we trust in God's loving care and provision, just as David did in Psalm 16. And may we be transformed by the renewing of our minds through Christ, avoiding the temptation to love the world and its desires (1 John 2:15-17).