The quest for satisfaction is universal. Everyone desires happiness, contentment, and fulfillment. However, the world offers temporary and fleeting pleasures that never satisfy our deepest longings. As C.S. Lewis said in Mere Christianity, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” That desire for satisfaction, which is not of this world, can be fulfilled by a relationship with God. Here are three key steps to deepen your relationship with God.
Step #1: Our Model
Jesus Christ’s life demonstrated a model for men on how to do life. Men were created to do life together. To be part of a group, a team. Jesus said, “If two or more are gathered in my name, there I am.” (Matt.18:20) His presence is promised when men come together for the purpose of seeking God. He is ready to reveal Himself to us. He asks us to seek Him and we can find Him.
We all have different gifts. Some can help others understand God’s Word. Some have the faith needed to help when others are in doubt. Others have the gift of serving, of coming alongside another when they most need it. We need each other. We need perspective when life weighs in on us. We can bear each other’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal.6:2) We need to know that we are not alone. We need perspective when it is dark. We need true friends.
We need to be reminded that we can rejoice in suffering, knowing that it builds qualities in us of “perseverance, proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us.” (Rom.5:3-5)
Our spiritual lives, our walk with Jesus Christ, and our spiritual gifts are discovered and developed in community. Jesus gives these gifts to reveal Himself this way. We are told to not “forsake the assembling of ourselves as is the habit of some; but exhort one another as we see the day drawing near.” (Heb.10:25)
The Word of God has claims that are staggering. It reveals where this satisfaction is to be found. “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.” (Matt. 4:4) “All scripture is breathed out by the Spirit of God and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim.3:16-17)
The Word of God comes from the world of the Spirit. For us to experience the Word of God, we must hear His voice from that dimension. That is when it satisfies. My sheep hear my voice, and they follow me. (Jn.10:27)
In John 7, the context is the Feast of Booths. This was a celebration of God providing water from a rock in their journey through the desert to the promised land. This was a life and death matter. With this backdrop, Jesus says, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in me, out of his innermost being will flow rivers of living water. He was talking about the Spirit which had not been given yet because Jesus Christ had not yet been glorified.” (Jn. 7:37-38)
Step #3 Obedience
Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will keep My Word and My Father will love him and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him.” (John 14:23) What an amazing promise! God dwelling within us if we are willing to follow Him!
We must be willing to obey the truth He reveals to us so we can grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Conclusion:
We have discussed 3 Steps to Go Deeper with God.
#1) We have a model of how to do life, revealed in Jesus and His Disciples.
#2) The Word of God is not a book, but a living document, full of The Spirit.
#3) We must approach God with a willing heart. How do this comes from the recovery world with the acrostic: H O W. Honesty, Openness and Willingness.
These 3 steps will take you a deeper experience of God through His Spirit.
Hill Cities serves men to go deeper with God and each other to fulfill their destiny!
Jeff,
This is well done. Concise, spirit filled and inviting to read more. Thank you!