Francis Chan: Intimacy With God (Part 2)

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message emphasizes the importance of having a high view of God, understanding His greatness, and desiring an intimate relationship with Him. The speaker encourages listeners to pray for a deeper understanding of God's majesty and value, recognizing that it is only through God's work in their hearts that they can develop this desire.

Key Scripture References

• Psalms 8:1 - This passage sets the tone for the series on intimacy with God, highlighting the majesty and glory of God's name. The psalmist exclaims, "Oh Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth?" (NIV)
• Psalms 8:2 - This verse emphasizes that God's glory is beyond human comprehension, stating, "You have set your glory above the heavens" (NIV). The speaker uses this passage to illustrate the vastness of God's greatness.
• Psalms 8:3-4 - These verses highlight God's sovereignty and care for humanity. The psalmist asks, "What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?" (NIV). This passage shows how God's greatness is not limited to His creation, but He also has a personal interest in humanity.
• Psalms 8:5 - This verse emphasizes God's ordination of praise from even the smallest and weakest among us. The psalmist states, "For you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor" (NIV). This passage is used to illustrate how God chooses to draw praise from those who might seem insignificant.
• Matthew 21:16 - In this passage, Jesus quotes Psalm 8, emphasizing that God has ordained praise from children and infants. The speaker uses this verse to highlight the significance of childlike faith and worship.

Key Takeaways

The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a high view of God's greatness and majesty. This understanding is not something that can be achieved through human effort, but rather it is only through God's work in our hearts that we can develop this desire.

Practical Application

The speaker encourages listeners to pray for a deeper understanding of God's value and majesty. He suggests that by praying silently with their eyes closed, asking God to open their eyes to see His greatness, they will be able to leave the service with a bigger picture of who God is.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to have a high view of God's greatness and majesty? How can we cultivate this understanding in our lives?

Personal Application

The speaker encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationship with God, asking themselves if they are prioritizing their faith over other areas of their life. He also suggests that by praying for a deeper understanding of God's value and majesty, we can develop a greater desire for an intimate relationship with Him.