BIBLE STUDY APPROACH LESSON

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The approach of this Bible study is not to exhaustively teach on going deeper with God, but to
expose you to a grouping of Scriptures around going deeper with God. Using God’s Word in
this area exposes you to God’s truth for divine inspiration. Prayerfully work each Bible study
seeking God’s truth and wisdom for your life. Make it your goal to complete each Bible study
with specific applications that will help you in this area. Do not do the study as an exercise in
Biblical content, but as a tool for God through the work of the Holy Spirit to bring transformation
and change to your life.

DEVELOPING AN INTIMACY WITH GOD

DEEPER WITH GOD

Developing an intimate relationship with God opens up God’s abundance
in your life. Christians develop a relationship with God in various ways. The
Bible does not specify exactly how such a relationship is developed. In fact
God seems to indicate that His lack of being specific is part of the process.
Philippians 2:12 says that we are to work out our salvation with fear and
trembling. The uncertainty of the ―how‖ provides a wonderful beginning in
learning how to develop an intimacy with God. Glorifying God and
developing a close relationship with Him is His ultimate purpose for you. Your
intimacy with God is the beginning of God pouring out His life through you. It
is out of your intimacy with God that you will grow in your walk with Christ,
successfully walk through life’s issues, and experience God’s purpose for your
life.

IMPORTANCE OF TIME WITH GOD

1. John 17:3 “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only
true God, and Jesus Christ, Whom You have sent.”
a. What does God desire in your life?

2. Spending time with God in prayer and Bible reading is called a quiet
time. The quiet time is shut-in time with God to expose your soul
and heart to God so that you can receive His truth. This is a time
when you allow God to speak to you through His Word, speak into
your life through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, refresh you, and
direct you in a way that opens you more to God.
a. Why is the quiet time important? (Open question)

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  God desires three things for you.
1) God wants you to intimately know Him as Abba Father – ―Daddy.‖
2) God wants you to bear fruit.
3) God wants you to experience His abundance.
 All three of God’s desires for you are affected by your relationship with Him.
Your problems due to your actions and your responses to those problems are
ultimately determined by your relationship with God. Your relationship with
God grows out of your concept of Who God is — is He personal, active, alive,
intervening, caring, etc? The way you answer these questions affects the way
you develop a relationship with God which ultimately affects your daily life
and walk with Christ.
 Your quiet times with God provide vital time to build your relationship with Him.
Your relationship with God grows in three ways through your time with Him:
1) A Father/child relationship is developed.
2) The fruit of God’s Spirit is cultivated.
3) Your daily life will become a reflection of God Himself.
 The aroma and fragrance of Christ that you put out are enhanced, grown,
and cultivated by spending time with God. 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 says, “But
thanks be to God, Who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and
through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we
are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those
who are perishing.”

DEVELOPING AN INTIMACY WITH GOD

Your greatest desire should be to do whatever it takes to develop an

intimacy with God. Your intimacy with God will form the most vital relationship in
your life.

3. Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God's will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
a. What do you learn from this verse about the process of knowing God?

4. James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what
it says.”
a. What does God want in your walk with Him?

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 5. Psalm 106:13-15 “But they soon forgot what He had done and did not wait for His
counsel. In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wasteland they put
God to the test. So He gave them what they asked for, but sent a wasting disease
upon them.”
a. What could happen when you fail to spend time with God?

b. What do you subject yourself to when you forget God?

6. Matthew 13:22-23 “The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is
the man who hears the Word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of
wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell
on good soil is the man who hears the Word and understands it. He produces a
crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."
a. Here you have a contrast of how you receive the Word of God. Describe the
two paths you can take in cultivating your relationship with God.

INTIMACY WITH GOD PRODUCES POSITIVE BENEFITS

Your intimacy with God produces positive benefits that far exceed any benefits that
can come from your own efforts, relationships, and what the world can provide.
God’s benefits are higher and better than anything you can imagine or desire.

7. Exodus 33:16-17 “„How will anyone know that You are pleased with me and with
Your people unless You go with us? What else will distinguish me and Your people
from all the other people on the face of the earth?‟ And the LORD said to Moses,
„I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I
know you by name.‟"
a. God indicated relationship and intimacy by knowing Moses by name.
Personally knowing Him by name indicates relationship from spending time
together. What are some of the advantages of spending time with God?

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 b. Based on the Scriptures you have studied, what are some of the things for
which your quiet time is vital?

WHAT IS A QUIET TIME?

The daily quiet time forms the basis of developing an intimate relationship with God.
Determine what works best for you and then pursue it with enthusiasm and
continuity!

8. Luke 19:11-27 “ While they were listening to this, He went on to tell them a
parable, because He was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the
kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: „A man of noble birth
went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So
he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. “Put this money to work,”
he said, “until I come back.” But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation
after him to say, “We don't want this man to be our king.” He was made king,
however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given
the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. The first one came
and said, “Sir, your mina has earned ten more.” “Well done, my good servant!” his
master replied. “Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take
charge of ten cities.” 18 The second came and said, “Sir, your mina has earned
five more.” His master answered, “You take charge of five cities.” Then another
servant came and said, “Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece
of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you
did not put in and reap what you did not sow.” His master replied, “I will judge
you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard
man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then
didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have
collected it with interest?” Then he said to those standing by, “Take his mina
away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.” “Sir,” they said, “he
already has ten!” He replied, “I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be
given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken
away.”‟”
a. What does God want in your life?

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9. Mark 1:35 “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the
house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”
a. Jesus set the example in knowing God by always setting aside time to be with
Him. What are some of the ways Jesus spent time with God?

10. Hebrew 5:7 “During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and
petitions with loud cries and tears to the One Who could save Him from death,
and He was heard because of His reverent submission.”
a. What did Jesus’ time with God reflect in His life?

11. Here are some other examples of Jesus praying. What else do you learn about
His style of spending time with God?
a. Luke 6:12 “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and
spent the night praying to God.”

b. Mark 6:46-47 “After leaving them, He went up on a mountainside to pray.

When evening came . . .”

c. Luke 4:42 “At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were
looking for Him and when they came to where He was, they tried to keep
Him from leaving them.”

d. John 6:15 “Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make Him king
by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.”

12. Luke 14:16-20 “Jesus replied: „A certain man was preparing a great banquet and
invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those
who had been invited, “Come, for everything is now ready.” But they all alike
began to make excuses. The first said, “I have just bought a field, and I must go
and see it. Please excuse me.” Another said, “I have just bought five yoke of
oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.” Still another said, “I
just got married, so I can't come.”‟ 24 I tell you, not one of those men who were
invited will get a taste of My banquet." (NIV)

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 a. Interpret this verse to represent God inviting you to spend time with Him. Each
day, God desires to invite you to a banquet to be in His presence. Each day,
you make a choice whether or not you will attend His banquet to enjoy His
companionship. What reasons why you might not spend time with Jesus are
illustrated in this passage?

13. Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God's will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
a. You studied this verse earlier to better understand how to know God. This time
look at this verse in terms of your culture and the ways of this world keeping
you from knowing Him. As a follower of Christ, you should never allow culture
or the world to serve as an excuse for not spending time with God and
obeying His commands. Why might you not obey and seek a closer
relationship with Jesus?

14. John 12:42-43 “Yet at the same time many even among the rulers believed in
Him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they
would be put out of the synagogue. For they loved praise from men more than
praise from God.”
a. What other reason might you not seek a closer relationship with God?

HAVING A QUIET TIME

There are many ways of having a quiet time with God. The most important elements
of your quiet time are to commune with God, get to know Him, and hear from Him.
Some ways of cultivating a closer and more dynamic relationship with God through
your quiet time are:

15. Isaiah 50:4-5 “The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know
the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my
ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and
I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back.”

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 a. Start your day with a quiet time. Have a heart of obedience and an ear to
hear. What are some of the dynamics for having a quiet time that you learn
from this verse?

16. Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases. His mercies
never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness.”
a. Have a quiet time with the Lord every day. Developing a routine of spending
time with God is good, but the structure of your routine should not discourage
you from having a quiet time. You may enjoy reading an Old Testament
chapter, New Testament chapter, a Psalm, a Proverb, and praying in a certain
manner. Your routine normally takes 30 minutes, but on this day you only have
10 minutes available. It is better to shorten the routine and still have fellowship
with God than to skip your time with Him. According to this verse, why is the
consistency of fellowshipping with God so important?

17. Psalm 119:130 “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to
the simple.”
a. The Lord’s love for you is never ending. Each day you can experience a fresh
touch from God. If you come to Him, He is faithful to meet you. How should
you approach God in your quiet time?

QUIET TIME PROCESS

A. Claim your time with God.

 Hebrew 4:16 “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so
that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
 Claim your time with God and know that you can approach His throne
consistently, without fear, and with confidence.
 Set a time to approach God at His throne each day.
 Determine a place to meet God that allows for your best connection with
Him.

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B. Invite God to anoint and be a part of your time with Him.
 I John 5:14-15 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if
we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He
hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of
Him.”
 Pray and believe that this time with God is a divine appointment that offers
great hope and expectation. Remember...you are in the presence of the
God of the universe!
C. Have an expectation.
 Psalm 50:15 “and call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and
you will honor Me."
 Expect God to be present in your quiet time. Expect God to impart
something. This is not a time of routine, but a time in the presence of God
Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth. Trust God to use this time to
affect and work in your life.
D. Read the Bible with anticipation.
 Ephesians 5:13-14 “But everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O
sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
 Read not for volume...but for Divine inspiration and touch! Determine what
you are comfortable with – an amount you can read every day. Feel free
to read less if the day requires it. God can inspire and speak to you in five
verses as well as fifty verses.
 Ideally an Old and New Testament reading would be preferable. Another
great format is to read a chapter from the Old and New Testament, a
Psalm and a few verses of Proverbs. But try, at a minimum, to read one
New Testament chapter from the Bible.
 Read with an attitude of meditation and insight. Ask God to impress you
with one thing from your reading. Carry that impression throughout the day
allowing God to change your heart, to apply His Word, and to use it if an
occasion arises. Remember that it is difficult to have expression in your faith
without impression from God.
 Try different reading techniques. Personalizing certain sections of Scripture
by inserting your name brings great meaning.
 Take the time to journal what God has spoken to you. It does not need to
be long, but a refresher to jog your memory of what God has impressed
you with. Here is an example: James 5:16 impresses you. The key phrase in
the verse that impressed you was “the prayer of a righteous man is
powerful and effective.” In your application, you might write the key
phrase which, in this case, was a part of a verse and then write your
application to the key phrase – ―Give me a greater belief, respect, and
boldness for prayer.‖ Your application does not have to be long – just long
enough to remind you of the Scripture reference and what God impressed
upon you.

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  Receive those applications from God and let your applications impact your
day.
 Remember that the validity of your personal application is not dependent
on another’s acceptance or approval, but on how God is speaking to you.
E. Prayer
 Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,
Who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
 Prayer is your time to fully engage with God. To live a crucified life, you
must fully envelop your life in prayer.
 One of the best ways to fully engage God in prayer is praying the acronym
ACTS. ACTS stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and
Supplication. This helps you pray with a balanced perspective. The prayer
life of most people seems to be heavily centered on asking instead of a
prayer life that reflects a full relationship with God.
o Begin your prayer with Adoration. Praising God for Who He is, the
grace He has bestowed upon you, and His presence and work in
your life.
o Next is Confession. This is critical for clearing the way for God’s work
in you. Prayerfully review the previous day asking God to reveal to
you any area of indiscretion or misalignment with God’s character.
A clear conscience removes any roadblocks to God working in you.
o Thank God for all that He has done for you. Prayerfully review your
previous day so as to allow God to show you how He has worked in
your life.
o End with Supplication. Supplication is praying back what God has
said to you, and asking Him for the desires of your heart. John 14:13,
says, “And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son
may bring glory to the Father.”
F. End your prayer time by taking a moment to be still and hear God speak His
Word into your life.

Be expectant – knowing that He is God

and He has something fresh and new for you every day!

G. As you go through the day, continue to include God in every part of it.
1Thessolonians 5:17 says, “Pray continually.” Let your life be a living devotion
that is constantly engaging God; include Him in your emotions and challenges
and in seeking His power and direction. Continue to pray your application
from what He has impressed upon you in your Bible reading. You will be
surprised how often He illustrates it or allows you to share it. Psalm 119:97 says,
“Oh, how I love Your law! I meditate on it all day long.”

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 Be bold in your life and let God be God!

Request your answers to Lesson 1 along with the next lesson – Lesson 2 ―Purpose of
Going Deeper with God.‖ Lesson 2 focuses on those things that keep you from
going deeper and experiencing God’s best in your life. It will deal with your priorities
and spiritual desires and how these play an important role in knowing and
experiencing more of God. The goal of Lesson 2 is to position you to seek God’s
best.

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