February 7, 2010
Enemies of Intimacy 
Pastor John Sprecher

ENEMIES OF INTIMACY
Text: Matthew 23:37-39
Introduction: Whether we recognize it or not, all of us need relationships with God and people that have a deep sense of vulnerability and trust.  God uses the marriage relationship, which is the most intimate of human connections, as a picture of our relationship with Him.  Tragically, we too often miss the opportunity to experience what we were created to enjoy on a human and spiritual level.

1. JESUS’ GRIEF OVER JERUSALEM
1. Killed the prophets
1. The ones who brought God’s message to them
2. Even John the Baptist, who was preparing for Jesus, was killed by Herod
2. His desire was intimacy with His people
1. The illustration of a hen with chicks 
1. Totally protected
2. All that was seen was the hen to attackers
2. We have a will to choose to listen for His call or to ignore it
3. A lack of intimacy results in barrenness
4. He extends hope that one day they will recognize Him when He comes again
2. THINGS THAT KEEP US DISTANT
1. Isolation
1. We retreat when we are hurt, rather than engaging so we can be healed
1. If a surgeon is trying to clean a wound, our first impulse is to pull away
2. When we are confronted with our sin, we want to deny rather then confess (Prov. 28:13)
2. Thinkers and talkers
1. Some people get quiet when they are hurt, while others can’t stop talking long enough to think
2. Regardless of our style, communication and communion are crucial
3. Drop out of fellowship with other believers (Heb. 10:23-25)
1. We need each other when we are tempted to run or give up
2. Secrets
1. Where do you go to hide from God?  (Psalm 139:1-24)
1. The good and bad news-  He knows us!
2. There is no place we can go to escape Him or be beyond His care
2. He will forgive sin when we confess it
1. His promise (I John 1:9)
2. His covenant (Heb. 10:16-17)
1. Laws in hearts and minds
2. Sins to be remembered no more
3. Cannot have intimacy with spouse or family members when there is unconfessed sin in our lives
1. Circle of offense and circle of confession
3. Bitterness and unforgiveness
1. We give trust to strangers, but those we love who have hurt us have a hard time earning it back
2. Sometimes it is harder to forgive ourselves than to receive it from others
3. “Bitterness is the poison we drink hoping someone else will die” Ken Sande
4. We cannot be forgiven if we are unwilling to forgive (Matthew 6:12-15)
5. We forgive as we have been forgiven (Eph. 4:32)
3. MEET GOD IN THE GARDEN
1. The Lord came to the garden in the cool of the day to meet with Adam (Gen. 3:8)
1. He delighted in time, not tasks
2. Jesus often went to a garden and was betrayed there
1. He often went there (John 18:1-2)
2. He prayed for the will of the Father (Mark 14:32-42)