Intimate Friendship with God

What's "Intimate Friendship with God: Through Understanding the Fear of the Lord" about?

• Core Theme: The book explores the concept of developing an intimate friendship with God by understanding and embracing the fear of the Lord. It emphasizes that this fear is not about being afraid but about having a deep respect and reverence for God.
• Holiness and Obedience: Joy Dawson discusses how the fear of the Lord leads to holiness and obedience, which are essential for a close relationship with God.
• Practical Guidance: The book provides practical steps and biblical insights on how to cultivate the fear of the Lord in daily life, leading to spiritual growth and fulfillment.
• Personal Testimonies: Dawson shares personal stories and testimonies to illustrate how the fear of the Lord has transformed her life and the lives of others.

Why should I read "Intimate Friendship with God"?

• Spiritual Growth: The book offers insights into deepening your relationship with God, which is crucial for spiritual growth and maturity.
• Understanding Fear of the Lord: It provides a comprehensive understanding of what it means to fear the Lord and how this fear can positively impact your life.
• Practical Application: Joy Dawson includes practical advice and steps to apply the teachings in everyday life, making it accessible for readers at any stage of their spiritual journey.
• Inspirational Stories: The book is filled with inspiring stories and examples that demonstrate the power of living in the fear of the Lord.

What are the key takeaways of "Intimate Friendship with God"?

• Fear of the Lord: Understanding and embracing the fear of the Lord is foundational for an intimate relationship with God.
• Holiness and Obedience: Holiness and obedience are essential components of living in the fear of the Lord and experiencing God's presence.
• Repentance and Forgiveness: True repentance and seeking God's forgiveness are crucial steps in maintaining a close relationship with Him.
• Rewards of Fear: Those who fear the Lord are promised blessings, protection, and a deeper understanding of God's ways.

How does Joy Dawson define the "Fear of the Lord"?

• Hatred of Evil: The fear of the Lord is defined as a hatred of evil, aligning one's attitude toward sin with God's perspective.
• Reverence and Awe: It involves a deep reverence and awe for God's holiness, power, and authority.
• Obedience to God: The fear of the Lord leads to obedience, as it prioritizes God's commands and desires over personal preferences.
• Foundation of Wisdom: It is the beginning of wisdom and understanding, guiding believers in making righteous choices.

What practical steps does Joy Dawson suggest for cultivating the Fear of the Lord?

• Study Scripture: Regularly study the Bible to understand God's character and His commands, focusing on passages about the fear of the Lord.
• Prayer for Revelation: Pray for a deeper revelation of God's holiness and for the fear of the Lord to be instilled in your heart.
• Confession and Repentance: Confess sins and repent genuinely, seeking God's forgiveness and striving to live a holy life.
• Seek God's Guidance: Continuously seek God's guidance in all areas of life, trusting His wisdom and direction.

What role does repentance play in "Intimate Friendship with God"?

• Essential for Revival: Repentance is crucial for personal revival and spiritual renewal, as it aligns believers with God's will.
• True Change: It involves a change of mind, heart, and life toward sin, leading to genuine transformation.
• God's Mercy: Repentance opens the door to God's mercy and forgiveness, restoring the believer's relationship with Him.
• Preparation for Intimacy: It prepares believers for a deeper, more intimate friendship with God by removing barriers caused by sin.

How does Joy Dawson address relationships in "Intimate Friendship with God"?

• Holy Relationships: The fear of the Lord is the foundation for holy relationships, whether with the opposite sex or the same sex.
• Trinity Model: Relationships should reflect the unity and love found within the Trinity, characterized by holiness and mutual respect.
• Influence of Women: Women have a significant influence on men, and their role is to encourage holiness and righteousness.
• Avoiding Idolatry: Relationships should not become idols, taking precedence over one's relationship with God.

What are the rewards for those who fear the Lord, according to Joy Dawson?

• Special Possession: Those who fear the Lord are considered God's special possession and receive His special protection.
• Intimate Friendship: The ultimate reward is an intimate friendship with God, fulfilling both Him and the believer.
• Blessings and Favor: Believers who fear the Lord experience blessings, favor, and fulfillment in their lives.
• Wisdom and Understanding: They gain wisdom and understanding, enabling them to live righteously and make wise decisions.

What are the best quotes from "Intimate Friendship with God" and what do they mean?

• "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." This quote emphasizes that true wisdom starts with a reverent fear of God, guiding believers in righteous living.
• "Holiness and obedience go hand in hand." It highlights the inseparable connection between living a holy life and obeying God's commands.
• "God does not reward casual inquirers, only diligent seekers." This quote encourages believers to earnestly seek God and His ways, promising that such diligence will be rewarded.
• "The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him." It underscores that a close relationship with God is reserved for those who live in the fear of the Lord.

How does Joy Dawson suggest dealing with the fear of man?

• Impress God, Not Man: Focus on God's reaction to your actions rather than being concerned about what others think.
• Seek God's Approval: Prioritize seeking God's approval in every situation, which leads to confidence and freedom from the fear of man.
• Test of Sincerity: God often tests believers in this area to see if they truly desire His approval over man's.
• Freedom and Release: Living in the fear of the Lord releases believers from the bondage of fearing man's opinions.

What does Joy Dawson say about the importance of God's holiness?

• Foundation of Respect: God's holiness is the basis for respecting and committing to Him fully.
• Understanding Mercy and Wrath: Understanding God's holiness helps believers comprehend His mercy and wrath against sin.
• Revelation of Jesus: The beauty of the Lord Jesus is revealed through His holiness, inspiring worship and reverence.
• Priority of Holiness: Holiness is a top priority for God, and believers are called to strive for holiness in their lives.

What is the significance of idolatry in "Intimate Friendship with God"?

• Heart Trouble: Idolatry is a symptom of heart trouble, where other things take priority over God in one's life.
• Subtle and Gradual: It often occurs subtly and gradually, requiring the Holy Spirit's revelation to recognize and repent.
• Repentance Required: True repentance involves naming idols, changing one's mind and heart, and seeking God's deliverance.
• God's Judgment: If unrepented, idolatry invites God's judgment, as it signifies a departure from loving Him wholeheartedly.