Intimacy
Koinonia | Apostle Joshua Selman Nimmak | 2011
In the profound message “Intimacy,” Apostle Joshua Selman highlights the core of the believer’s relationship with God—intimacy. He explains that intimacy is not merely about performing religious activities but about cultivating a deep, personal, and transformative connection with God. Through this teaching, Apostle Selman challenges believers to prioritize fellowship with God above all else and lays out practical steps to nurture intimacy with the Creator.
Key Scriptures
- Psalm 42:1 – “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God.”
- Intimacy begins with a deep hunger and thirst for God’s presence.
- John 15:5 – “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
- True intimacy is rooted in abiding—remaining connected to Christ through constant fellowship.
- Exodus 33:11 – “So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.”
- Apostle Selman explains that God desires a relationship with His people that is as real and personal as a friendship.
- Jeremiah 29:13 – “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
- Intimacy requires a wholehearted pursuit of God.
Key Themes of the Teaching
1. What is Intimacy?
- Apostle Selman defines intimacy as the privilege of knowing God deeply and being known by Him.
- It goes beyond knowing about God to experiencing His heart, character, and ways.
- Intimacy transforms believers into vessels that carry and manifest His nature.
2. The Necessity of Intimacy
- Foundation for Fruitfulness: Without a connection to God, believers cannot bear spiritual fruit (John 15:4).
- Access to God’s Secrets: Intimacy grants access to divine revelations and mysteries (Psalm 25:14).
- Spiritual Strength and Stability: Those who are intimate with God have the strength to navigate life’s challenges.
- Manifestation of God’s Glory: Intimacy makes believers carriers of His presence, transforming lives and situations around them.
3. Barriers to Intimacy
- Sin and Disobedience: These separate believers from God (Isaiah 59:2).
- Busyness and Distractions: An overly crowded life leaves no room for fellowship with God.
- Spiritual Apathy: Lack of hunger and passion for God hinders intimacy.
- Religious Formalism: Approaching God through routine and obligation instead of relationship leads to superficiality.
4. Steps to Cultivate Intimacy with God
- Pursue God with Passion
- Apostle Selman emphasizes that hunger is the starting point of intimacy. Believers must prioritize their pursuit of God above all else.
- Spend Time in Prayer and Worship
- Prayer is the channel of communication in the relationship, and worship creates an atmosphere for God’s presence.
- Study and Meditate on the Word
- The Bible is God’s revelation of Himself. Regular engagement with Scripture reveals His heart and will.
- Practice Obedience
- Obedience to God’s instructions deepens intimacy. It shows a heart yielded to His leadership.
- Foster a Lifestyle of Holiness
- Holiness invites God’s presence and maintains the purity of the relationship.
- Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit is the guide into all truth and the revealer of God’s heart. Intimacy requires a relationship with Him.
Benefits of Intimacy
- Transformation
- Apostle Selman explains that intimacy changes the believer to reflect God’s character, wisdom, and power.
- Divine Direction
- Intimacy grants clarity and guidance in life’s decisions.
- Spiritual Authority
- The closer a believer is to God, the more authority they carry in the spirit.
- Inner Peace and Joy
- A deep relationship with God brings unshakable peace and joy that surpasses circumstances.
- Uncommon Favor
- Intimacy opens doors to supernatural favor in every area of life.
Practical Application
- Set aside dedicated time daily for fellowship with God.
- Cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship.
- Be intentional about seeking God in every decision and aspect of life.
- Join a community of like-minded believers to encourage your pursuit of God.
Conclusion and Prophetic Charge
Apostle Selman concludes with a heartfelt appeal for believers to prioritize intimacy with God:
- “God is not seeking religious activity; He is seeking relationship. Intimacy is the gateway to spiritual fulfillment and effectiveness.”
He declares prophetically:
- “May your hunger for God be rekindled! May you experience dimensions of His glory and presence like never before. The grace to abide and walk with Him is released upon you in Jesus’ name!”
Through this teaching, Apostle Selman reminds believers that intimacy is the foundation of their faith and the pathway to fulfilling their divine destinies.
The hardest person to help is one who is resistant to change
Apostle Joshua Selman
