Living on the Edge with Chip Ingram Daily Podcast

Cultivating Spiritual Intimacy, Part 1

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25 min·February 23, 2026

About this Episode

It’s hard to believe there are couples who’ve been married for thirty, forty, or even fifty years. So, what’s their secret? In this program, Chip shares a vital message in his ongoing teaching. He begins unpacking four biblical skills all great marriages have in common. Discover how you can improve your relationship today!

How do you develop spiritual intimacy?

I. Spiritual intimacy with Christ is cultivated by actively believing two things:

  1. Whose you are: Chosen -Col. 1:13-22
  2. Who you’ve become: Holy and loved -Col. 2:9-15

II. Spiritual intimacy with your mate is cultivated by recognizing the supremacy Christ’s role and relationship in your marriage. -Col. 1:15-18

III. The benefits of spiritual intimacy*

  • Allows you to CONNECT at the deepest level.
  • Links you with God’s PURPOSES and PLANS for you.
  • Allows you to BLESS each other with God’s love.
  • Brings your deepest values and desires into agreement.
  • Opens the door to the deepest levels of COMMUNICATION.
  • Empowers your marriage to SURVIVE.
  • Connects you to a SUPPORTIVE body of fellow believers.

*Divorce Proof Your Marriage by Gary and Barbara Rosberg, pgs. 254-256.

IV. How to develop your personal spiritual intimacy**

  • ASK God for it. -Col. 1:1-9
  • BEWARE of counterfeits. -Col. 2:8-10
  • GUARD your thought life. -Col. 3:1-4
  • KILL spiritual competitors. -Col. 3:5-7
  • SATURATE your life in God’s Word. -Col. 3:16

**Marriage that Works by Chip Ingram, specific help and practical steps for men and women; chapter 9 for men and chapter 11 for women.

V. Removing barriers and building bridges for spiritual intimacy

  • There is no one right way to develop spiritual intimacy
  • Pray together
  • Worship together
  • Share what you’re learning

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