DRAW NEAR TO GOD

James 4:8

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. One of the greatest privileges offered to mankind is that of
      drawing near to God.
      1. All of us should seek to build a close relationship to God.
      2. In one sense, God is near all.  Acts 17:27
      3. This nearness does not have to do with geographical
         location, but with relationship.
      4. Everyone of us have the ability to be close to God or to
         be separated from Him.
         a. Of course, the great separator is sin.

I. THE ONE TO WHOM WE SHOULD DRAW NEAR.
   A. He is All Powerful and Wise.  Rev. 19:6; Ps. 147:5; Heb. 4:13
   B. He is to be Revered and Feared.  Psalm 111:9; 76:7; 90:11;
      Rom. 2:5
   C. He is full of Love, Mercy, and Compassion.  Psalm 86:15; 2
      Pet. 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:4
      1. He is willing to be approached.  He is not as the heathen
         gods of Greek mythology where men were always
         working to appease their anger.

II. MEANS OF DRAWING NEAR (TO THE SINNER).
   A. Must come through Christ.  Eph. 2:18; Heb. 7:25
   B. Made near by the blood of Christ.  Eph. 2:13
   C. Drawn by hearing and learning of the Father.  John 6:44-45
   D. Comes to God in accord with His will.  Heb. 10:9-10; 7:19
      1. Be careful not to be mislead.  Eph. 4:14

III. MEANS OF DRAWING NEAR (TO THE CHILD OF GOD).
   A. Let us draw near with true hearts.  Heb. 10:22; Ps. 34:18
   B. Let us draw near by means of prayer.  Psalm 145:18; Heb.
      4:16
   C. Let us draw near in our worship.  
      1. In our songs.  Heb. 13:15
      2. In the Lord's Supper.  1 Cor. 10:16
   D. Let us draw near by daily godly living.  1 John 1:7

IV. REMEMBER, WE MAY DRAW AWAY.
   A. Our hearts can be far away.  Matt. 15:8-9
   B. Some draw back to perdition.  Heb. 10:39; Hosea 11:7
   C. We draw back when we rebel against any commandment.  Jer.
      6:16; 18:12
   D. We draw back when we ignore any commandment.  James
      4:17

V. REMEMBER, WE CAN & SHOULD COME VERY NEAR.
   A. Near enough to be Friends with God.  James 2:23; John
      15:13-14
   B. Near enough to be in God's Family.  1 John 3:1; Hos. 1:10
   C. Near enough to cry Abba Father.  Gal. 4:6; Rom. 8:15
   D. Near enough to be in God's Circle of Love.  John 17:22-26

VI. BLESSINGS FOR DRAWING NEAR (FROM THE PSALMS).
     Will put gladness in our hearts, Ps. 4:7
     Will surround us with a shield, Ps. 4:12
     Will be a refuge in times of trouble, Ps. 9:9
     Will lift us up from the gates of death, Ps. 9:13
     Will deal bountifully with us, Ps. 13:6
     Will show His marvelous lovingkindness, Ps. 17:7
     Will be a support and deliverer, Ps. 18:18
     Will arm us with strength, Ps. 18:32
     Will bring us out of our distresses, Ps. 25:17
     Will strengthen our hearts, Ps. 27:14

VII. BLESSINGS FOR DRAWING NEAR (FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT).
     Will not allow us to be over tempted, 1 Cor. 10:13 
     Will aid us when we are tempted, Heb. 2:18
     Will give grace to help in time of need, Heb. 4:16
     Will never leave or forsake us, Heb. 13:5
     Will provide and care for us, 1 Pet. 5:7
     Will give peace of mind, Phil. 4:6-7
     Will love us and make His abode with us, John 14:23
     Will guide and strengthen us, 1 Pet. 5:10
     Will present us faultless before His throne with exceeding
     joy, Jude 24-25 

Concl.
   A. Nearness to God rests with us.  James 4:8
      1. Let us not be alienated through wicked works.
      2. Let us call upon Him in accord with truth and out of a
                  pure heart.  Ps. 145:18