Scripture Reading: James 4:5-10

Draw Near to God

Intro.

1. James wrote to encourage faith's perfection:

a. Faith to be saved, Jno. 8:23-24 (Jas. 1:22, 25; 2:19).

b. Faith to trust and obey Jesus, Jno. 14:1-6 (Jas. 2:21-22).

c. Faith to endure trials, Heb. 12:1-4 (Jas. 1:2-4).

2. James 4: The priority of faith over the flesh; The contrast between the world and God is severe, Jas. 4:1-4.

a. Wars and fights in the world v. Peace with God (v. 1, 5-6).

b. Selfish, unfulfilled lusts v. Heard and answered (v. 3).

c. Enemy v. friendship with God (v. 4). cf. Abraham, Jas. 2:23

3. God is jealous of us when sin captures us and destroys our relationship with Him, Jas. 4:5; Gen. 6:5-6.

4. God's response is to offer grace more abundant than sin, Jas. 4:6; cf. Rom. 5:20-21.

5. God expects us to choose Him instead of sin (world), Jas. 4:6-10.

6. God will draw near to us when we draw near to Him, Jas. 4:8.

Draw Near to God...

·Submit to God, Jas. 4:7

-God does not give grace through bribery, threats, self-righteous demands of sinners.

-God regards the humble, cf. Lk. 7:36-38, 47-48

·Resist the devil, Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9

-With focused purpose and goal, Jas. 1:12. Prov. 1:10; 4:14; 2 Tim. 2:22

-With cleansing of hands and hearts, 4:8; 1 Jno. 3:3

-With the word of God, 1 Jno. 2:14. Strength (Eph. 6:10)

·Study His word, 2 Tim. 2:15

-Personal responsibility and reward

-Christ has made learning His will attainable, Eph. 4:11-16 (5:17)

·Walk in the light, 1 Jno. 1:6-7; Eph. 4:1; 5:8

-Must mourn our own sin, Jas. 4:9; Matt. 5:4; cf. 1 Jno. 1:8-9

-Do not practice sin, 1 Jno. 3:4-10

·Pray constantly, 1 Thess. 5:17

-Do not become discouraged, Lk. 18:1-8 (Psa. 116:1-2)

-Patience in prayer brings peaceful result, Phil. 4:6-7

-Draw boldly to the throne of grace, Heb. 4:16

·Serve others, Matt. 25:36-41

-By doing so we serve Christ; He is present

-Do unto others..., Matt. 7:12; cf. Jas. 4:11-12

·Worship faithfully, Jno. 4:23-24

-God seeks and receives worshippers who continue steadfastly in the apostles' teaching, Acts 2:41-42

-Worshiping God takes priority, Heb. 10:24-25

-Worship assemblies are for edification, 1 Cor. 14:26

·Seek Him diligently, Matt. 6:33; Heb. 11:6 (5)

-First: Primary urging and motive; Priority

-His kingdom and His righteousness, cf. Matt. 5:6, 19-20

-Submit to God's rule in your life

-Obey the commands of God (His righteousness)

Conclusion

1. We deceive ourselves if we think God will draw near to us while we are turning away from Him, Jas. 1:22-25 (4:4).

2. God will draw near to you when, in faith, you draw near to Him, Jas. 4:8.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: May 7, 2015