Draw Near To God

Draw Near To God

Scripture Reading: Exodus 19:1-19; 20:18-21

Scripture Text: James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.

Introduction:

There is a great need for the church to draw near to the Lord. Matthew 24:12 “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Christ is looking for a people who long to be near Him and will do all that is necessary to bring

this close fellowship to pass. Our Heavenly Father desires a close relationship with His children.

I. When We Draw Near to God, Good Things Will Happen.

A. Israel was blessed with the Ten Commandments and the Law of God (text).

B. Abraham was blessed.

1. Isaac was born in his old age.

2. He became the Father of Nations.

3. He received a promise from the Lord that through him all nations would be blessed.

C. Jacob received a new name (Israel).

1. No longer Jacob the supplanter, but now Israel, “wrestler with God”.

D. Daniel drew near to the Lord and received deliverance from the lions.

E. Moses received directions for service.

F. David received forgiveness of his sins after drawing near to the Lord in repentance.

G. The Early Church drew near to the Lord and received the Holy Spirit baptism.

1. Power for ministry.

2. Gifts for ministry.

H. When the church of today draws near to the Lord, we, too, will receive blessings from Him.

II. Some (like Peter) Are Following Christ “Afar Off”.

A. They do not want to be cut off completely from the fellowship of Christ, but they are not willing to follow Him close enough to run the risk of suffering persecution for His sake.

Philip. 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

B. We need an attitude like that of the Apostle Paul.

Philip. 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

C. Christians should regularly take an “Intimacy Inventory”.

III. Revival Only Comes When We Draw Near To Christ.

A. Never when we worship at a distance.

1. Unwilling to suffer for Him.

2. Unwilling to make a real commitment to Christ.

Psalm 73:27-28 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. [28] But it is good for me to draw near to God:

IV. The Blessings of Drawing Near to God.

Psalm 63:1-11 A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; [2] To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. [3] Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. [4] Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. [5] My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: [6] When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. [7] Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. [8] My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. [9] But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. [10] They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. [11] But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

IV. How To Draw Near To God.

A. Through Jesus Christ, the only Way to salvation.

John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

Ephes. 2:13 [GW] But now through Christ Jesus you, who were once far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

B. Through prayer.

Psalm 145:18 [GW] The Lord is near to everyone who prays to him, to every faithful person who prays to him.

C. Through holiness of life.

Psalm 24:3-5 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? [4] He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. [5] He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.