Chico Alliance Church
Pastor David Welch
“CPR for a Healthy Walk
Part Four – Draw Near to God
REVIEW / INTRODUCTION
God created us to live in community. Community with Him, community with each other.
The deeper our community with Him, the more meaningful our community with each other. Just as there are principles regarding community with each other, so there are unchangeable principles related to our communion with God.
Violation of relationship principles severely affects those relationships.
Fail to spend time.
Fail to cultivate intimacy.
Fail to communicate affirmation.
Fail to express love.
Fail to demonstrate value.
Fail to keep commitments.
Fail to cherish.
When we fail to understand and implement principles that build intimacy, there can be no intimacy. These basic principles apply to our relationship with God and others.
For the past two weeks we have touched on spiritual CPR for the fleshly heart in hopes to restore a spiritual focus that transforms every part of our life. These are nothing more than universal principles of relationship. In regard to our relationship with God and restoring a spiritual focus in our life they may be broken down into at least three categories.
Cleave to Christ and continually cultivate a dynamic relationship with Him.
Persistently pursue and maintain meaningful connection with the community of saints.
Resolutely resist the world, the flesh and the devil.
I. Cleave and continually cultivate Relationship with Christ
A. Humbly Connect to Christ
B. Gratefully consecrate (present) your members to His service.
C. Continually renew our thinking or perception
1. Renewed thinking brings transformed living
Perception inspires belief which produces behavior.
2. We need a renewed perception regarding Christ.
3. We need a renewed perception of ourselves
4. We need a renewed perception of the schemes of the evil one
5. We need a renewed perception of this fallen world
The rest of Romans 12 indicates what that might look like.
We are instructed to allow the transformation of our life by the renewal of our perception in order that we might demonstrate what the perfect will of God is. What is the will of God? Look at the rest of Rom 12 for a brief overview.
• Don’t think more highly that you ought to think but have sound judgment.
• Exercise spiritual gifts according to the faith granted by God to each individual.
• Let love be without hypocrisy by:
• Abhorring what is evil.
• Clinging to what is good.
• Devoting yourselves to one another in brother love, warm affection, companionship.
• Giving preference to one another in honor
• Not lagging behind in diligence
• Being fervent in spirit
• serving the Lord
• Rejoicing in hope
• Persevering in tribulation
• Devoting to prayer
• Contributing to the needs of the saints
• Practicing hospitality
• Blessing those who persecute you
• Rejoicing with those who rejoice
• Weeping with those who weep
• Being of the same perception toward one another.
• Not being haughty in our thinking
• Associating with the lowly
• Not being wise in our own estimation
• Never paying back evil for evil
• Respecting what is right in the sight of all men.
• Being at peace with all men as far as possible
• Never taking your own revenge but leaving room for God’s wrath.
• Serving your enemy
• Not being overcome with evil but overcoming evil with good.
• Being in subjection to governing authorities
• Living purely
It is Christ in us, the hope of Glory. As we allow the indwelling spirit of Christ to live through us, these things will become as true of us as they are of Him. Be transformed from the inside out by the renewing our minds. There are some key verses we would do well to memorize. James 4:7-10; John 15:4-5; Romans 12:1-2
These passages affirm the key elements regarding our relationship with God.
James exposed the flesh for the selfish entity that it is and how much it opposes dependent relationship with God. He expressed how much God jealously longs for a faithful relationship with His creation and is not willing to share loyalty with the world.
But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:6-8
The word used here is just a common every day word used widely in the Gospels with the simple meaning “to come closer”. James calls for a humble submission to God as God. Next he calls us to resist the Devil and all that he stands for. Then He encourages us to come close to God as our heavenly Father.
Whereas submission focuses on an act of the will.
Drawing near is a longing of the heart.
D. Sincerely Draw Near to God
What does it mean to draw near to God? It means to come close, to develop a deeper relationship. As we come closer to Him we in turn sense that closeness to us. It is the same for any relationship. When we open our heart to someone it usually triggers a reciprocal move in our direction. Although we were made for this kind of relationship with God, the fall erected a high wall. Not only are we reluctant to draw near but the Bible says, “no one seeks after God”. God now takes the initiative to draw us to himself.
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; John 3:14 "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." John 12:32
"No one can come to Me, unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day. John 6:44 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. John 6:65 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes(draws near) to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. Hebrews 7:19
I suggest drawing near to God is really a three stage move in His direction
• Seek Him
• Move close to Him
• Communicate with Him.
This is very similar to Jesus’ admonition to continually seek, knock and ask.
1. Seek Him
All through Scripture we are called to set our heart to seek after God. To set is to decide, to determine, to plan, to move toward, to act. To seek is to pursue, to give attention, draw near, cling, long for, thirst, desire to know. A heart set to seek the Lord pursues a dynamic relationship with God as a priority. We set our heart on things all the time. i.e. A special purchase. A special event. A special relationship.
The act of seeking someone involves two levels. We seek to know someone personally.
We seek someone’s help. Both ideas are involved in seeking God.
Glory in His holy name; Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Seek the LORD and His strength;
Seek His face continually. Psalm 105:3
Seeking involves both attitude and action.
Psalm 17:15 As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake. Psalm 119:2 How blessed are those who observe His testimonies, who seek Him with all their heart.
Those who seek God can expect
• Blessing and reward
• Increased wisdom and understanding
• A heart filled with praise
• A restored heart and renewed life
The humble have seen it and are glad; You who seek God, let your heart revive. Psalm 69:32
Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him;
And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways," declares the LORD.
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:6-9
Rate your Seeking scale 1-10 for attitude and action
Is your desire to seek God evident? What actions demonstrate the depth of your desire to seek God? Many individuals in Scripture were evaluated by the fact that they set their heart to seek God.
2. Move close to Him
The call to come near or draw near is also prevalent in Scripture
He encourages those who are thirsty to draw near to Him.
Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If any man is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.' " But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:37-39
He encourages those who are weary and heavy-laden to come to Him.
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and YOU SHALL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Matthew 11:28-30
He encourages us to draw near on the basis of a new and living way established by Jesus.
Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:19
He asks is a sincere heart
Then the Lord said, "Because this people draw near with their words and honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote, Isaiah 29:13
He encourages those in need of mercy and grace to drawn near.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
He promises relationship and salvation to those who draw near.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
but He (Jesus) , on the other hand, because He abides forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:24-25
Just as seeking involves both attitude and action so does drawing near require both.
Rate your drawing near on a Scale of 1-10
3. Communicate with Him
It starts with a desire to find your life in Him alone
It moves to an attitude of closeness accompanied by action toward Him.
It results in a life of communication with Him.
Jesus longs to enter into communication with us.
“Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone year my voice and open the door, I will come into him and eat with him and he with Me.”
He knocks to enter for communion with us. There are many ways to communicate and at different levels. Our relationship with God needs to move from surface levels to the very depths of our being that cry out to Him. Our cries stem from deep desire to know Him. Our cries also stem from desperation to see His purposes fulfilled in our life.
A pattern found in those whose heart beat desperately after God may be gleaned from the Psalms. It may be remembered as TIMES with God. It serves as a good framework for our communication with God.
Talk
So often the heart near to God is able to express its very core with confidence. Only a close relationship with God inspires such cries from the heart that reach the heart of God. It may be expressed as simply as “O God”, “Father”, “Abba Father” It is communication at the deepest feeling level. We are able to share with God what is on our minds and hearts.
Invite
Out of a renewed realization of our need and His care, we invite Him to do what we cannot do. “O Lord hear and heed.” This is a cry of distress and deep need. It is the cry of a humble heart fully aware that unless God does a work in my life and the lives of those around me, things will not change. It is this cry of dependence that God hears. Such a cry from the depths of our being reach the heavenlies and unleash the riches of God’s infinite storehouse. We have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ and when we cry out to Him, He hears us and touches us at our deepest need.
Cry for Deliverance from bondage & distress
Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. Exo 2:23
And the LORD said, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have given heed to their cry because of their taskmasters, for I am aware of their sufferings.
Cry of confidence in the goodness of God
I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1
My voice rises to God, and I will cry aloud; My voice rises to God, and He will hear me. Psalm 77:1
As for me, I shall call upon God, And the LORD will save me. Psalm 55:16
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. Psa 86:5
In the day of my trouble I shall call upon You, For You will answer me. Psalm 86:7
Jesus cried out to God and was heard
In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety.
Cry from an honest, pure, repentant heart
Hear a just cause, O LORD, give heed to my cry; Give ear to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips. Psalm 17:1
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. Psalm 34:15
The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth. Psalm 145:18
Cry of a heart willing to hear and heed God’s direction
I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words. Psalm 119:147
Let my cry come before Thee, O LORD; Give me understanding according to Your word. Psalm 119:169
I cried with all my heart; answer me, O LORD! I will observe Your statutes. I cried to You; save me,
And I shall keep Your testimonies. Psalm 119:145-146
Cry from a heart moved by the Holy Spirit
For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" Romans 8:15
God promises to answer the cry of His children.
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me." Psalm 50:15
"He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him, and honor him. Psalm 91:15
'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.' Jeremiah 33:3 God hears the cry of those who recognize the desperate condition.
God hears the cry of those who cry out in faith and confidence and trust.
God hears the cry of those willing and ready to obey
God hears the cry of those willing to see their sin and repent.
God hears the cry of those who deeply long for Him to work.
God hears the cry of His adopted children
Talk
Invite
Meditate
Take time to think about the one you are talking to.
What is He like?
What has He done in the past?
What has He promised to do in the future?
What images does the Bible record so that we can get to know Him more intimately?
Embrace
Once we open up to him and invite Him to be everything and meditate on who He really is, we respond by embracing Him.
“Lord, You are…”
These are responses of adoration and expressions of devotion and wonder.
Submit
At this point in our conversation we let Him know what we are committed to do.
“Lord, because You are…and You have… I will…”
Rate your Communication on a Scale of 1-10
CONCLUSION
Connect to Christ.
Humbly Consecrate every part of your being to His service.
Continually renew your perception.
Sincerely draw near to God and he will draw near to you.
Seek Him
Come close to Him
Communicate with Him.
Spend some time this week reviewing these elements.
What adjustments will it take in your lifestyle and schedule to renew a commitment to cultivate your relationship with God?
Are you willing to make those adjustments?
Perhaps you can pray for a partner to come along side in this commitment.
When these things become consistently true in our life, we are ready for the last element which we will talk about next week.
Application
What is God telling me to do?
what do I need to get started?
When will I do it?
Is there someone who can help me?
