DRAW NEAR TO GOD

� 2000 William R. Cunningham
August 27, 2000

We have been discussing obedience to God and the important things in our lives over the past few weeks. Let me continue down that same path by beginning a discussion on drawing near to God. If God is indeed important to you then you will want to draw as close to him as possible. There are many reasons that we should draw near to God and the Bible gives us these reasons. God is the creator of all things and he made you the way that you are. Therefore, it would seem reasonable that we should draw near him if for nothing else to discover who we are and to unlock the mystery of our purpose. So let's begin our discussion on drawing near to God. Our lesson is taken from James 4:7-10.

What does this scripture tell us? We must look at the preceding scriptures before we can go into the message of this scripture. The preceding scriptures discuss the concept of friendship with the world and the friendship with God. James speaks of how people desire to have the things that the world has to offer and how that pursuit will put one at opposition with God. We cannot love the world and God at the same time (See Matthew 6:24).

The word "Therefore" indicates that the current statement is tied to the previous statement(s). Since clinging to the world means that we become an enemy of God and since we cannot serve God and the world, then we should submit to God.

The word submit means to give oneself completely to, to put yourself in a disposition to serve another, to put yourself under the authority of another, or to be subject to. So submitting to God means to give ourselves wholly to the LORD and therefore to place ourselves under his authority and to obey Him. We therefore submit to God by placing ourselves into agreement with the will and Way of God. This indicates a lifestyle change and not merely a superficial change in life rituals.

The word "resist" means to stand against, oppose, withstand. We should oppose the devil, which means that we should stand against the devil. This is not merely an act of fighting or opposition. Our stance against the devil is due to the fact that we have submitted to God. Just as clinging to the world (the devil) means opposition to God, likewise the clinging to God means an opposition to the devil's system-the world.

Consider the following scripture.

Note again that we cannot stand on our own strength. Paul says to put on the armor of God so that we will be able to stand against the wiles (trickery) of the devil. Note also that we don't fight against mere physical things. Our opposition is with the following:

1. Rulers, authorities, and powers of the world system, which is in darkness

2. Spiritual hosts (armies) of wickedness in the spiritual realm

We need the full armor of God in order to come against these things. A discussion of this armor is beyond the scope of this particular lesson. However, review Ephesians 6:14-16 for more information concerning the armor of God.

I think it is however fitting that I mention the concept of the world system. The world system is not based on the Kingdom of God. The world system is a system that motivates people to seek their own gain and their own pleasures. The world system permeates all forms of government, businesses, households, and even the church organization in some cases. The world system is contrary to God mainly because its motivation and goal is earthly and not heavenly. The world system is not a system based on love for one another; rather, it is based on a love for self and the progression of self.

A great problem with us is that we live in such a system and in some cases live by this system. In churches we are told to seek prosperity. We are told to give money to a church or pastor so that God will give us a new home or car. That philosophy is an application or instance of the world system. Management philosophy is in many cases based on the world system. People are more concerned about looking good then in promoting justice. It is more important to have money then to help someone in need. The world system is indeed contrary to God and the two therefore cannot co-exist in the moral lifestyle of believers.

It is important to understand that our stance against the devil is not done with our own strength. Our stance against the devil is due to our stance WITH God. We can stand against the devil, and indeed we do, if we submit (obey, become subject to) God. How else can we stand against a demon that can outdo us in all things without God on our side? Consider the following example.

These people tried to resist demonic forces without the true power of God operating in them. Our stance against the devil must be due to our communion with God and not because of an action of mental ascent. Therefore, if we stand with God and resist the temptations of the evil one, then the devil will have no choice but to leave us. The important thing that we should note here is that we first submit to God and then we resist the devil (the temptations that take us away from God's Way), and then the devil will flee from us (the temptation will leave us).

The phrase "draw near" means to approach or come near to. Therefore, James tells us that if we approach God then God will approach us. We should keep in mind the context of this scripture. James is speaking primarily of a moral way of life and not necessarily a religious practice. Our task is to live according to God's Way (his kingdom) instead of living prideful according to the world's system.

The more we draw towards the Kingdom of God then the more that Kingdom will become a part of our lives. Jesus told us to seek God's Kingdom and righteousness (what's right according to God) first.

The entire New Testament scriptures tell us how to live a Christian life according to the spirit and Way of God. The phrase "cleanse your hands" and "purify your hearts" refer to the act of turning your life over to God's Way. It is the act of denouncing pride and subjecting yourself to God. Ultimately it is a denouncing of your sinful ways.

The term "double-minded" refers to someone that attempts to live according to God's morals and the world's. This cannot happen because they are contrary to each other. Jesus told us that we couldn't server two masters. So we have to make the decision how we should live and then live it. Remember that the act of living according to God's Way means that we have to submit ourselves to him. After we have done that we will be able to stand against the devil.

This verse seems to refer to the happiness and pleasure that accompanies the sins that we live. Turn your sinful pleasures into sorrow because of a repentant heart. Think of people celebrating and having a party in sin. To draw near to God means that you have to denounce that sin and therefore the pleasure associated with it. So lament or be sad and mourn and cry. Turn your laughter from sin and godliness into mourning and the joy of your sin into gloom.

Do not be proud in the presence of God. Rather, humble yourself and he will lift you up. Consider the following scripture.

Those who humble themselves will be exalted or honored. Consider the following parable of Jesus Christ.

The point of this parable is humility. Do not be proud but rather take the position of humility and you will be honored or exalted.

Regarding sin, we should not be so proud in our sin that we don't turn to God. We can become so self infatuated that we believe that we don't need God-until trouble strikes. We can find so much pleasure in the worldly way that we neglect God and seem proud before him.

Let me briefly discuss the method by which we can draw nearer to God. The primary method of drawing near to God is seeking. This implies that you become a disciple of Jesus Christ. Seeking will draw you consistently closer to the Kingdom of God and its operation. True seeking of truth will bring you closer to that truth, which is Christ. So the first thing that we have to do in order to draw near to God is to seek him.

The second thing that I think we should do is to learn of God. This implies reading and studying your Bible to obtain the truth about God and his Kingdom. How else will you know God unless you become familiar with the revelation of himself that he has given us, namely His word-Christ! So the second thing to do is to learn of God.

The third thing that I think is necessary is to practice what we have learned. This means that we become doers of the word and not merely hearers. This takes us right back to the importance of obedience. We learn what God wants and then we do it, i.e., obey him.

The final thing that I believe is important in drawing near to God is fellowship. It is one thing to see, learn, and practice. It is another thing to have a personal relationship with him. This involves prayer, meditation, and fellowship time with God.

I am also reminded of the following scripture.

Repenting of your old sinful ways involves a complete overhaul of the way you think.

The method that we can use to draw nearer to God is summarized below.

1. Seek God and his Kingdom

2. Learn of God and his Kingdom

3. Obey God

4. Develop a personal relationship/fellowship with the father

Submit yourself to God and stand against the temptations of the devil. Your stance is founded on your communion with God and not your own strength or faith. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Don't give in to the temptations. Put away your prideful ways and the glory that you find in sin. Instead, repent and turn to God and he will lift you up. Amen.

Pursuing the Truth Ministries