Draw Near To God

Thesis: The Christian walk is not a "walk in the park". We are actually assured of trials, what-if's and struggles in this life. James urges believers to draw near to God to find help, relief, hope and solution to life's daily problems.

James in Drawing Near To God:

1. CONTEXT

   • Persevering in trials (chapter 1)
   • Balancing faith and works (chapter 2)
   • Godly wisdom (chapter 3)
   • source of conflict/action (chapter 4)

2. REQUIREMENT

   • Humility prerequisite in coming to God
   • God graces the humble: James 4:6,
     Psalm 138:6, Proverbs 3:34.
   • Broken heart: realize who God is and who
     self is
   • fixes don't rely on "to do" lists, but
     a one item "to go" list - go to Christ

3. EXAMPLES

   • Asaph in Psalm 73:
     • self examine heart (v. 14-20)
     • humbles self (v. 21-22)
     • draws near to God (v. 23-28)
   • David in Psalm 65 (dwell with God)

4. GOSPEL DISPLAY

   • Christ's intercession for and to us -
     Hebrews 4:14-16

CONCLUSION: In every trying circumstance in life, we need to approach God in humility, with a broken heart and we have his promise in scripture that He will near near to us in return.