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. |
