Getting Close to the Lord
James 4:8-17
Intro.: Do we want to be closer to God. Do we want to live more godly? Do we want to be where He wants us with our lives? Is there an advantage in living closer to God?
First let us look at some…
Facts and observations:
We are as close as we want to be. (Draw nigh)
We stay as close as we want to stay.
We can get closer!!!
We are meant to be closer (God’s desire for us).
We can gain great gladness if we move towards Him and His ways.
Next we need to see…
Steps involved in getting closer:
We must…
Sense the need for closeness. (a hunger)
Savor closeness.(you must like it)
Seek out closeness. (We can't expect it to sneak up on us)
Search out harmful detours in your life that hamper your walk (what keeps your life a distance from God?)
Snuff out interfering items that are imbedded in your life.
Sever harmful ties with the world that will haunt our life.
And I would like to look at…
Considerations about getting closer: (closer will change your life)
There may be an expense involved!…are you willing to pay the cost?
There may be more responsibility (to whom much is given - or is it already required?)
Luke 12:48
For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.Many may choose to talk or bad-mouth you for your obedience. - Just remember they hated Christ first!
Many may choose to ignore your service. Are we in this for lip service? Or pat on the backs? Or to just be what God wants?
Many may choose to be jealous of your closeness.
Closeness begets closeness - where do you stop????????
Conclusion: We must want to get closer for God's sake. Not for financial gain, etc. We must be determined to do this even in the face of opposition or discouragement.
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 052806pm - first used 083098am