DRAW NEAR TO GOD

Psalm 73:25-28

Introduction: God desire for men to come near to Him. However, sin has placed a gulf between man and God (Isa. 59:2). Man does not have the ability to cross the gulf himself. Until there was a bridge over this great chasm, man had to stand afar off.

A. In this lesson I want to consider how man can draw near to God

B. We must always be mindful of the fact that we cannot come near to God on our own terms

C. We will conclude by considering why it is good to draw near to God

I. No one can remain far off from God and expect to be saved

A. Why would anyone be far off from God?

1. Many fail to seek to do God’s will (Psa. 119:155

2. Many have God on their lips, whose hearts are far from Him (Matt. 15:8)

a. Some, even among the people of God are not close to the Lord (Jer. 12:2)

b. This is because of evil hearts of unbelief (Heb. 3:12)

3. The psalmist said that the people deserted God for harlotry

a. This was the problem in James 4:4-10

b. They were charged with adultery (friendship with the world)

B. Those who are going to be saved are those who draw near unto God

1. God mad this possible through the blood of Jesus (Eph. 2:13)

2. To draw near to God one had to do several things (James 4:7-10)

a. They had to submit to God (His will and teaching)

b. They had to resist the devil (All manner of sin and temptation)

c. They had to repent of their evil ways (Matt. 3:7-8)

d. They had to be made clean – they still needed cleansing in the blood (1 John 1:7); they had to trust in the bloods cleansing power

e. They had to humble themselves (Psa. 34:18)

II. It is good to draw near to God

A. Implies peace or reconciliation (Eph. 2:14-18)

B. Implies assurance of being in the faith (Heb. 10:22)

C. Implies hope (Heb. 7:19)

D. Implies fellowship with God (Pro. 15:29; Eph. 2:18)

Conclusion: I agree with David, “It is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in Him that I may declare all of His works.” Wouldn’t you agree with Him? If yes, I hope you will seek to draw near to God, if you have not already. Destruction awaits those who do not (Nearer my God To Thee).