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.
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