Preaching On James 4:8 Draw Near to God

Draw Near to God: The Mandate for Spiritual Intimacy

Introduction

A. The Audience of the Epistle In James 4:8, the Apostle is not primarily addressing the unbelieving world, but rather believers who had allowed their fellowship with God to grow cold. This was not a crowd suffering from doctrinal ignorance, but from spiritual apathy.

B. The Diagnosis of the Heart The problem among these believers was worldliness, a divided heart ("double-mindedness"), and a creeping spiritual chill. They had not lost their knowledge of God, but they had lost their closeness to Him.

C. God’s Gracious Invitation God intensely desires communion with His people. He is not a distant, disinterested deity; He is ready and willing to draw near to us. However, His holiness demands a response of repentance and sincerity from our side.

D. Universal Access Unlike the powerful rulers of this world who require appointments and protocol, God offers free access. Because of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, we can approach the Creator of the universe at any moment (Hebrews 4:16).

Proposition: Drawing near to God is a divine mandate that results in restoration, fellowship, and spiritual victory.

I. Drawing Near to God is a Commandment

A. It is Not Optional

The word "Draw near" (or “Approach”) is in the imperative mood. It is not a suggestion for the "super-spiritual"; it is a divine order. To move away from God is to move toward ruin.

• Psalm 73:27-28: "Those who are far from you will perish... But as for me, it is good to be near God."

• Doctrinal Principle: Communion with God is the "oxygen" of the spiritual life. Without it, the soul begins to suffocate in worldliness.

B. The Manner of Our Approach

Scripture defines exactly how we are to approach the Holy One:

• With Confidence: Not based on our merit, but on the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).

• With Sincerity: A heart without hypocrisy (Hebrews 10:22).

• With Faith: Believing that He exists and rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

C. The Rejection of Superficiality

God is not impressed by religious performance or lip service.

• James 1:6-8: He rejects the "double-minded" man who tries to keep one foot in the Kingdom and one foot in the world.

• Isaiah 29:13: God warns against those whose hearts are far from Him even while their mouths speak His name.

• Doctrinal Emphasis: God looks past the outward appearance and examines the integrity of the heart.

II. How Can We Draw Near to God?

The Bible provides a clear roadmap for two types of people:

A. For the Unbeliever (Initial Access)

For those outside of Christ, the path to God is through the Gospel response:

1. Hear: Faith comes by hearing the Word (Romans 10:17).

2. Believe: Trusting in the sacrifice of the Son (John 3:16).

3. Repent: Turning away from sin toward God (Acts 2:38).

4. Confess: Acknowledging Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9).

5. Be Baptized: For the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

B. For the Believer (Restoration of Fellowship)

When a Christian sins, they do not necessarily lose their salvation immediately, but they do lose their communion. The "signal" is blocked by the static of sin.

• 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us..."

• The Process: It requires genuine humbleness, confession, and a "cleansing of the hands" through repentance.

• Doctrinal Principle: Sanctification is a continuous process of staying clean before God to maintain unbroken fellowship.

III. Obstacles to Spiritual Intimacy

James 4:8 identifies the two primary barriers that keep us at a distance from the Almighty.

A. Unconfessed Sin

"Wash your hands... purify your hearts."

• Psalm 24:4-5: Only those with clean hands and a pure heart can stand in His holy place.

• Isaiah 59:1-2: It is not that God’s ear is too dull to hear; it is that our iniquities act as a wall of separation. Sin breaks the flow of intimacy.

B. Double-Mindedness

This is the attempt to live in two worlds. One day we are with God; the next we are chasing the world's values.

• Warning: James 4:4 is blunt—friendship with the world’s system is enmity toward God. You cannot be "near" God while embracing what He hates.

IV. The Results of Drawing Near to God

God’s promise is reciprocal: “And he will draw near to you.”

• 1. Peace: When we are near Him, we receive the peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7).

• 2. Exaltation: God lifts up those who humble themselves in His presence. True honor comes after true humility (1 Peter 5:6).

• 3. Victory over Temptation: Many try to fight the devil while living far from God. That is a recipe for defeat.

◦ The Divine Order (James 4:7-8):

1. Submit to God.

2. Draw near to Him.

3. Resist the devil.

4. Then he will flee.

Doctrinal Principle: Spiritual victory is a byproduct of divine proximity.

Conclusion

Drawing near to God is a command, but it is also the greatest privilege of the human experience. He is waiting for you to take the first step toward Him so that He may take a thousand steps toward you.

Do not allow sin or a divided heart to keep you in the cold. Cleanse your hands, purify your heart, and come back to the Father who loves you.

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