Being Close to God

June 27, 2004

Introduction

This morning, we are combining two requests into one. One how to feel closer to God, and the other how to feel I please God. What does the Bible say about these two related ideas?

Body

I. Are there examples of men who were close to God, or who pleased God?

We know that Enoch pleased God.

(Heb 11:5 NKJV) By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

We know that Abraham was a friend of God.

(James 2:23 NKJV) And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.

David was a man after God’s own heart.

(1 Sam 13:14 NKJV) [To Saul, God said] "But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you."

(Acts 13:22 NKJV) "And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.'

We know that Abraham and David were not perfect men.

1. Abraham lied twice about his wife, but was willing to sacrifice his only son to God.

2. David committed and then killed her husband, but he willingly forgave the man who constantly tried to kill him.

3. God has greatly loved and valued some great men, but men who made very serious mistakes.

II. How to feel closer to God.

There is the promise for the seeker of God.

(Mat 7:7-8 NKJV) "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. {8} "For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

What is it like to feel close to God?

(Psa 73:23-28 NKJV) Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. {24} You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory. {25} Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. {26} My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. {27} For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry. {28} But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works.

1. I am continually with You

2. You will guide me with Your counsel We need to read and study our Bibles to know God’s counsel.

3. But it is good for me to draw near to God We’ll notice James statement in a moment.

4. I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, There is action on our part.

5. That I may declare all Your works What’s special about special days? Often cards are given which tell something they appreciate about us. It makes us feel closer to that person, and we appreciate their words of encouragement.

If God seems far away, who moved? James talks about drawing near to God.

(James 4:8-10 NKJV) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. {9} Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. {10} Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

1. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

a. Draw near by reading His word.

b. Draw near by talking to God through prayer.

c. Draw near by talking of all His wondrous works.

(1 Chr 16:8-12 NKJV) Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! {9} Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! {10} Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD! {11} Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face evermore! {12} Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth,

d. Praise God in songs and prayer.

(1) I never tire of hearing someone praise me, even if it’s only a “smart award” from my wife.

(2) How much more we need to praise God for all of his greatness.

III. How do we please God?

Paul aimed to please God.

(2 Cor 5:9 NKJV) Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.

1. Little children know how to do things that please their parents.

a. Abby makes me happy when she smiles and runs to meet me.

b. They make us happy when they play together peacefully and are happy and excited.

2. As God’s children, do we show Him that we love Him and appreciate all He has done for us.

3. God wants us to talk to others about Him, especially our children.

(Deu 6:6-7 NKJV) "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. {7} "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

IV. We love God by our obedience.

(John 14:15 NKJV) "If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Conclusion

(1 John 2:4-6 NKJV) He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. {5} But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. {6} He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

Have you obeyed Him?

Are you right with God?

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