Moving Close to God

June 27, 2010

Introduction

Genesis 3 is probably the saddest chapter in the Bible. It tells of the fall of man. In (Gen 3:9-12 NKJV), we read Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" {10} So he said, "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself." {11} And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?" {12} Then the man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate."

It was this day that has brought about all the evil of today; all the sickness and death; all the disasters that we experience. Notice Adams response, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate," so it’s really not my fault God, it’s actually Your fault because of that defective woman you gave me.

God did not accept the blame and let Adam go. Adam paid the price. All the rest of us are paying the price. Isaiah put it this way, “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isa 53:6 NKJV) So what is the answer? Can we be close to God?

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."

1. As Paul was preaching in Antioch on one of his missionary journeys, made mention of David as a man after God’s own heart.

(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 adultery with Bathsheba 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 can we feel closer to God.

A. Some tried to draw near to God, but without the heart.

(Mat 15:8 NKJV) 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.

We draw near to God through Christ.

(Heb 10:19-23 NKJV) Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, {20} by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, {21} and having a High Priest over the house of God, {22} let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. {23} Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Drawing near to God is something that we have a part in.

(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.

There is a promise for those who will seek 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.

E. We are the ones who are to open our hearts.

(Rev 3:20 NKJV) "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

III. What is it like to feel close to God?

The Psalmist told of being 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.

B. If God seems far away, who moved? Again, 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 by reading His word.

2. Draw near by talking to God through prayer.

3. 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,

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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