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James 4:8 - Drawing Near To God.James 4:8 (NKJV) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.James 4:8 (ESV) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT How can you come close to God? James gives five ways: First, humble yourselves before God. Yield to his authority and will, commit your life to him and his control, and be willing to follow him. Second, resist the devil. Don't allow Satan to entice and tempt you. Third, wash your hands and purify your hearts. In other words, lead a pure life. Be cleansed from sin replacing your desire to sin with your desire to experience God's purity. Fourth, let there be sorrow and deep grief for your sins. Don't be afraid to express deep heartfelt sorrow for what you have done. Fifth, humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor (see also 1 Peter 5:6). This list begins and ends with a call to humble ourselves before God. Bowing in humility before God means recognizing that our worth comes from him alone. Humility involves depending on his power and his guidance, and not going our own independent way. Although we do not deserve God's favor, he wants to lift us up and give us worth and dignity, despite our human shortcomings. [One Year NLT SB re vss. 7-10] COMMENTARY PEARLS God is your helper. He wants to restore His moral image in man. As you draw near to Him with confession and repentance, He will draw near to you with mercy and forgiveness. SC 55 Draw nigh to Him by prayer, by contemplation, by reading His Word... Satan cannot abide near the soul that draws nigh unto God. OHC 96 We cannot save ourselves from the tempter's power; he has conquered humanity, and when we try to stand in our own strength, we shall become a prey to his devices; but "the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."(2 Pro. 18:10). DA 131 COMMENTARY Christiania was waiting for a train in Vienna. The 31-year-old woman was listening to music with earphones when two drunk men grabbed her from behind and tried to throw her onto the train tracks. Suddenly, a stranger stepped between Christiania and the two thugs, pushed them away, and allowed her to get onto her train. Her rescuer got onto another train, and she never discovered who he was. She regrets never telling him thank you. Each of us has an enemy stalking us. "Your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Today's Bible promise is written in the context of fighting against the temptation to become friends with the world (James 4:4). Victory comes to those who admit they need help and turn to God. "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (v. 7). We do not fight Satan by ourselves. We are promised that if we "draw near to God," "He will draw near to [us]" (v. 8). We can picture this "drawing near" to God as something that happens in peace and quietness, but James encourages us, during our struggles, to humble ourselves and earnestly come close to the Lord. When you struggle with sin, he says to "cleanse your hands ... purify your hearts. Lament and mourn and weep! ... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (vv 8-10). When Satan tries to trap you, do not submit to his temptations and lies. Resist him and cling to Jesus. He will stand between you and the enemy when you turn to Him. He will rescue you with His presence. Dear Jesus, in times of spiritual conflict, I will draw near to You. May Your presence protect me. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts] LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY James 4:8 - Drawing Near To God. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240203-0843.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221019-0824.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220626-0906.html Psalm 145:18 - God Is Near To All Who Call On Him Sincerely In Truth. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250217-1531.html 2 Chronicles 15:2b - Our Relationship With God. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2009/20090901-1057.html Revelation 3:20 - An Invitation For Relationship With Divinity. http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220506-0938.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |