Sunday Sermon

Nearer My God to Thee Dave Shaner August 31, 2003

Introduction: Sometimes what we say and what we mean are two different things. James believes that if we are to approach God, we must come on His terms.

Text: James 4:7-12

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?

The reason for quarrels is because of the war going on in our own hearts and ultimately with God. If any of us keeps back from God, there will continue to be battles.

James 4:6 - "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

I. The quest for peace begins with an ____________ surrender.

A. Submit - to get into your proper rank

B. II Chronicles 7:14

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

C. The responsibility of humbling ourselves is on ourselves.

II. Terms of Surrender:
    ... The blessed are those who...

A. ______________ Satan ______________.

1. Ephesians 6:10-13

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

2. The words "stand" and "resist" are the same Greek word.

B. ______________ God ______________.

1. Do you want a serious relationship or not?

2. Fellowship with God is not something that you casually drift into.

a. Jeremiah 29:13

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

b. Malachi 3:7

Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?'

C. ______________ Sin ______________.

1. Mourning is not the constant attitude of the Christian.

2. Any real revival is preceded by all-out repentance.

3. Joel 2:12-13

'Even now,' declares the LORD, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.' Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.

4. Psalm 34:18

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

III. "Judging" your neighbor is an indication of pride

A. The test of humility is our willingness to let God be the judge.

B. "Devil" means slanderer. When you slander, you're not resisting but imitating.

C. Remember ... we are the creatures and God is the creator.

Conclusion: One day all men will be humbled before the Lord. How will you choose to be humbled?

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