Drawing Near to God
The sermon emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God, who is ready to forgive, bless, and comfort us, and promises to meet us with love and joy.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God, illustrating that as we approach Him, He graciously reveals Himself to us, much like a father welcoming back a prodigal son. He highlights God's readiness to bless and comfort us, as seen in Isaiah 58:9, where God invites us to come to Him. Spurgeon encourages believers to seek a close relationship with God, assuring that unlike human relationships, God's love and presence remain constant and ever-increasing. The sermon calls us to overcome hesitation and embrace the opportunity to experience God's unwavering fellowship.
Text
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. (James 4:8)
The nearer we come to God, the more graciously will He reveal Himself to us. When the prodigal comes to his father, his father runs to meet him. When the wandering dove returns to the ark, Noah puts out his hand to pull her in unto him, When the tender wife seeks her husband's society, he comes to her on wings of love. Come then, dear friend, let us draw nigh to God who so graciously awaits us, yea, comes to meet us.
Did you ever notice that passage in Isaiah 58:9? There the Lord seems to put Himself at the disposal of His people, saying to them, "Here I am." As much as to say -- "What have you to say to me? What can I do for you? I am waiting to bless you." How can we hesitate to draw near?
God is nigh to forgive, to bless, to comfort, to help, to quicken, to deliver. Let it be the main point with us to get near to God. This done, all is done. If we draw near to others, they may before long grow weary of us and leave us; but if we seek the Lord alone, no change will come over His mind, but He will continue to come nearer and yet nearer to us by fuller and more joyful fellowship.
Sermon Outline
- The Invitation to Draw Near
- God's Readiness to Bless
- The Importance of Drawing Near
- Isaiah 58:9 - God's Disposition
- God's Attributes - Forgiveness, Blessing, etc.
- Drawing Near to Others May Fail
- Drawing Near to God Will Succeed
Key Quotes
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“When the prodigal comes to his father, his father runs to meet him.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“God is nigh to forgive, to bless, to comfort, to help, to quicken, to deliver.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Make time to draw near to God through prayer and Bible reading.
- Seek God's guidance and wisdom in your life.
- Trust in God's love and forgiveness, and know that He is always ready to bless and comfort you.