Drawing Near: Embracing God's Invitation to Relationship
Summary
As we stand on the brink of a new year, it's a fitting time to reflect on our relationship with God and consider how we can draw nearer to Him. The story of Steve Harvey's unapproachable demeanor serves as a stark contrast to the nature of God, who, despite His holiness and righteousness, invites us to approach Him boldly. Unlike Steve Harvey, who set boundaries to keep people at a distance, God has torn down barriers through Jesus Christ, allowing us to come to Him freely and confidently.
The first reason we can approach God is that He took the initiative to come to us. In the incarnation, God stepped out of heaven, becoming one of us in the person of Jesus Christ. This act of divine love and humility shows that God is not distant or aloof but deeply desires a relationship with us. He is not waiting to punish us but has already taken the punishment for our sins upon Himself through Jesus. This truth should embolden us to draw near to Him without fear.
Secondly, we can approach God because He understands our struggles. Jesus, our great high priest, has experienced the full range of human emotions and temptations. He knows what it means to be tired, hurt, and tempted, yet He remained without sin. This empathy assures us that we are not alone in our struggles and that we have a Savior who truly understands and can help us in our time of need.
Finally, we can come to God because His throne of judgment has become a throne of grace. Through Jesus' sacrifice, the barrier of sin that once separated us from God has been removed. We are invited to come boldly to His throne, not because of our own merit, but because of what Christ has done for us. This transformation from judgment to grace is a profound reminder of God's love and mercy.
As we enter 2025, let us commit to drawing near to God. Whether it means trusting Him for the first time, surrendering areas of our lives we've held back, or renewing our commitment to Him, let's take steps to deepen our relationship with Him. Engage with His Word, spend time in prayer, and seek opportunities to share your faith. Remember, God desires a close relationship with you, and He has made every provision for you to come to Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Initiative in Relationship: God took the first step in reaching out to us through Jesus Christ. This divine initiative shows His desire for a relationship with us, inviting us to approach Him without fear. [08:08]
2. Jesus' Empathy and Understanding: Jesus, our high priest, understands our weaknesses and temptations because He experienced them Himself. This empathy assures us that we are not alone in our struggles. [21:51]
3. Transformation of Judgment to Grace: Through Jesus' sacrifice, God's throne of judgment has become a throne of grace. We can approach Him boldly, not because of our merit, but because of Christ's work. [32:30]
4. Invitation to Draw Near: God invites us to draw near to Him, regardless of our past or present struggles. He desires a relationship with us and has made every provision for us to come to Him. [39:30]
5. Commitment to Spiritual Growth: As we enter a new year, we are encouraged to deepen our relationship with God through His Word, prayer, and sharing our faith. This commitment will lead to a more profound experience of His presence in our lives. [42:21]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:31] - Steve Harvey's Unapproachable Nature
- [04:27] - God's Invitation to Approach
- [06:20] - Overcoming Fear in Approaching God
- [08:08] - God Came to Us First
- [09:07] - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance
- [10:37] - Jesus as Our High Priest
- [11:59] - The Role of a Priest
- [15:07] - Holding Fast to Our Faith
- [18:54] - Approaching God Boldly
- [20:23] - God Knows Our Struggles
- [21:51] - Jesus' Empathy for Our Weaknesses
- [23:25] - Temptation and Jesus' Sinlessness
- [25:34] - Shared Human Experience
- [27:09] - Jesus' Sinless Sacrifice
- [28:58] - God's Word and Judgment
- [30:21] - Nothing Hidden from God
- [31:07] - From Judgment to Grace
- [32:30] - Jesus' Role as Mediator
- [35:08] - Personal Story of Grace
- [38:11] - Invitation to Draw Near
- [39:30] - Surrendering to God
- [40:25] - Boldly Approaching God's Throne
- [42:21] - Engaging with God's Word
- [43:57] - Sharing Your Faith
- [45:49] - Challenge for Spiritual Growth
- [47:55] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 4:14-16
- 2 Peter 3:9
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Hebrews 4:14-16 say about Jesus' role as our high priest, and how does this enable us to approach God? [15:07]
2. According to the sermon, how does the story of Steve Harvey illustrate the contrast between human unapproachability and God's invitation to approach Him? [02:31]
3. What specific actions did God take to make Himself approachable to us, as mentioned in the sermon? [08:08]
4. How does 2 Peter 3:9 explain God's patience and His desire for us? [09:07]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding Jesus as our high priest change the way we view our relationship with God? [15:07]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's approachability should impact our daily lives and spiritual practices? [06:20]
3. How does the transformation of God's throne from judgment to grace affect our perception of His character? [32:30]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of recognizing Jesus' empathy and understanding of our struggles? [21:51]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps can you take this week to draw nearer to Him, as encouraged in the sermon? [39:30]
2. The sermon mentions surrendering areas of our lives to God. Identify one area you have been holding back and discuss how you can begin to surrender it. [39:30]
3. How can you incorporate more time in God's Word and prayer into your daily routine to deepen your relationship with Him? [42:21]
4. Think of a struggle you are currently facing. How does knowing that Jesus understands and empathizes with your struggles change your approach to this situation? [21:51]
5. The sermon encourages sharing your faith. Identify one person you can share your faith with this week and discuss how you might approach this conversation. [43:57]
6. Consider the idea of God's throne of grace. How does this concept encourage you to approach God with your needs and concerns? [32:30]
7. Reflect on the new year as a time for spiritual growth. What specific goals can you set to grow in your faith in 2025? [42:21]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Initiative in Relationship
God took the first step in reaching out to humanity through Jesus Christ, demonstrating His profound desire for a relationship with us. This divine initiative is not just a historical event but an ongoing invitation for each of us to approach God without fear. By becoming one of us, God showed that He is not distant or aloof but deeply invested in our lives. This act of love and humility assures us that God is not waiting to punish us but has already taken the punishment for our sins upon Himself through Jesus. This truth should embolden us to draw near to Him with confidence and trust. [08:08]
John 1:14 (ESV): "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Reflection: Think about a time when someone took the first step to mend a relationship with you. How can you mirror God's initiative by reaching out to someone in your life who needs to experience His love through you today?
Day 2: Jesus' Empathy and Understanding
Jesus, our great high priest, understands our weaknesses and temptations because He experienced them Himself. This empathy assures us that we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus knows what it means to be tired, hurt, and tempted, yet He remained without sin. This understanding is not just theoretical; it is deeply personal and practical. Jesus' empathy means that He is not only aware of our struggles but is also actively involved in helping us overcome them. We can approach Him with our burdens, knowing that He truly understands and is ready to provide the support and strength we need. [21:51]
Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: Identify a specific struggle or temptation you are currently facing. How can you invite Jesus into this situation, trusting in His understanding and empathy to guide you through it?
Day 3: Transformation of Judgment to Grace
Through Jesus' sacrifice, God's throne of judgment has become a throne of grace. This transformation is a profound reminder of God's love and mercy, inviting us to approach Him boldly, not because of our merit, but because of Christ's work. The barrier of sin that once separated us from God has been removed, allowing us to experience His grace and forgiveness. This change from judgment to grace is not just a theological concept but a reality that impacts our daily lives. It means that we can live in the freedom and assurance of God's love, knowing that we are accepted and cherished by Him. [32:30]
Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you feel judged or condemned. How can you embrace the truth of God's grace and allow it to transform your perspective and actions today?
Day 4: Invitation to Draw Near
God invites us to draw near to Him, regardless of our past or present struggles. He desires a relationship with us and has made every provision for us to come to Him. This invitation is not limited to a select few but is extended to all who are willing to respond. It is an open door to experience the fullness of God's love, peace, and presence in our lives. As we accept this invitation, we are encouraged to trust Him more deeply, surrender areas of our lives we've held back, and renew our commitment to Him. This journey of drawing near to God is a lifelong process that leads to spiritual growth and transformation. [39:30]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: Consider one area of your life where you feel distant from God. What practical steps can you take today to draw nearer to Him and experience His presence more fully?
Day 5: Commitment to Spiritual Growth
As we enter a new year, we are encouraged to deepen our relationship with God through His Word, prayer, and sharing our faith. This commitment to spiritual growth is not just a resolution but a daily choice to prioritize our relationship with God. Engaging with His Word allows us to know Him more intimately, while prayer opens the door for communication and connection with Him. Sharing our faith is a natural overflow of our relationship with God, as we seek to make His love known to others. This journey of spiritual growth is not about perfection but about progress, as we continually seek to align our lives with God's will and purpose. [42:21]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: What is one specific spiritual discipline you can commit to this year to deepen your relationship with God? How can you incorporate this discipline into your daily routine to ensure consistent growth?
Quotes
We can never make up for our sin. We can never right the wrongs that we've done. It is only what Christ has done for us on the cross that can cover our sin. And so as, as we come before God, we're not worthy on our own. So don't misunderstand what I'm saying today. I'm not saying that we can come boldly to the throne of grace just because we're a human being. That's not what I'm saying at all. We can come boldly to the throne of grace just because we're a human being. We can come boldly to the throne of grace because of what Jesus has done for us. Okay. It is in his name that we come to the father. So let us hold to him. Let our, let's, let our faith be in him because he has come to us. [00:15:37] (43 seconds)
The first reason we can come to God boldly is because He came to us. Friends, He took the initiative in coming to us. We can approach Him because He first approached us. You know, the reality is many people are fearful of God. They... Many think that God is looking for a reason to zap them. They think that God is just waiting for them to mess up or to do something wrong or so that He can bring down the hammer. Friends, I want you to understand, while God is holy, He's just, and He must punish sin, God does not want to punish us. [00:08:08] (43 seconds)
Friends, God wants us to become part of his family. He wants to have a relationship with us. And as proof of that, he has initiated a relationship with us. He's come to us. So let's draw near to him. Amen? Number two, not only can we draw near to God, not only we come to him boldly because he took the initiative in coming to us, but the second reason we can do that, friends, is because he knows what we're going through. God knows what we're going through. Jesus knows what we're going through. [00:20:23] (36 seconds)
He can identify with us because he became one of us. The word sympathize means to be affected with the same feeling as another. And friends, because Jesus became a man, because Jesus became human, he therefore went through all the things that we do. Just think about that for a minute. Almighty God went through the things that we do. Amen? He experienced all the struggles of humanity that we do. Friends, he went through troubles. He was troubled by the things going on around him, right? [00:21:51] (40 seconds)
And friends, because of Jesus, God's only begotten son, the second person of the Trinity, the scripture says God himself, because of Jesus, friends, almighty God's throne of judgment, you have the opportunity for that to turn into a throne of grace. And I said, turn into a throne of grace. Not because of what you've done, but because of what he did for you. You can draw near to the King of kings and the Lord of lords. [00:35:08] (34 seconds)
And maybe you're still wrestling with that. Listen, if you're not ready, I'm not. But what I want to tell you is, friends, there is no other way to be right with God. We are sinners. Our sin separates us from Him. And the only way for that sin to be paid for is through what Jesus did on the cross and by trusting. And God says that if you'll just believe that He did that for you, His throne of grace is open to you if you'll receive Him as your Savior. [00:38:11] (28 seconds)
And so today, for you, what that means to draw near to God means that you need to surrender everything to Him. That there are some areas of your life that you've been holding on to. No, you need to give them to Him. You need to surrender those to Him. You need to, may I say it, stop playing games with God. For some of you, it may mean getting back on track. You know Christ. You've been saved for many, many years. And you've genuinely been saved. But for whatever reason, it's kind of like in a game, you're sitting on the sidelines. [00:39:30] (42 seconds)
You know, I think, and listen, I understand God's the one who saves us. God's the one who draws us to Himself. And sometimes because of that, we can sit back and wait for God to do some miraculous thing in our life. And friends, but what God calls us to is God calls us to come boldly to the throne of grace. He's already done everything you need to be in a wonderful relationship with him. [00:40:25] (32 seconds)
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