Returning to God: The Journey of Reconciliation

 

Summary

In the message of James 4:8, "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you," we find a profound invitation and promise. Humanity's natural inclination, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve, is to flee from God after sinning. This tendency to distance ourselves from God is a reflection of our unregenerate state, where we seek to live independently of His presence. However, the call to draw near to God is a call to return to our Creator, to reconcile and restore the relationship that sin has fractured.

The parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates this journey back to God. The son, having squandered his inheritance in a distant land, realizes that true restoration lies in returning to his father. Similarly, our spiritual healing begins with the decision to return to God, acknowledging our sins and seeking His forgiveness. This return is not merely a physical act but a heartfelt repentance and a desire to be reconciled with God.

God's invitation to draw near is not without provision. Through Jesus Christ, the chasm created by sin has been bridged. Christ's sacrifice on the cross has made a way for us to approach God with confidence, knowing that His grace and mercy await us. The promise that God will draw near to us as we draw near to Him assures us of His readiness to forgive and restore.

To draw near to God, we must engage in practices that foster closeness with Him: thinking about Him, trusting Him, repenting of our sins, and praying earnestly. These actions are not mere rituals but expressions of a sincere heart seeking communion with its Creator. As we draw near, we experience transformation—our hearts are softened, our lives are purified, and our perspectives are aligned with eternal truths.

Ultimately, drawing near to God is a journey that leads to eternal fellowship with Him. It is a journey marked by hope, transformation, and the promise of eternal life in His presence. May we heed this gracious invitation and experience the fullness of life that comes from being close to our Lord.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Natural Distance from God: Humanity's instinct to flee from God after sinning, as seen in Adam and Eve, highlights our natural inclination to distance ourselves from Him. This separation is a reflection of our unregenerate state, where we seek independence from God's presence. Recognizing this tendency is the first step towards reconciliation. [00:26]

2. The Journey of the Prodigal Son: The parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates the journey back to God. True restoration begins with the decision to return to the Father, acknowledging our sins and seeking His forgiveness. This return is not just physical but involves heartfelt repentance and a desire for reconciliation. [04:05]

3. Christ as the Bridge: Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross has bridged the chasm created by sin, making a way for us to approach God with confidence. His grace and mercy await those who draw near, assuring us of forgiveness and restoration. [10:38]

4. Practices of Drawing Near: Engaging in practices such as thinking about God, trusting Him, repenting, and praying earnestly fosters closeness with Him. These actions are expressions of a sincere heart seeking communion with its Creator, leading to transformation and purification. [18:29]

5. Eternal Fellowship with God: Drawing near to God is a journey that leads to eternal fellowship with Him. It is marked by hope, transformation, and the promise of eternal life in His presence. Heeding this invitation allows us to experience the fullness of life that comes from being close to our Lord. [28:53]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to the Double Drawing Nigh
- [00:26] - Humanity's Natural Distance from God
- [00:55] - God's Call to the Wandering
- [01:11] - The Parable of the Lost Sheep
- [01:46] - The Prodigal Son's Journey
- [02:29] - The Distaste for God in Sin
- [03:49] - The Message of Hope
- [04:22] - The Prodigal's Resolve
- [06:09] - The Invitation to Return
- [07:05] - God's Initiative in Reconciliation
- [09:32] - The Open Road to God
- [12:00] - The Encouraging Promise
- [18:29] - How to Draw Nigh to God
- [28:53] - Eternal Fellowship with God

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- James 4:8
- Luke 15:11-32 (The Parable of the Prodigal Son)
- 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

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Observation Questions:

1. According to James 4:8, what is the promise given to those who draw near to God?
2. In the parable of the Prodigal Son, what realization does the son come to that prompts his return to the father? [04:05]
3. How does the sermon describe humanity's natural inclination after sinning, as illustrated by Adam and Eve? [00:26]
4. What role does Jesus Christ play in bridging the gap between humanity and God, according to the sermon? [10:38]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of the Prodigal Son illustrate the process of repentance and reconciliation with God? [04:05]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of God's invitation to draw near to Him? How is this invitation both a call and a command? [08:25]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that drawing near to God leads to personal transformation and purification? [18:29]
4. How does the sermon explain the significance of Jesus' sacrifice in making a way for us to approach God? [10:38]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. What steps did you take, or could you take, to draw near to Him again? [06:09]
2. The sermon mentions practices like thinking about God, trusting Him, and praying earnestly. Which of these practices do you find most challenging, and how can you incorporate it more into your daily life? [18:29]
3. Consider the promise that God will draw near to you as you draw near to Him. How does this assurance impact your willingness to seek God, especially during difficult times? [12:33]
4. The Prodigal Son's journey back to his father involved acknowledging his mistakes. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek forgiveness or reconciliation? How can you take the first step? [04:05]
5. How can you create an environment in your daily routine that fosters closeness with God, similar to the way the sermon suggests? [18:29]
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance. What does genuine repentance look like in your life, and how can it lead to a deeper relationship with God? [22:29]
7. How can you encourage others in your community or small group to draw near to God, and what role can you play in supporting their spiritual journey? [08:25]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing Our Natural Distance from God
Humanity's instinct to flee from God after sinning, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve, highlights our natural inclination to distance ourselves from Him. This separation is a reflection of our unregenerate state, where we seek independence from God's presence. Recognizing this tendency is the first step towards reconciliation. It is essential to understand that this distance is not just a physical separation but a spiritual one, where our hearts and minds are turned away from God. By acknowledging this natural inclination, we open the door to a deeper understanding of our need for God's grace and the importance of drawing near to Him. [00:26]

Jeremiah 2:13 (ESV): "For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water."

Reflection: In what ways have you sought independence from God in your life, and how can you begin to turn back to Him today?


Day 2: The Journey of Repentance and Reconciliation
The parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates the journey back to God. True restoration begins with the decision to return to the Father, acknowledging our sins and seeking His forgiveness. This return is not just a physical act but involves heartfelt repentance and a desire for reconciliation. The Prodigal Son's journey is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we have strayed, the path to restoration is always open. It requires humility and a willingness to admit our wrongs, but the reward is a renewed relationship with our Creator, filled with grace and love. [04:05]

Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to begin your journey of repentance and reconciliation with God?


Day 3: Christ as the Bridge to God
Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross has bridged the chasm created by sin, making a way for us to approach God with confidence. His grace and mercy await those who draw near, assuring us of forgiveness and restoration. This profound truth is central to the Christian faith, as it underscores the significance of Christ's atoning work. Through Him, we have access to the Father and the promise of eternal life. Embracing this truth transforms our relationship with God, allowing us to live in the freedom and joy of His presence. [10:38]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: How does understanding Christ as the bridge to God change the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?


Day 4: Practices of Drawing Near to God
Engaging in practices such as thinking about God, trusting Him, repenting, and praying earnestly fosters closeness with Him. These actions are expressions of a sincere heart seeking communion with its Creator, leading to transformation and purification. As we draw near to God, we experience a change in our hearts and minds, aligning our lives with His will. These practices are not mere rituals but vital components of a vibrant spiritual life, helping us to grow in faith and deepen our relationship with God. [18:29]

James 4:7-8 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Reflection: What specific practice can you incorporate into your daily routine to help you draw nearer to God?


Day 5: The Promise of Eternal Fellowship with God
Drawing near to God is a journey that leads to eternal fellowship with Him. It is marked by hope, transformation, and the promise of eternal life in His presence. Heeding this invitation allows us to experience the fullness of life that comes from being close to our Lord. This journey is not without challenges, but the promise of eternal fellowship with God provides the strength and motivation to persevere. As we walk this path, we are continually transformed by His love and grace, preparing us for the eternal joy of His presence. [28:53]

Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV): "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'"

Reflection: How does the promise of eternal fellowship with God influence your daily decisions and priorities?

Quotes

Our blessed savior has set forth the result of sin in his parable of the lost sheep which is strayed from the fold in which if left to itself continues to go further and yet further away. We have all of us gone astray as Dr Watts says each wandering in a different way but all the downward Road. [00:01:09]

Alas this is the condition of every unregenerate sinner, he has gone away from God and he tries continually to get further and further away from God. Why do men neglect to keep holy the Sabbath day unless it is that they do not want to think of God? [00:02:09]

The first step towards getting back into his right position was his resolve, I will arise and go to my father. If he could have filled his belly with the husks or anything else if he could have had his Rags exchanged for robes if he could have been made a nobleman in that far-off land it would have been a Mischief rather than a benefit to him. [00:04:08]

The text itself is a call from God and no sinner ever comes back to the Lord until the Lord calls it back, but in this text he does call him by the mouth of the Apostle he says draw nigh to God and he bids us repeat this message in his name to those who are the furthest off and who have wandered the greatest distance from him. [00:07:32]

Once there was a great Gulf fixed between you and God, your sinner digged a fathomless gulf which you could never have breached, but Jesus Bridge the awful Chasm by throwing his cross a thwarted and now there is a plain and easy way by which the sinner may come back to God. [00:09:32]

You fear that if you were to try to get to God you could not, and that if you did reach him he is so pure and holy that he must spurn you because of your impurity and drive you from his presence, but read the whole of the text draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you. [00:12:07]

Draw nigh to him by thinking of him. God is not fixed in any one place so that we need to go on a pilgrimage in order to reach him God is a spirit and the way you draw near to his spirit is first of all to think of him in our own spirit. [00:18:29]

Draw right to God next by trusting him. Some of you will not be able to do that immediately you will have to think a little about him first and when you have thought about him and especially when you have received what this book tells you about him then draw nigh to him by trusting him. [00:20:48]

Draw nigh to him in a penitential spirit, it is your sense of sin that keeps you back from him but rightly considered that sense of sin should drive you to him rather than restrain you from going to him. What should a man do if he has offended another but try to make matters right between them? [00:22:59]

Draw nigh to God In Prayer make it your Habit to ask of him what you really need and He will draw nigh to you and you will get what you have asked of him. You will be surprised to find what gracious answers you will receive to your supplications. [00:25:36]

If you live near to God the family worries and troubles will not Vex your spirit as they now do, you will live above them and the outside world with all its fault finding and its anxieties and its ups and downs will seem very small and insignificant to you when you dwell on high and your place of defense is the Munitions of rocks. [00:35:51]

May the Lord bless you beloved with all that this Drawing Near to him is capable of giving to you, for his dear name and Mercy's sake, amen. [00:37:11]

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Transcript
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