Study on James 4:8 (Draw nigh.)

[Shepherd]

DRAW NIGH (Great)
JAMES 4:8...DRAW NIGH TO GOD, AND HE WILL DRAW NIGH TO YOU, CLEANSE YOUR HANDS, YE SINNERS; AND PURIFY YOU’RE YOUR HEARTS, YE DOUBLE MINDED.
I. SHOW WITH WHAT TEMPERS AND DISPOSITIONS OF MIND WE MUST DRAW NIGH TO GOD.
If we are truly and devoutly desirous of drawing nigh to God, one of our earliest considerations will maturely be, how unfit we are to come to Him. This will lead us to a serious examination of ourselves; to review of our past conversation; and a comparison of it with the rule of His commandments.
We must draw nigh to God with firm resolutions of continuing, through His grace, in His service during our whole lives.
We must draw nigh with sincerity. By sincerity I mean here a desire to know and do the whole will of God.
II. THERE ARE PROPER PLACES AND TIME, AS WELL AS DUE DISPOSITIONS, OR DRAWING NIGH TO GOD.
Can we approach without ardent love? It becomes us, when drawing nigh to God, to cherish the spirit of obedience. Our most intense desires should ascend above all temporal blessings.
III. THE PROMISE AFFORDED.
Several things are implied in this promise. It imports the manifestation of His presence. He is ever night, but He makes Himself known in a gracious manner only to those who seek Him. It implies infinite condescension.
Several benefits are imported by the fulfilment of this promise. The mind derives from it pure and sacred pleasure. “A soul in converse with her God in Heaven” . A state of security ensues. If God draw nigh to us, it is not to forsake us immediately afterwards. But if God be with us, we have nothing to fear.
IV. CONSIDERATIONS ON THE PERFECTIONS OF GOD AND HIS RELATIONS TO US, AS MOTIVES AND INDUCEMENTS FOR DRAWING NIGH TO HIM.
In coming to God, we come to Him who is the blessed and only potentate; the king of kings, the Lord of lords; who only hath immortality; who, by His word, framed the worlds; and, by the same word of power upholdeth all things; in whom we live, and move, and have our being.
In coming to Him, we come to our redeemer.
In coming to :Him, we come to our judge.
Shepherd

[Shepherd]

59 CARNAL JOY EXCHANGED FOR GODLY

JAMES 4:9. BE AFFLICTED, AND MOURN, AND WEEP: LET YOUR LAUGHTER BE TURNED TO MOURNING, AND YOUR JOY TO HEAVINESS.
I. IT IS A GOOD EXCHANGE TO PUT AWAY CARNAL JOY FOR GODLY SORROW.
Then we put away a sin for a duty, brass for gold; yea, we have that in the duty which we expected in the sin, and in a more pure, full, and sweet way.
God will give us that in sorrow which the world cannot find in pleasure; serenity, and contentment of mind.
When the world repents of their joy, you will never repent of your sorrow. II COR. 7:1O...FOR GODLY SORROW WORK’S REPENTANCE TO SALVATION NOT TO BE REPENTED OF: BUT THE SORROW OF THE WORLD WORK’S DEATH.
The saddest duties are sweeter than the greatest triumphs, and the worst and most afflicted part of godliness is better than all the joys and comforts of the world.
It is better to have your good things to come, than here. LUKE 16:21 AND
DESIRING TO BE FED WITH THE CRUMBS WHICH FELL FROM THE RICH MAN’S TABLE; MOREOVER THE DOGS CAME AND LICKED HIS SORES.
II. AN EXCELLENT WAY TO MODERATE THE EXCESS OF JOY IS TO MIX IT WITH SOME WEEPING.
The way to abate one passion is to admit the contrary: in abundance there is danger; therefore in your state of being jolly think of some mournful objects.