Key Scripture: James 4:8 (NKJV)

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

Introduction

Good morning, 

Today I want to speak on a subject that every believer needs to hear. It doesn't matter whether you have walked with God for forty years or whether today is your first time in church. God's invitation is the same for everyone:

"Draw near to God."

Many people know about God, but far fewer truly know Him personally. There is a difference between knowing facts about someone and having a close relationship with them. You can know someone's name, where they live, and what they do, but never know their heart. In the same way, many know about God, but God wants us to know Him intimately.

God has never stopped calling people to Himself. From the Garden of Eden, where He walked with Adam and Eve, to the final chapter of Revelation, God is inviting people into fellowship with Him.

Today, we will learn what it means to draw near to God, why it matters, what keeps us from Him, and how we can grow closer to Him every day.

1. GOD DESIRES A RELATIONSHIP WITH US

The first truth is this:

God wants to be close to His people.

Sometimes we think we are the only ones searching for God, but the Bible teaches us that God has always been reaching toward humanity.

When Adam and Eve sinned, they hid themselves among the trees. But God came looking for them.

Genesis 3:9

"Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, 'Where are you?'"

God already knew where Adam was physically. The question was about Adam's spiritual condition.

Many people today are hiding behind careers, wealth, entertainment, addictions, pride, or fear. Yet God is still calling:

"Where are you?"

Not because He wants to condemn you, but because He wants to restore you.

Jesus said in Luke 19:10:

"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

Notice that Jesus came seeking us before we ever sought Him. That is grace.

2. WHAT KEEPS US FROM GOD?

If God wants us close, why do many people feel distant?

The Bible gives several answers.

Sin

Isaiah 59:2

"Your iniquities have separated you from your God."

Sin creates distance. It dulls our desire for God, hardens our hearts, and disrupts our fellowship with Him.

Even as believers, unconfessed sin affects our closeness with God—not because He stops loving us, but because sin damages our relationship with Him.

That is why repentance is so important. Repentance is not simply feeling guilty; it is turning back to God.

Pride

Pride says:

• "I don't need God."
• "I can do this on my own."

But James 4:6 says:

"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Humility opens the door to God's presence.

Distractions

We live in a busy world. Phones buzz. Emails arrive. Social media scrolls endlessly. Work, entertainment, and responsibilities can crowd out time with God.

Think of the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38–42. Martha was busy serving, but Mary sat at Jesus' feet to listen. Jesus said Mary had chosen "the better part." Service matters, but time with Jesus comes first.

3. JESUS MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO DRAW NEAR

Without Jesus, we could never come into God's presence.

Hebrews 10:19–22

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith..."

Because Jesus died and rose again, the barrier of sin was removed for all who trust in Him.

When Jesus died, the curtain in the temple was torn from top to bottom. This showed that through Christ, we have direct access to God.

You do not need a special building or a special person to bring you to God. Through Jesus, you can come confidently before your heavenly Father.

4. HOW DO WE DRAW NEAR TO GOD?

A. Through Prayer

Prayer is simply talking with God.

Jeremiah 29:13

"You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."

Prayer is not about using impressive words. God hears sincere hearts.

Talk to Him in the morning. Thank Him during the day. End your evening with Him.

Relationships grow through communication.

B. Through God's Word

Psalm 119:105

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

The Bible reveals God's character, His promises, His commands, and His love.

If you want to hear God's voice more clearly, spend time reading His Word regularly.

C. Through Obedience

Jesus said in John 14:15:

"If you love Me, keep My commandments."

Obedience is not about earning God's love. It is the response of a heart that already knows His love.

Every act of obedience strengthens our walk with Him.

D. Through Worship

Psalm 100:4

"Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise."

Worship shifts our focus from ourselves to God.

When we worship, we remember His greatness, His faithfulness, and His goodness.

E. Through Fellowship

Hebrews 10:24–25

"...not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together..."

God designed us to grow together with other believers.

The Christian life was never meant to be lived alone.

5. THE BLESSINGS OF DRAWING NEAR TO GOD

When we draw near to God:

• We receive peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6–7).
• We gain wisdom (James 1:5).
• We find strength for difficult days (Isaiah 40:31).
• We experience God's guidance (Proverbs 3:5–6).
• We grow in spiritual maturity (Galatians 5:22–23).

Most importantly, we enjoy fellowship with the One who created us and loves us perfectly.

6. AN INVITATION TO RESPOND

Perhaps today you feel distant from God.

Maybe you've been hurt.

Maybe you've drifted.

Maybe you've never trusted Christ before.

Hear God's invitation again:

"Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8)

Notice the promise. God is not reluctant. When we come to Him with humble, repentant hearts, He welcomes us.

Think of the father in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32). While the son was still a long way off, the father ran to meet him. That is a picture of God's heart toward those who return to Him.

Call to Salvation

If you have never trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, today can be the beginning of a new relationship with God.

The Bible says in Romans 10:9:

"If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

You can pray:

"Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that You died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and place my trust in You alone. Forgive me, make me new, and help me follow You all the days of my life. Amen."

Conclusion

Church, God is not asking you to become perfect before coming to Him. He is asking you to come as you are, trusting Him to transform you.

This week, make time to seek Him. Pray. Read His Word. Worship. Obey His voice. Stay connected with His people.

As you do, remember His promise:

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." — James 4:8

May we be people who seek God's presence above everything else, because in His presence we find forgiveness, peace, strength, joy, and eternal life.

Let us pray.

"Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting us into a relationship with You through Jesus Christ. Forgive us for the times we have drifted away. Give us hearts that hunger for Your presence and delight in Your Word. Help us to seek You daily with humility, faith, and obedience. Draw us ever closer to You, and let our lives reflect Your love and holiness. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."