You Get Nearer by Getting Lower
The sermon emphasizes that drawing near to God requires humility and spiritual cleansing, which are essential for holy living.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the necessity of humility and the process of drawing nearer to God through cleansing and self-awareness. He explains that while believers are positionally holy in Christ, practical holiness requires time and effort, as we must actively seek to purify our hearts and hands from worldliness. Epp highlights that true humility comes from recognizing our unworthiness without Christ and relying on God's grace to transform us. He encourages believers to take the initiative in humbling themselves, as this is essential for experiencing God's presence and blessings.
Text
James 4:8-12
Concerning James's command to "draw nigh to God" (James 4:8), we must remember that it takes time to be holy. Although our position in Christ at the moment of salvation provides an absolute holiness, as we live the Christian life from day to day, it takes time to apply the principles that result in holy living. But as we move toward God, we can count on God's moving toward us. However, we must remember that our moving is the result of His indwelling power (see Phil. 2:12,13).
James said, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you" (James 4:8). He added, "Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded" (v. 8). This injunction to cleanse oneself is most likely a reference to believers who have fallen into worldliness. God will not work through dirty hands that are contaminated by the value system and sins of the world. Hebrews 10:22 tells us, "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."
The lesson for each believer is to humble himself, not to wait for the Lord to humble him. True humility is to comprehend our own utter unworthiness apart from Christ. Of course, seeing ourselves as we really are is also impossible apart from the grace of God. As we appropriate all the grace that God has bestowed upon us, we will become humble before Him.
"By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life" (Prov. 22:4).
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the command to draw near to God
- The process of becoming holy
- God's response to our movement towards Him
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II
- The necessity of cleansing oneself
- The dangers of worldliness
- Scriptural support for purity
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III
- The importance of humility
- Recognizing our unworthiness
- The role of God's grace in humility
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IV
- The benefits of humility
- Riches, honor, and life through humility
- Applying humility in daily life
Key Quotes
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” — Theodore Epp
“Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” — Theodore Epp
“By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- Regularly examine your life for areas of worldliness and seek God's cleansing.
- Practice humility by acknowledging your dependence on God's grace in all aspects of life.
- Commit to drawing near to God daily through prayer and scripture reading.