14. Draw Near to God

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14. Draw Near to God

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”

December 15, 2019

James is about living faith—but what do you do when you aren't living your faith the way you should? In James 4:4-10, James confronts us with a truth about God's love that exposes how deep our sin runs. But then he points us to God's amazing grace, which leads us to repentance and newness of life.

Application Questions

1. What does it mean to you that God loves you with the commitment and care of a good spouse? Is that different than the way you normally think about God's love?
2. What values, attitudes, and goals of the“world” do Christians often pursue in their lives? Why does James see this as spiritual adultery?
3. Do you feel as strongly as James does about worldliness in your own life? Why or why not?
4. In the middle of a strong rebuke, James says that“God gives more grace.” What does that teach you about what God is like? How could you live out vv. 7-10 in light of that grace this week?

More from Living Faith: The Book of James

01. Joy and Suffering

September 1, 2019

James begins his book with a discussion of trials, because living faith is seen in unique ways in the midst of suffering. He wants us to understand that it is actually possible, through faith, to count trials as joy without pretending they don't hurt. And he teaches us how by showing us what trials look like, what they produce, and how these things lead to actual joy that runs deeper than the pain of trials. Application Questions 1. What are some of the multi-colored trials you have experienced or are experiencing? Have you seen those trials produce more endurance in you? 2. When you imagine yourself “lacking nothing,” what images pop into your head? How does that teach you what you think life is about? 3. What will it look like for you to “count it all joy” when you face trials this week?

02. Navigating Suffering

September 8, 2019

As we try to navigate life in our fallen world, we are constantly confused by the situations we find ourselves in. We don't know what to do. We don't know where to turn. We don't even understand the reality of what's happening. Thankfully God gives us the lens of wisdomthrough whichto view the world, which provides clarity and an accurate picture of reality. But wisdom can seem like a difficult (if not impossible) virtue to attain. In our passage today, James teaches us the one sure-fire way we can all gain the wisdom we need. And the amazing thing is, it's a lot simpler than you'd think. Application Questions 1. In what situations or suffering do you currently need wisdom? 2. What can help you practically remember who you're talking to when praying? 3. How often do you simply ask God for wisdom? 4. What would it look like to take time to think and listen with the glasses of wisdom on? What keeps you from doing so? 5. What keeps you from acting in the confidence of wisdom?

03. Suffering and Eternity

September 15, 2019

James gives us examples of trials we face when he brings up“lowliness” : having little money, little power, and little social standing. He also discusses the rich, who enjoy more power, comfort, and respect. But James turns things upside down: he encourages the low to boast in their high position, and the rich to boast in their low position. He does it because he is aware of eternity, and what it holds for those who trust in Christ—and he wants us to be aware of it too. Application Questions 1. What are some things in your life that you boast in? 2. How could thinking of eternity change the way you look at your circumstances, whether “lowly” or “rich” ? 3. What are some ways you will be tempted to boast this week? How can you boast in Christ instead?