7th November 2024

7th November 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (James 4v8-10)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


There is something very wonderful about returning home. You may have had a wonderful holiday but opening the front door of your own place and climbing into your own bed is a very special gift indeed. Even so, no matter how much I love my earthly home, the Christian’s permanent address is heaven which has been won for us by Jesus Christ our Lord.


It is a privilege to bear the name “Christian” and to understand the extraordinary access Christ’s sacrifice gives to each child of God. What do I mean by access? Paul would say that through Christ, Christians have access to the Father (Ephesians 2v18) and we can come before the Lord with boldness and confidence (Ephesians 3v12). Have you ever considered these things? The Lord does not hold his nose when His children approach Him nor does He groan when someone calls upon Him in prayer. James would say that when we draw near to God, He draws near to us (v8). Isn’t that awesome? The Lord fills the universe with His immensity - there is not one inch of creation where He is absent and yet, when His people draw near in worship, He willingly draws near to them.


But how should we approach the Lord? With confidence and boldness - the blood of Christ has covered all our sins! But also in humble reverence. James calls upon us to approach the Lord with clean hands and pure hearts (v8b). By the blood of Christ we can approach the Lord freely knowing that He welcomes us as we draw near. Yet brothers and sisters, may we never fall into the trap of treating God like a lucky charm or mute wooden idol. It is good to remember that the One we approach is the Lord of all.


Therefore in response, may the Spirit cultivate in us a humble heart (v10). Furthermore, learning the language of lament is something that modern Christians should attend to. Lament? Yes. Just as the exiles wept as they remembered their homeland (Psalm 137v1) it is a positive thing when the Christian walks through a season of lament. I ask you as I ask myself, when was the last time you were grieved by your sin? When did you last weep over the darkness of your heart? James calls us to mourn and weep turning our joy to gloom (v9).


The Lord’s brother was not some puritanical tyrant who wanted Christians to spend life with a permeant scowl. Rather, James reminds us of our privileges before God and the Lord’s majesty. The humble servant understands that we draw near to God in reverence and awe which will in turn see the Lord drawing near to us. He will exalt us and help us and bless us with abundant grace.


My friends, are you weak and sore and struggling? In repentance, lamentation and awe, draw near to God and He will draw near to you.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q29 How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ? We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us by his Holy Spirit.