Real Faith Session 4: Closer Than You Think: James 4:6-10

James 4:6-10
One of the greatest opportunities that we have as followers of Jesus is to be close to God, intimate with God, and to be connected to God. Sometimes we get being near to God mixed up with the things that we do for God, but I want to tell you something today. The God of Heaven, the creator of heaven and earth, He wants to know you. He's concerned with every issue, and every concern that you have. When we get close to God, when we have close encounters with the Lord, it begins to radically change our lives.
There is so much upside to being intimate with God. First of all, there is no problem that you have that's too big for God. God made you. He knew you before you were even conceived. He knows every single thing about you. If He knows every single thing about you and every single thing about the world, there is not one issue you're facing today that He can't handle. He has the wisdom and knowledge to help you deal with the circumstances that you're facing.
Being close to God is an amazing, amazing opportunity. Sometimes in the busyness of life, we forget about something so simple, and yet so profound and important, to know God. He is the sustainer of the world. He is the creator of the world. I believe that if we could get a little closer to God, we would have more peace in our lives. We'd have more joy. We'd have more direction. We would be more confident in the decisions that we make because we would sense the Lord's leadership and direction in that.
Now, here's some really good news today. The good news is this. You're as close to God as you want to be. Did you know no one is stopping you from being close to God? Nobody can interfere with how close you are to God except yourself. You're the only one that can get in the way. How about that? Nobody can stop you. You can be as close to God as you want to be.
Discussion Starter
Everyone likes to spend time with other people. Who is someone you spend time with on a daily basis and why? What keeps you from spending time with this person?
Verse to Remember
James 4:8a “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
Discussion Questions
1. Why is it difficult to feel close to God? What can you do to develop more intimacy with Him?
2. In our culture the word submit is often perceived as a negative word. How is submitting to God positive?
3. Have you ever wanted to be with someone who didn't want to be with you? How is drawing close to God different? What does God promise to do when you draw near to Him?
4. Why is cleansing our heart and hands an important part of drawing close to God?
Application
1. Submission is seen as a negative, but with God it elevates our commitment? How can you elevate your commitment to God knowing you are submitted to His leadership?
2. Read James 4:7 What are some practical ways you can resist the devil?
Prayer Focus
1. God expects our best. Are you truly giving God your very best to Him? Pray that God will reveal ways you can grow closer to Him on a daily basis.
2. What areas of your life do you need to turn over to God and submit to Him? (finances, marriage, family, etc.) Pray for God’s blessing over these things and to give them over to Him.