Open in prayer
Give out sheets (Scriptures and group work) and get three people to read Psalm 73, Psalm 145 and Hebrews 10
Bible Study Questions:
(1) What are some of the consequences of being near to God?
Fellowship with him. Holiness. Fruit of the Spirit. Protection. Blessing from God - see Psalm 145 We experience God's forgiveness and faithfulness. Our sin is exposed - like walking into a searchlight (see end of Psalm 139) Psalm 90: 8 Deliverance and freedom from the penalty and power of sin. Evangelism - not just living a life that is pleasing to God, but telling others about God's truth and how they can know God as well. Intimacy with God - God combines perfect knowledge about us with perfect love for us. Awe/reverence. Exodus 3:5 (Burning bush). Jesus' death ripped the temple curtain so we could come into the most holy place. We can now come into God's presence without a priest, as Jesus is the high priest who interceded for us. But sometimes we take being in God's presence too lightly. Danger of seeing God as 'best mate' - there for when I need him and not recognising that we exist to serve Him.
(2) How do we draw near to God? Decide that we want to draw near to him. Make being with God a priority.
Attitude - humility. Sincerity. Recognise and understand what Jesus achieved for us on the cross. See Hebrews 10. Get into God's word. Recognise the greatness of God - that he is everywhere and knows every thought. Prayer - dedicating time to be with God. Silence and stillness - listen to God and wait for him to speak to us. Confession and repentance. No conditions attached as to who can call on God with a sincere heart. Fellowship with other believers. Spend time with like-minded people. Meet together to encourage one another.
In small groups, looking at the passages on the sheet and using others if you wish, discuss the following questions:
(3) What prevents us from being near to God? Not spending time with him. Rushing in and out of God's presence and not waiting for him. Rejection of God's truth (see 2 Thess 1: 8 - 9) Ignorance of/ lack of trust in God's word and his promises. Fear. Sin. Worldliness. Last week we talked about the importance of filling our minds with good things. God is good. God is love. If we take on the world's attitudes and mindsets then it is going to prevent us thinking and acting in a Godly way and stop us drawing near to God. Lack of awareness of sin/ lack of repentance. Not wanting God to expose our 'secret' sins or our favourite sins. Living with a deliberate, unconfessed sin whilst praying for God to guide us is like cutting the phone lines and then trying to make a call. Pride. Rebellious attitude. Lack of eternal perspective - sense that 'this world's it'. Getting the 'temporal' life out of proportion.
(4) What are the consequences of being far from God? Lack of security, peace, forgiveness, joy, significance. No sense of direction/ guidance. Worry and fear. Eternal separation from God for those who absolutely reject his authority. Inability to reach out potential and be the people God created us to be. Lack of love for God ('absence makes the heart grow colder') Being trapped in a cycle of sin. Jealousy of non-Christians and feeling that the Christian life is an uphill struggle. Psalm 73 - the context is the apparent prosperity of the wicked. The psalmist's sense of proportion is only restored when he realises the importance of his relationship with God.
Feedback from groups
(5) How near to God are you? How near to God do you want to be? What do you need to do in response?
There are degrees of nearness to God and it's better for us the nearer we draw to him.
Prayer
Individual Prayer
Let's spend a few moments praying silently about things that we know are getting in the way of our relationship with God. Be completely honest with God, because he knows what's in your heart anyway. Don't wait until you get home - if something needs sorting out - do it now. Use this time to re-focus on God and re-assess your priorities and goals.
Eph 5: 18 "Be filled with the Spirit"
Group Prayer
Pray in groups - thanking and praising God that he is near to all those who call on him and pray for each other's specific needs as well.
