How to grow closer to the Lord

Notes from sermon by Rev Gerald Tan

Verse:

Heb 11:5 (cf Gen 5:21)

Lesson:

1. There is an interesting thing about Enoch. We know that he was a person who pleased God and walked with Him. He was the seventh generation after Adam. Enoch probably talked to Adam about what is was like in the garden of Eden, how he walked and talked with God. The Bible says he walked with God at 65 for 300 years.

2. As Christians we should desire to do that. We need to walk intimately with God. As a child of God we can walk intimately with God.

3. James 4:1-10. These verses were written to the churches in Jerusalem. They give truths about how we can grow in intimacy with God.

4. Point 1 - we must be a friend of God. In order to be a friend of God, we must believe God. But today, we believe what the world tells us - through the media etc. See vs 4, 5. Friendship is about dedication and commitment. To be a friend of the world is to let its things tie us down and take precedence over God. We have to be concious of God and His friendship. His friendship is more important that that of this world.

5. Point 2 - we must have the fear of the Lord. Ps 111:10, it is the beginning of wisdom. We must take time to know God and walk in obedience. Obedience is sometimes taken as a set of rules and regulations. This is wrong. These are not the goals but the by products of loving God. Haggai 2:10-11 tells us that holiness must be cultivated. We must also understand the reverence of God with honour and respect.

6. Point 3 - we must walk in humility before the Lord. This is an important posture we must take in order to grow into an intimate relationship with God. Pride can be disguised as humility or hum-bug. We confuse humility with walking with authority. 1 Sam 15:22 says to obey is more important, this is the key to humility. It is about a complete dependence on God. It took God 40 years to teach Moses complete dependence on Him. True humility is to have a right perspective of ourselves. 1 Cor 15:9-10 was how Paul saw himself.

7. Steps to grow in intimacy, James 4:

a. Submit to God. Align to the will of God.
b. Resist the devil. This goes beyond temptation but his lies and systems
c. Draw near to God - in greek it refers to making a u-turn to the world and drawing near to God.

Most Meaningful Statement :

In order to be a friend of God, we must believe God.

Thoughts :

1. Enoch's son was Methusela, the longest living human being. Remember that if you honor your father and mother, you will live long, see Eph 6:2-3.

2. I wonder what Enoch would have asked Adam? I also wonder what Methusela thought when he couldn't find his dad?

3. Isn't a great experience to know God and walk with him? Remember that we are eternal beings today, created in the image of God, and for His pleasure.

4. How do we achieve intimacy with God?

5. Is God our friend, and are we His friend? Who was known as a friend of God? In order to be His friend, we must spend time with Him. Build trust. We must get to know Him. What is eternal life? John 17:2-3.

6. What does fear of the Lord, and beginning of wisdom mean to us?