Restoring Fellowship

 

James 4.7 offers to us a spot where we can stop the bleeding of a separated relationship. James has explained that we must submit (align in proper order) ourselves to God. And, that we must then resist (take a stand against) the Devil. The result is that we will find ourselves in a position behind God as He wages war in the conflict on our behalf.

But, is that the best it can be? The answer to that is a resounding, “No!”

Many people these days are spectators – especially of sporting events. Even the casual observer will be drawn into a game that happens to be on the television; and, when the game has ended they will either experience some sense of victory or of defeat. All this they experience without ever having placed a foot on the arena surface and never having touched a ball. While they have chosen to “stand” with “their” team, they most probably have never met a single player in person neither have they any real connection with those who did participate. While they identify with the coach, they have never had a conversation with him and have never heard him bark out orders to run sprints, but they stand with him (often only when he is winning), submitting their will to his as they allow him and his players to fight the battle.

Having participated in several athletic events in my life, I would testify to the fact that it is much more enjoyable to be on the field – in the game – rather than in the stands waving a banner and yelling at the top of my lungs. While allowing God to fight our battles, we must remember that we are not to be absent from personal involvement. So, according to James 4.7 we have submitted ourselves to God and we are standing against the devil; however, we should be approaching God – closing the distance between Him and us – entering into His presence as He approaches us. Essentially, this command in James 4.8 promises us that as we approach Him, He approaches us.

As we have seen, the great divide between the believer and his close, personal walk with his God remains an expansive chasm which cannot be closed until we approach God on His own terms. God has two requirements in order for us to be able to enjoy seeing our Savior-God nearing us. The Psalmist expresses this same sentiment: “Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” (Psalm 24.3, 4)

First, we are to cleanse our hands. As sinners, we have no hope of fellowship if we have dirty hands. Dirty hands suggest activities that are not in line with God’s perfect will. Second, we are to purify our hearts. The word which translates “purify” is “hagnízō” which means to separate. As sinners (hamartōlós – those who have missed the mark), our only hope of cleansing is through the blood of Jesus Christ who cleans us thoroughly and offers to us audience in the presence of God. This squeaky clean status makes us acceptable in God’s presence. As double-minded individuals (dípsuchos – double-souled, waverers), our gaze focuses on the One who draws doubly nearer as we allow God’s Spirit to wash us and make us clean.

The believer’s purity is never based upon personal merit, but upon clinging to the One who is able to save us completely making us fit participants in His spiritual struggle.

FaceBook page: facebook.com/groups/265806577357176/
Website: firstemmanuelbaptistchurch.com