James 4

Read James 4 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.

The Greek Testament does not contain paragraph markers.

Let’s talk about drawing near. The Greek for “to draw near” is used to translate “to offer an offering” (Lev 1:2) in the Septuagint. The purpose of bringing an offering in the Hebrew Testament, is to draw near to God in worship.

Since Messiah has come, we no longer bring animal sacrifices to the Temple. Yeshua became our sacrifice once for all (Heb 10:1-22). But through Him, the door to Heaven is standing open (Rev 4:1), and we have access to the throne room of God (Heb 4:16). We draw near through:

Faith in Yeshua’s sacrifice. “Having boldness to enter the Holy of Holies by the blood of Jesus … let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” Heb 10:19-22.
Repentance. “YHVH is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” Psa 34:18.
Obedience. “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” Joh 14:23.
Prayer. “YHVH is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.” Psa 145:18.
Individual worship and praise. “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” Psa 100:4.
Corporate worship in the assembly of believers. “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” Mat 18:20.
Service. “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also.” Joh 12:26.