Growing Nearer to God (1)
They said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?' -Luke 24:32
Seek to be nearer to God by submitting to his Spirit. The more we grow in spiritual things, the closer access we have to the secrets of God. In our first state, we are altogether flesh and have no spirit; in our present state of grace, we are partly flesh and partly spirit; in our third state in heaven, we will be all spirit; yea, our bodies will be spiritual (1 Cor. 15:44). Then our bodies will be obedient to our souls in all things. Until that day, grow in spiritual things.
(1) Labour to be conversant in spiritual means, as in hearing the word and receiving the ordinances. God connects his Spirit to his own means of grace. But take heed how we come; think what we have to do, and the one we are approaching. Come with a humble heart, as Elizabeth. 'Who am I, that God himself from heaven should come to me!' (Luke 1:43).
(2) Converse with others who draw near to God. He is present where to or three are assembled in his name, warming their hearts with love and affection, as it is said by the two disciples going to Emmaus, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while we walked in the way, and conferred of the sayings?' (Luke 24:32). It is a noteworthy sign of a spiritual heart to seek spiritual company; for when their hearts are joined together, they warm one another, and by this they are guarded from temptations.
(3) Be much in prayer; for this is not only a main part of the duty of drawing near to God, but it is the most powerful help in drawing near to him. For they are most near to God when their understandings, affections, desires, trust, hope, faith, are occupied about God. Every day's necessities and dangers from the devil, the flesh, and the world; from ill company, and strong corruptions, should invite us to cast ourselves under the protection of an almighty Saviour through prayer. There is not a minute of time in all our lives, but we must either be near God or we are undone.
(1) Labour to be conversant in spiritual means, as in hearing the word and receiving the ordinances. God connects his Spirit to his own means of grace. But take heed how we come; think what we have to do, and the one we are approaching. Come with a humble heart, as Elizabeth. 'Who am I, that God himself from heaven should come to me!' (Luke 1:43).
(2) Converse with others who draw near to God. He is present where to or three are assembled in his name, warming their hearts with love and affection, as it is said by the two disciples going to Emmaus, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while we walked in the way, and conferred of the sayings?' (Luke 24:32). It is a noteworthy sign of a spiritual heart to seek spiritual company; for when their hearts are joined together, they warm one another, and by this they are guarded from temptations.
(3) Be much in prayer; for this is not only a main part of the duty of drawing near to God, but it is the most powerful help in drawing near to him. For they are most near to God when their understandings, affections, desires, trust, hope, faith, are occupied about God. Every day's necessities and dangers from the devil, the flesh, and the world; from ill company, and strong corruptions, should invite us to cast ourselves under the protection of an almighty Saviour through prayer. There is not a minute of time in all our lives, but we must either be near God or we are undone.
Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Saint's Happiness Works, vol. 7, pp. 73
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.
The Saint's Happiness Works, vol. 7, pp. 73
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.
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