How to Approach God – Part 2

WEEK 2: How to Approach God – Part 2

Matt 15:21-28

Intro:

Last week, we have studied part 1 of this same topic.

Let me first describe to you the overview for this month’s preaching series: This series is about knowing how to approach God. We know that many people are reluctant in approaching God. And we may be trapped by different mindsets that hinders us. Discovering the character of God will surely help in the process. Surely, once you undergo the process, you are at a vantage point in properly approach our loving God. Remember, the invitation is still open.

God wants you to approach him. I want to convince you today that you need to understand the answer to the basic question "Why people should discover afresh the character of God?”.

This month, let's delve into discovering the important truths in knowing how to approach God.

Let’s proceed to reviewing the previous three sub-points. Afterwards, let’s talk about the fourth and fifth way on how to approach God.

How to Approach God (Par1 of 2)

Believe, Be Humble, Be Persistent (A Review) (v. 22, see previous topic outline/video) – Let me ask you: in your life, was there a situation where you were losing hope. Then you remember there is a God who created the heavens and the earth. He is powerful enough to do miracles over your life, but you find yourself reluctant to approach Him? And you ask yourself, “how can I approach God?” Well, today, this is your best chance to understand how approach God?

Be Consistent (vv. 22,25,26) – to be consistent is to keep on doing the same actions in the same way overtime. In verses 22,25 & 26, we can see the consistency of the woman (read verses). She was not only persistent, but she was also consistent. And the most convincing statement she said was when she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” (v.26). You have to feel this in order to appreciate the faith of the woman. Moreover, you have to have been in a somewhat same situation in order to better relate to this. In approaching God, there is a need to be persistent (continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition) and to be consistent (that is, keep on doing the same actions the same way overtime).

Be Confident (vv. 27) – To be confident is to show certainty about something. The woman was confident enough in showing confidence. She is certain about her belief that Christ was the answer to her daughter’s dire need. She was sure what she needs. And she never wavered. However, confidence falls short if you are NOT persistent and consistent. Likewise, there is a need to combine humility with confidence. Let’s combine confident and humility in a sentence. Humbly ask for something with confidence (by Bro Edgar). “She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”. In your life, are you really sure of what you need? Do you know the difference between needs and wants? You need to search your heart for issues that make you unconfident in approaching God.

Conclusion:

Come to God just as you are because He loves you. In approaching God, belief in a loving and forgiving God, be humble, be persistent, be consistent, and be confident. Most of all, approach God in the name of Jesus Christ.