Draw Me Nearer . . . Nearer

In this soul-stirring message, Chuck Swindoll addresses a quiet but pervasive crisis in the modern church: the sense of spiritual dissatisfaction. While many believers possess a “good system of theology”—one that is orthodox, biblically sound, and logically defendable—they often find their daily walk with Christ to be curiously dry and devoid of power. Chuck speaks directly to those who, in their unguarded moments, wonder if there is “more” to the Christian life than just a collection of correct doctrines. He argues that being “careful” with our theology should never become an excuse for being “closed” to the intimate, dynamic work of the Holy Spirit. This study serves as an invitation to stop settling for “well enough” and instead pursue a life that is “unequivocally and unconditionally” satisfied in God’s presence.

The core of this message centers on the provocative imagery of “flying closer to the flame.” Chuck acknowledges that for many conservative or non-charismatic Christians, the idea of pursuing the Spirit’s power can feel dangerous, like a bird risking its wings by getting too close to a fire. However, he counters that the “flame” of God’s presence is not something to be feared but something to be sought with a holy boldness. By examining the Apostle John’s teaching on the “anointing” or “unction” of the Spirit, Chuck reveals that God has provided every believer with a resident, internal teacher. This divine presence is designed to move us from being “victims” of our circumstances to being “conquerors” who walk with an unshakeable confidence in the Living God.

Message Key Facts:

• The Problem of Orthodox Dissatisfaction: Chuck opens by admitting that his message might make some conservative listeners uneasy. He notes that while many pride themselves on having a “logical system,” they often lack a “dynamic prayer life.” He challenges the congregation to ask themselves: “Are you satisfied with your walk?” He suggests that a “yes” may actually indicate that the quest for God has prematurely ended, replaced by sterile academic knowledge.
• The “Unction” from the Holy One: A major highlight of the sermon is Chuck’s exploration of 1 John 2:20. He revives the older, often-forgotten word unction (translated as anointing in modern versions). He explains that this is not a special blessing reserved for “super-saints” or “holy rollers,” but a standard equipment gift given to every true child of God at the moment of salvation. This anointing acts as a spiritual “sixth sense” or an internal filter that allows a believer to discern truth from error.
• The “Holy Smoke” Syndrome: Chuck reflects on how the Holy Spirit is often viewed as a “ghostly remnant” or a vague “smoke” rather than a distinct, active Person of the Trinity. He emphasizes that the Spirit is the “Resident Dynamic” within the soul, intended to guide us through the “uncharted lands” of life. He insists that when the Spirit is in control, the result is not obnoxious or loud behavior, but a deep, persevering consistency and a loyalty to the truth.
• The Flame and the Fear: Chuck uses the metaphor of a bird and a flame to describe the fear of spiritual intimacy. Many believers keep their distance from the Spirit’s work out of fear of “getting burned” or being labeled “charismatic.” Chuck encourages the listener to “relax” and remove the labels. He argues that the Spirit’s primary work is to bring “peace and solid confidence,” even in the face of suffering or the loss of a child.
• Revolutionizing the Inner Life: A significant takeaway from the message is the promise that “flying closer to the flame” will revolutionize a person’s self-image and witness. Chuck posits that once a believer taps into the Spirit’s anointing, they gain an “unction” that makes their witness effective and their prayer life meaningful. It transforms a person from being a fearful, “quaking” disciple behind locked doors into a bold, unintimidated witness in the streets.

Message References:

• 1 John 2:18–20 & 27: The primary text for the message. Chuck focuses on the reality that believers have an “anointing from the Holy One” and that this “anointing which you received from Him abides in you.” This passage establishes the Spirit as the internal teacher who protects the believer from deception.
• John 14:16–17 & 16:7: Jesus’ foundational promise of “another Helper” (paracletos). Chuck highlights that it was to our “advantage” that Jesus left, so that the Spirit could move from being with us to being in us permanently.
• Acts 1:8 & 4:13: The evidence of the “unction” in action. Chuck points to the transformation of the “uneducated and untrained” apostles into men who “marveled” the authorities because they had “been with Jesus” through the power of the Spirit.
• Romans 8:15–17: The transition from a “spirit of slavery” to a “spirit of adoption.” Chuck notes that the Spirit’s anointing allows us to cry “Abba, Father,” removing the “fright” or “reticence” many feel when approaching God.
• Psalm 42:1–2: The cry of the “thirsty soul.” Chuck uses this to illustrate the dissatisfaction that should drive a believer toward the Spirit, seeking the “Living God” rather than just facts about Him.
• Exodus 33:18: Moses’ request to “Show me Your glory.” Chuck suggests that this should be the prayer of every believer who is tired of living on the “surface” of spiritual experience and wants to “fly nearer” to the heart of God.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll