The Danger of Drifting Hebrews 2 1 Drifting

The Danger of Drifting Hebrews 2: 1

Drifting is Possible Hebrews 3: 12 Hebrews 4: 11 Hebrews 6: 4 -6 Hebrews 10: 26 -31

Signs of Drifting We become complacent Rev. 3: 15 -17 – lukewarm Laodicea Hebrews 6: 11 -12 – not become sluggish Matthew 22: 5 - they made light of it

Signs of Drifting We neglect God’s word Matthew 4: 4 – man shall not live by bread alone 1 Peter 2: 2 -3 – desire the pure milk of the word Hebrews 2: 1 -3 – give the more earnest heed to things heard (Hebrews 5: 11 – dull)

Signs of Drifting We neglect prayer Matthew 6: 5 -8 – importance of private prayer Romans 12: 12 – continuing steadfastly in prayer James 5: 16 – confess and pray for one another

Signs of Drifting Increased desire and care for worldly pleasures 2 Timothy 3: 4 – lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God Philippians 3: 18 -19 – many walk as enemies of the cross, whose god is their belly Ephesians 2: 1 -3 – your former conduct Are you slipping back into it?

Signs of Drifting Increased excuses for neglectful behavior Luke 14: 16 -24 – Jesus addressed those who made excuses Often, when one first fails they admit it. As they begin to drift away, their excuses begin to increase proportionately

Signs of Drifting We lack spiritual joy We need to be content and joyful Romans 12: 12 – rejoicing in hope Matthew 5: 12 – rejoice and be exceedingly glad 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 – rejoice always Joyful is a mindset! Do we find real joy with our brethren?

Signs of Drifting We are constantly finding fault 2 Corinthians 10: 12 – do we find ourselves constantly seeking to justify ourselves based on others? Do we use the bad behavior of others to justify our neglect? Matthew 7: 1 -5, (cf. John 7: 24), Judge properly! Galatians 5: 14 -15– biting and devouring one another

Signs of Drifting A lack of concern for the souls of others Philippians 2: 3 -4 – look out for the interests of others 2 Corinthians 5: 10 -11, Acts 8: 4 – concern for the lost souls When we don’t care about how our behavior affects others we may be drifting!

The Danger of Drifting We can reach a point where we no longer see “the shore” cf. Hebrews 6: 4 -6 We can shipwreck our faith – 1 Timothy 1: 18 -20

The Danger of Drifting We are in danger of losing our souls 1 Corinthians 10: 12 Hebrews 10: 26 -31 2 Peter 2: 20 -22

Addressing Drifting Make God your priority Matthew 6: 33 – seek first the kingdom of God Hebrews 6: 19 – hope is our anchor (at the throne of God) 1 Peter 1: 13 – rest your hope fully upon the grace of God

Addressing Drifting Let serving God become an every day occurrence Say something to God Let God says something to you Do something for God Say something about God Give something to God Think of a blessing from God Be thankful to God

Addressing Drifting Continued examination 2 Corinthians 13: 5, 1 Corinthians 10: 12 take heed Discipline your body 1 Corinthians 9: 27 Be in control Make the church important to you Ephesians 4: 16 – do your part!

Addressing Drifting Give diligence to increase your faith 2 Timothy 2: 15, 2 Peter 1: 5 -8 2 Peter 3: 14 diligent to be found in peace Worship God John 4: 24 In Spirit and in truth Hebrews 10: 25 be here!

Addressing Drifting Abstain from evil Ephesians 4: 22 put off your former conduct Ephesians 5: 11, 1 Thessalonians 5: 22 If you have drifted, repent! Revelation 2: 5 – do the first works Acts 8: 22, 2 Corinthians 7: 10 -11

What are you doing to prevent drifting in your life?