Many of us here today have floated down a
Creek in a canoe or inner tube. You need to do little but
relax and drift. Takes little effort to drift doesn't it?
But drifting can be dangerous if you are not paying
attention. You may come upon a swift current around rocks or
even a falls.
The danger
of drifting is not limited to the physical world. Listen to
Hebrews 2: 1- 3. Christians may drift spiritually to their
destruction.
1.
The Dangers of Drifting
a.
This danger can certainly
happen if we don't pay close attention to what God has said.
Drift means to flow past, glide by without giving heed to
what is happening around you.
b.
Drifting means going with the
flow, Romans 12: 1- 2. No rowing, no paddling, no steering.
c.
Drifting usually occurs
gradually. Many Christians have slowly drifted away, one
Corinthians 9: 27. Entire congregations may drift gradually
into errors. Others may drift quickly, Galatians 1:6. One
error leads to another and another.
d.
Drifting may occur due to a
lack of attention or carelessness or neglect. It takes
effort to go against the flow, Hebrews 5: 11-14. Constantly
practiced ESV.
e.
Drifting may occur because
Christians become so busy with the affairs of this world
that they don't have time to steer the course. 1 'John 2:
15- 17.
2.
Signs you are drifting
a.
Your conscience doesn't bother
you when you put other things before worship. Hebrews 10:
25.
b.
You don't study God's word like
you should. Psalms 1:1. Meditate-ruminate like a cow does
its food. Psalms 119: 105. The Bible provides directions for
living useful lives.
c.
You don't desire to be with
God's people. Psalms 122: 1, Hosea 7: 8-9. You spend more
time with non Christian friends. Hosea 7: 8- 9. Cook done
only one side- unfit for the Lord service. Christian
fellowship is critical. Hebrews 3: 13.
d.
You are praying less and less.
Luke 18: 1.
e.
Little desire to share the
gospel. 1 Thessalonians 1:8. Little desire to tell the
world about Jesus.
f.
Things of the world are more
important, more valuable, then things of God. You get more
excited, more emotional, about sports or hobbies or
entertainment than about spiritual matters. Parents, if you
are more concerned about your child's worldly honours than
their spiritual instruction, you are drifting.
3.
How to stop drifting
a.
Be diligent- 2 Peter 1: 5- 10.
Never stop rowing, press on-Philippians 3: 12- 14. You
cannot retire from the Christian life.
b.
Be on guard against hidden
obstacles- one Peter 2: 11. False teaching can cause your
boat to overturn- ephesians 4: 14.
c.
Be anchored to God in his word-
Hebrews 6: 18- 19
4.
Conclusion
a.
Read Hebrews 2: 1- 3. “Great
salvation”
b.
In extent John 3: 16
c.
In duration- Hebrews 5: 9
d.
Price paid- Matthew 26: 28.
e.
Reward- first Peter 1: 4.
Bobby Stafford October 24, 2021
The
church of Christ
