The Danger Of Drifting

The Dangers of Drifting

Selected Passages (Hebrews 2:1, Revelation 2:2-5)

August 21, 2005

Introduction

Several years ago a couple was on vacation in Florida and they were floating in the ocean on inflatable rafts. The husband decided to head into the shore but his wife wanted to stay out on the raft and continue to catch some rays. After a short time the woman lost herself in floating along on the raft.

What the woman failed to realize was that she was slowly drifting out to sea. As she simply relaxed and let the gentle current take her with it, her situation was becoming more and more dangerous. By the time that she noticed what was happening to her, it was almost too late. She saw that the shore was much farther away than she expected and she began to panic.

Fortunately the lifeguards were able to rescue her but the whole situation was created just by being careless. How many people in this church today are just coasting along in their spiritual walk? How many of you simply are being careless with your spiritual life?

Hebrews 2:1 gives us a specific warning for just this type of spiritual situation. We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.

How many Christians have drifted their way to a loss of their faith? How many here today are not where they need to be in their walk with Christ?

Has there ever been a time in your life, when you were more dedicated to Christ? Has there ever been a time when you were closer to Jesus than you are right now? Have you ever been more surrendered in your life than you are at this moment? Has there ever been a time that you were more committed to living for Christ than you are right now?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are in the process of drifting.

If your relationship with Christ is not where it once was or if it is not where you know it should be, you are drifting. Why do so many people drift?

Reasons that people drift

1. Depth - Matthew 13:5-7, 20-21

Those who settle for a shallow relationship with Christ will find that they will never have the depth to make it through the rough spots of life. The church of today has the spiritual depth of a mud puddle, small and shallow. We think it’s just fine to have this kind of spiritual life but in reality this is far from what Jesus expected of His disciples. The lack of spiritual depth will lead to nothing but a withered and dead spiritual life.

2. Denial - Mark 14:10-11

There will be times in our lives when we deny Jesus. For whatever reason, if you’re honest, we’ve all done it. Whether it was simply doing something that you know was displeasing to Him or whether it was a moment to save yourself momentary difficulty. Maybe for you it was a time when you were supposed to speak up and didn’t or when you just didn’t follow the will Christ wanted for your life. There have been times when we all have chosen the easier path and sold out on Jesus.

3. Difficulties - Galatians 4:8-11

When life gets tough we discover the mettle of our faith and the reality of God’s power in our lives. It is only when we hold strong to our relationship with Christ that He in turn holds strong to us. When we come through trials and difficulties with Christ by our side we will find the spiritual strength we so desperately need.

4. Deception - Galatians 1:6-9

Sometimes people are swayed to follow a doctrine that is false or unscriptural. There are times when people drift in their relationship with God because others have deceived them. It is vital to continually measure your opinions about God and Jesus with scripture. If your beliefs do not match the bible, you are in the wrong.

5. Division - Galatians 2:11-12

There will always be people who will seek to divide those around them. We have to make the choice to stand up when and where God calls us to. Standing for God is not always popular but it is always the right thing to do.

2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. Revelation 2:2-5