Guarding Against Spiritual Drift: Boundaries in Faith

Summary

### Summary

Today, we embarked on a new series titled "No Boundary Lines," focusing on the obstacles that can cause Christians to struggle and drift away from the gospel. We began with a story about my dog, Augie, who loved swimming so much that he would jump fences to get to the neighbor's pool. This story served as a metaphor for how easily we can stray from our spiritual path. Just as Augie needed boundaries to keep him safe, we too need spiritual boundaries to keep us aligned with the gospel.

We explored how the Apostle Paul addressed similar issues in the book of Galatians. The Galatians were a young church that had received the gospel and the Holy Spirit but were quickly led astray by false teachings. Paul warned them about the dangers of adding to the gospel or turning to a different gospel altogether. He emphasized that there are no "electric fences" or "moats" in the spiritual realm to keep us from wandering away from the truth. Instead, we must be vigilant and grounded in the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

We also discussed the various ways believers can be deceived, such as through misinformation, social media influencers, and marketing tactics that appeal to our desires. These modern-day "evil eyes" can easily lead us away from the gospel if we are not careful. Paul’s message to the Galatians is a timeless warning for us today: we must hold fast to the true gospel and not be swayed by false teachings or deceptive influences.

The core of the gospel is simple yet profound: Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This is the foundation of our faith, and it is by grace that we are saved. We must not add to this grace or desert it for another gospel. Instead, we are called to live by faith, embracing the freedom and righteousness that come from Jesus Christ alone.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Danger of Spiritual Drift: Just as my dog Augie needed boundaries to keep him safe, we need spiritual boundaries to keep us aligned with the gospel. Without these, it is easy to drift away and be led astray by false teachings or distractions. Paul’s warning to the Galatians serves as a timeless reminder that we must remain vigilant and grounded in the true gospel. [38:04]

2. The Deceptive Nature of False Teachings: The Galatians were deceived by charismatic leaders who added to the gospel, leading them away from the truth. This serves as a warning that even believers who have received the Holy Spirit can be led astray. We must be discerning and hold fast to the simplicity and purity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. [45:07]

3. Modern-Day "Evil Eyes": Today, we face various forms of deception, such as misinformation, social media influencers, and marketing tactics. These can easily lead us away from the gospel if we are not careful. We must be aware of these influences and ensure that our faith is rooted in the truth of the gospel. [51:16]

4. The Core of the Gospel: The gospel is simple yet profound: Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This is the foundation of our faith, and it is by grace that we are saved. We must not add to this grace or desert it for another gospel. [58:56]

5. Living by Faith: We are called to live by faith, embracing the freedom and righteousness that come from Jesus Christ alone. This means not just avoiding spiritual death but actively living in the power of the Spirit, filled with joy, peace, and the promises of God. [01:13:05]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[14:48] - Sing a Little Louder
[33:58] - Introduction to "No Boundary Lines"
[34:44] - Story of Augie the Dog
[35:32] - The Purpose of Boundaries
[37:08] - Spiritual Boundaries and Their Challenges
[38:04] - The Danger of Spiritual Drift
[39:02] - Paul's Warning to the Galatians
[40:22] - The Deceptive Nature of False Teachings
[45:07] - Believers Can Be Deceived
[46:01] - Modern-Day "Evil Eyes"
[51:16] - Misinformation and Social Media Influencers
[55:00] - The Core of the Gospel
[58:56] - Understanding Sin and Salvation
[01:13:05] - Living by Faith
[01:22:50] - Closing Remarks and Benediction

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 1:6-7 (NIV): "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ."
2. Galatians 3:2-3 (NIV): "I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?"
3. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (NIV): "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures."

### Observation Questions
1. What was the main issue Paul addressed with the Galatians in Galatians 1:6-7? ([39:02])
2. According to Galatians 3:2-3, how did the Galatians initially receive the Spirit, and what mistake were they making afterward? ([42:20])
3. What are the core elements of the gospel as outlined in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4? ([58:56])
4. How did the story of Augie the dog serve as a metaphor for spiritual boundaries in the sermon? ([34:44])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul was so astonished that the Galatians were turning to a different gospel so quickly? What does this reveal about the nature of false teachings? ([39:02])
2. In Galatians 3:2-3, Paul contrasts receiving the Spirit by faith versus by works. Why is this distinction important for understanding the true gospel? ([42:20])
3. How does the simplicity of the gospel message in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 help us guard against false teachings and additions to the gospel? ([58:56])
4. The sermon mentioned modern-day "evil eyes" like misinformation and social media influencers. How do these compare to the false teachings Paul warned about in Galatians? ([51:16])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually adrift. What boundaries or practices could help you stay aligned with the gospel? ([38:04])
2. How can you discern between true gospel teachings and false teachings in today's context? What steps can you take to ensure you are not led astray? ([45:07])
3. Identify a specific "modern-day evil eye" that has influenced you. How can you minimize its impact on your faith and focus more on the true gospel? ([51:16])
4. The core of the gospel is that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. How does this foundational truth impact your daily life and decisions? ([58:56])
5. Living by faith involves embracing the freedom and righteousness that come from Jesus Christ alone. What practical steps can you take this week to live more fully by faith? ([01:13:05])
6. Think about a specific area in your life where you might be adding to the gospel, such as relying on works or rules. How can you shift your focus back to grace? ([56:47])
7. How can you actively live in the power of the Spirit, filled with joy, peace, and the promises of God, rather than just avoiding spiritual death? ([01:13:05])

Devotional

Day 1: The Danger of Spiritual Drift
We all need boundaries to keep us safe and aligned with the gospel, just as a dog needs a fence to stay out of danger. Without these spiritual boundaries, it is easy to drift away and be led astray by false teachings or distractions. The Apostle Paul warned the Galatians about this very issue, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded in the true gospel. This timeless reminder calls us to be vigilant and to establish spiritual practices that keep us close to God. [38:04]

Galatians 1:6-7 (ESV): "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ."

Reflection: What are some spiritual boundaries you can set in your life to help you stay aligned with the gospel? How can you implement these boundaries starting today?

Day 2: The Deceptive Nature of False Teachings
The Galatians were deceived by charismatic leaders who added to the gospel, leading them away from the truth. This serves as a warning that even believers who have received the Holy Spirit can be led astray. We must be discerning and hold fast to the simplicity and purity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. False teachings can be subtle and appealing, but they ultimately lead us away from the truth. [45:07]

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 (ESV): "But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough."

Reflection: Can you identify any teachings or influences in your life that may be leading you away from the true gospel? How can you guard your heart and mind against these deceptions?

Day 3: Modern-Day "Evil Eyes"
Today, we face various forms of deception, such as misinformation, social media influencers, and marketing tactics. These can easily lead us away from the gospel if we are not careful. We must be aware of these influences and ensure that our faith is rooted in the truth of the gospel. The Apostle Paul's message to the Galatians is a timeless warning for us today: we must hold fast to the true gospel and not be swayed by false teachings or deceptive influences. [51:16]

Colossians 2:8 (ESV): "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ."

Reflection: How do you discern the truth from deception in the information you consume daily? What steps can you take to ensure that your faith remains rooted in the gospel amidst these modern-day "evil eyes"?

Day 4: The Core of the Gospel
The gospel is simple yet profound: Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This is the foundation of our faith, and it is by grace that we are saved. We must not add to this grace or desert it for another gospel. The simplicity and purity of the gospel are what make it powerful and transformative. Embrace this core truth and let it be the anchor of your faith. [58:56]

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV): "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself daily of the core message of the gospel? What practices can you incorporate into your life to keep this truth at the forefront of your mind?

Day 5: Living by Faith
We are called to live by faith, embracing the freedom and righteousness that come from Jesus Christ alone. This means not just avoiding spiritual death but actively living in the power of the Spirit, filled with joy, peace, and the promises of God. Living by faith involves trusting in God's promises and allowing His Spirit to guide and empower us in our daily lives. [01:13:05]

Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Reflection: What does living by faith look like in your daily life? How can you actively embrace the freedom and righteousness that come from Jesus Christ in your actions and decisions today?

Quotes

1. "This morning we're kind of starting a new series. It's called No Boundary Lines. And it's a series about the obstacles that will cause... Christians to struggle. We're going to go through this for the next couple of months and various things throughout the New Testament, various obstacles, various roadblocks that Christians have, various other things that come in your way. And they will prevent your faith and they will actually distract you and they'll actually lead you away from the gospel." [33:58] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Spiritually. You have easy access to the gospel, but you also have easy access away from the gospel. In the Bible, there are no electric fences to keep Christians from going out into the world. There are no walls that prevent us from, that we have to scale in order to leave the church. Or that bad people have to scale in order to come into the church. There are easy exits and easy access to the church and to the people in the church. And as a result of this, the church needs to become aware." [38:04] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The Galatians were under that kind of pressure. The Galatians. Here's the thing we know about them. They heard the gospel. They absolutely heard the gospel. Because Paul says in chapter 1, verse 6, he goes, I am astonished that you so quickly deserted the one who saved you by grace. You can't desert what you don't have. And so here are these Galatians. In other words, I'm going to make the argument that they were believers. They heard the gospel. And not only did they hear the gospel, they received the Holy Spirit." [42:20] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Church, it is when you don't believe you can be deceived that you're in trouble. Okay? I can be deceived. Others can be deceived. It's when you don't believe. It's when you don't believe that you can be deceived. When you think that your position is the absolute rock-solid position and no one can ever deceive you, you're in trouble. You can be deceived. And so in humility, you pray. You say, God, it's about the gospel. In humility, you open up the scriptures and you say, God, teach me." [56:47] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "There is only one gospel, Jesus Christ. I want to start this series off by making sure that we're really clear about what we talk about, what we mean the gospel. What can you be deceived about? What is the gospel? What is the gospel? What is the gospel? What is the gospel? from Galatians, the book of Galatians, and we're going to move into 1 Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul writes it out in four simple verses. He says this, first, the gospel is that Jesus died for our sins. It starts there." [58:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "So, church, you have been called to live by faith. Live by faith. Don't just avoid death today. Live by faith. Embrace this life, this day that God has given you. Live by faith for the righteous. You're righteous. Even though you have, you have sinned and we've, you've committed iniquity, even though you have trespassed, it's not, your righteousness is not based upon your ability to keep the rules. Your righteousness is His. It's washing you clean. You're free. You're clean. Church, you're forgiven. Rejoice in that." [01:14:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The gospel of grace. None of us deserve it. And in God's grace, he gave it to us. It is the gospel of grace. And it is his grace that saves us. It is by grace to have been saved. Who amongst us is worthy of God coming down to earth and dying? Based upon your own goodness, you are worthy of God coming down to earth and dying. Based upon the good deeds and your generosity and your kind words that you say to other people, based upon the way you sacrifice yourself for everybody else, you go, how many burning buildings you've run into, how many cars you've untrapped people from, caves you've pulled people out of, based upon every good thing that you've done, are you worthy of the God of creation dying for No. It is by grace that you have been saved." [01:08:26] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Today's not a good day to die. It is a good day to live. It's not just a good day to avoid death. It is a great day to live with Jesus. But today, church, it's not just a good day to avoid death. It's not just a good day to avoid those things that keep us out of, it's a good day to live and power of the Spirit, live with the joy and the, and the promises that He's given to us, the forgiveness that He's given us, the redemption and the righteousness that is His. It's a good day to live with Jesus." [01:13:05] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Paul preached it. It is what you believe. So a couple of warnings for us and then we'll close. The gospel was presented to the Galatians, just like the gospel has been presented to you, just like the stories of life changes. Remember last week, we had story after story after story of people saying, God worked, God healed, God did this, God provided in so many ways. God is at work in our lives, church. The gospel of grace. None of us deserve it. And in God's grace, he gave it to us. It is the gospel of grace. And it is his grace that saves us." [01:08:26] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Church, it is easy to be deceived by another. Take this down. It is very easy to be deceived by another gospel. Here's a guy, famous guy. You might have heard of him. His name is Martin Luther, the reformer. The guy who helped the church break free from the rules and the regulations that the Catholic church was putting on it. He started something called the Reformation. Martin Luther said this. Although I am a doctor of divinity. In other words, Martin Luther went to school. He went more than just high school. More than college. He graduated. He has a doctorate in divinity." [55:00] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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