Resisting Spiritual Drift: Staying Anchored in Christ
Summary
Summary:
Today, we are reminded of the importance of resisting the drift in our spiritual lives. As we enter February, the initial motivation and fire from the start of the year can begin to wane, much like the crowded gyms in January that empty out by March. This drift is not just a seasonal phenomenon but a constant challenge in our walk with God. Our hearts are naturally prone to drift away from the simplicity of daily devotion to Jesus, towards the complexities of life. Hebrews 2:1 warns us to listen carefully to the truth, lest we drift away. We must fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and maintain a daily dependency on Him.
The drift often goes unnoticed because it is subtle, like a current in the ocean. It requires intentionality and effort to fight against it. We must prioritize the simple, daily practices of prayer, worship, and being in the Word. These are the anchors that keep us tethered to Christ. The enemy is patient and waits for us to let our guard down, especially in times of peace. We must remain vigilant and cling tightly to the hope we have in Christ, our anchor.
Spiritual drifting can occur not only through movement away from God but also through complacency and idleness. We are called to be after-runners, pursuing Jesus with intentionality and effort. The story of David serves as a cautionary tale of how complacency can lead to sin and distance from God. We must fight to remain desperate for God, content in Christ but never complacent. Abiding in Him is essential, for apart from Him, we can do nothing.
To resist the drift, we must press in and press through, much like Zacchaeus, the woman with the issue of blood, and Bartimaeus, who all pushed through the crowd to reach Jesus. The church is not the destination but a means to meet with Jesus. We must not hide in the crowd but truly follow Him, standing firm in the freedom Christ has given us. Today is an opportunity to recommit and run back to Him, breaking off anything that pulls us away.
Key Takeaways:
- Resist the Drift: Our hearts are naturally prone to drift away from God. This drift is subtle and often goes unnoticed, requiring us to be intentional in our daily pursuit of Jesus. We must fix our eyes on Him and maintain a daily dependency to prevent spiritual drift. [05:00]
- Simplicity Over Complexity: Life's complexities can pull us away from the simple, daily practices that keep us close to God. We must prioritize prayer, worship, and being in the Word, as these are the anchors that keep us tethered to Christ. [08:30]
- The Danger of Complacency: Spiritual drifting can occur through complacency and idleness. We must fight to remain desperate for God, content in Christ but never complacent. Abiding in Him is essential, for apart from Him, we can do nothing. [29:40]
- Press Through the Crowd: Like Zacchaeus, the woman with the issue of blood, and Bartimaeus, we must press through the crowd to reach Jesus. The church is not the destination but a means to meet with Jesus. We must not hide in the crowd but truly follow Him. [47:19]
- Stand Firm in Freedom: We are called to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us, resisting the drift and breaking off anything that pulls us away. Today is an opportunity to recommit and run back to Him, embracing the simplicity of daily devotion. [54:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:11] - The Start of February
- [03:21] - Fresh Fire and Motivation
- [05:00] - The Danger of Drifting
- [06:48] - Refocusing on Jesus
- [08:30] - Simplicity vs. Complexity
- [10:07] - Prioritizing His Presence
- [12:48] - The Force Behind the Drift
- [15:21] - Noticing the Drift
- [17:16] - The Danger of Drifting Unnoticed
- [18:17] - Fighting the Current
- [22:23] - Anchored in Hope
- [24:36] - The Calm Sea's Hidden Danger
- [28:22] - Anchored Upward
- [29:40] - Spiritual Complacency
- [32:29] - David's Complacency
- [34:29] - Remaining Desperate for God
- [37:44] - Abide or Die
- [43:50] - Resting in the Shadow of the Almighty
- [45:53] - Pressing Through the Crowd
- [49:11] - Church vs. True Following
- [51:55] - The Purpose of the Church
- [54:18] - Stand Firm in Freedom
- [56:06] - Responding to the Call
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Resist the Drift
Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 2:1 - "So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it."
- Hebrews 12:2 - "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
- John 15:4-7 - "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Hebrews 2:1 warn us about, and why is it important to heed this warning? [05:00]
2. How does the analogy of a gym in January relate to our spiritual lives, according to the sermon? [01:11]
3. What are the simple, daily practices mentioned in the sermon that help prevent spiritual drift? [08:30]
4. How does the story of David illustrate the danger of complacency in our spiritual journey? [31:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might our hearts be naturally prone to drift toward complexity rather than simplicity, as mentioned in the sermon? [08:30]
2. How does the concept of being "after-runners" following Jesus relate to our daily spiritual practices? [28:22]
3. In what ways can spiritual complacency be considered a form of drifting away from God? [29:40]
4. How does the sermon suggest we can "press through the crowd" to reach Jesus, and what does this mean for our personal faith journey? [47:19]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. Are there any areas where you feel you might be drifting? What steps can you take to refocus on Jesus this week? [06:48]
2. Consider the complexities in your life. How can you prioritize simplicity in your daily walk with God, such as through prayer, worship, or Bible reading? [08:30]
3. Think about a time when you felt spiritually complacent. What actions did you take, or could you take, to reignite your passion for God? [29:40]
4. Identify a "crowd" in your life that might be hindering your pursuit of Jesus. How can you press through this crowd to deepen your relationship with Him? [47:19]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of standing firm in the freedom Christ has given us. What are some practical ways you can stand firm in your faith this week? [54:18]
6. Reflect on the analogy of the anchor. What are some "anchors" in your life that help you stay grounded in your faith, especially during calm or challenging times? [22:59]
7. How can you ensure that your contentment in Christ does not turn into complacency? What specific actions can you take to remain desperate for God? [35:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Pursuit of Jesus
Our hearts are naturally prone to drift away from God, often without us even realizing it. This drift is subtle, like a gentle current in the ocean, and it requires intentionality and effort to resist. Hebrews 2:1 warns us to listen carefully to the truth, lest we drift away. To prevent spiritual drift, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and maintain a daily dependency on Him. This involves prioritizing the simple, daily practices of prayer, worship, and being in the Word, which serve as anchors that keep us tethered to Christ. The enemy is patient and waits for us to let our guard down, especially in times of peace. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and cling tightly to the hope we have in Christ, our anchor. [05:00]
Hebrews 2:1-3 (ESV): "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"
Reflection: What specific daily practice can you commit to this week to ensure you are intentionally pursuing Jesus and not drifting away?
Day 2: Simplicity in Devotion
Life's complexities can easily pull us away from the simple, daily practices that keep us close to God. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the demands and distractions that vie for our attention. However, the simplicity of daily devotion to Jesus is what keeps us grounded and connected to Him. By prioritizing prayer, worship, and being in the Word, we create space for God to speak into our lives and guide us. These practices are not burdensome but are life-giving, serving as the anchors that keep us tethered to Christ. In a world that often values complexity, we are called to embrace the simplicity of a life devoted to God. [08:30]
Matthew 6:6 (ESV): "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where complexity has overshadowed your devotion to God? How can you simplify it to prioritize your relationship with Him?
Day 3: Vigilance Against Complacency
Spiritual drifting can occur not only through movement away from God but also through complacency and idleness. We are called to be after-runners, pursuing Jesus with intentionality and effort. The story of David serves as a cautionary tale of how complacency can lead to sin and distance from God. We must fight to remain desperate for God, content in Christ but never complacent. Abiding in Him is essential, for apart from Him, we can do nothing. This requires a constant vigilance and a willingness to examine our hearts for any signs of complacency. By remaining desperate for God, we ensure that our hearts are aligned with His purposes and that we are actively pursuing His will for our lives. [29:40]
Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV): "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."
Reflection: In what ways have you become complacent in your spiritual life? What steps can you take to reignite your passion for God?
Day 4: Pressing Through to Jesus
Like Zacchaeus, the woman with the issue of blood, and Bartimaeus, we must press through the crowd to reach Jesus. The church is not the destination but a means to meet with Jesus. We must not hide in the crowd but truly follow Him, standing firm in the freedom Christ has given us. This requires a willingness to push past obstacles and distractions that may hinder our pursuit of Him. By pressing through, we demonstrate our desperation and determination to encounter Jesus and experience His transformative power in our lives. Today is an opportunity to recommit and run back to Him, breaking off anything that pulls us away. [47:19]
Luke 19:3-4 (ESV): "And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way."
Reflection: What obstacles or distractions are currently hindering your pursuit of Jesus? How can you press through them to encounter Him more deeply?
Day 5: Standing Firm in Freedom
We are called to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given us, resisting the drift and breaking off anything that pulls us away. This freedom is not a license to live as we please but an invitation to live fully in the grace and truth of Jesus. By standing firm, we embrace the simplicity of daily devotion and remain anchored in the hope we have in Christ. Today is an opportunity to recommit and run back to Him, embracing the freedom that comes from a life surrendered to His will. As we stand firm, we become a testimony of His transformative power and a beacon of hope to those around us. [54:18]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given you? How can you actively resist anything that seeks to pull you away from Him?
Quotes
"And sometimes I need to refocus because sometimes there is this current of life that takes us away. We're going to talk about that in just a second. The first point that I want to make today is this, that our heart is prone to drift. It just is. It is. Our heart is prone to drift. I don't care who you are. Your heart is prone to drift. That means if left unchecked, if left without having any intentionality in your life, your heart will naturally drift away." [00:07:44] (45 seconds)
"Man, when we first really stepped into this role as senior pastors, like, Lord, I'm going to lead from my knees. That's what you're calling me to do. I'm going to stay in that place of just leading people from my knees, because I know that that is the place that you want me, just to be at your feet, Jesus. The simplicity of just staying in that place, prioritizing your presence. We're going to prioritize these things. But here's the thing. How many know that it's not easy to lead something, because there are so many nuances. There's so many responsibilities, and things are constantly pulling at you." [00:10:29] (39 seconds)
"this current is dangerous because oftentimes we don't feel that it's happening it is just this natural thing because of lack of effort because of lack of whatever it is we just lose focus for a period of time and we look up and we've moved we've drifted no one let me say this no one passively drifts toward Jesus okay I don't care how long you've been serving him I don't care if you've been safe for years for decades you know this you don't just passively just drift into the perfect will of God in your life and just stay in that place no it takes effort to stay there" [00:18:36] (47 seconds)
"Because when the sea is calm, there's still a storm. There's still a current, and this is kind of what we're talking about today, when the sea is calm, there's still a current, and in those, what we would think of as peaceful times, we often let our guard down. We often let our guard down, and I feel like that's what the enemy's waiting for sometimes, because he knows, he knows that there's a current at play, he knows that there's drifting that'll happen if I could just get them to let their guard down." [00:24:36] (33 seconds)
"John 15 4 through 7 this is my life chapter I love this chapter it is so good and Jesus he I'm gonna read it I gotta read it this is so good Jesus talked about it in the book of James chapter 1 verse 1 and it says he said talks about remaining in him you have to remain in me this this this word of remaining abiding literally it insinuates that there is there has to be effort put on your behalf of remaining how do you remain well you only you only remain if something is trying to pull you away but no I'm remaining in this place I'm fighting to stay in this place connected with Jesus" [00:37:44] (38 seconds)
"She's squeeze her right to Jesus, but she hurts the hearts of people. She's acted like an opposite side in Jesus's case. And the crowd is coming down the street, and he can hear the rustling of the crowd, and he knows who is it? It's Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus of Nazareth is coming, and he's heard about this Jesus. So when he can hear that Jesus is close, he begins to shout out, Jesus, Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me. And what happens? The crowd tells him, be quiet, be quiet. Don't worry about this. Jesus is coming, and he's Senator, He knows who is this Jesus of Nazareth. bother him but he shouts out even louder this is his version of pressing through the crowd" [00:47:19] (38 seconds)
"Church doesn't get you to heaven. Only Jesus does that. Right? Right? Church doesn't get you your healing. Only Jesus can do that. Church will not get you the restoration that you truly need in your life. Only Jesus can restore you and heal you. Church is not going to deliver you. Only Jesus can deliver you. Church is not going to save your marriage. But Jesus can. Jesus can. And if you submit to him, I believe that he'll do it. You got to get to him. You got to press in. You got to press through sometimes." [00:49:11] (48 seconds)
"The purpose of the church, there are many purposes, right? There's fellowship. There's all these things that are good. But the main purpose is that we meet with Jesus together, that he is the center of everything that we do. So just like you can be in the airport and have this false sense of security sometimes. I know people that have stories of they're in the airport, and they were just eating lunch and just didn't realize what time it was and missed their plane because of a false sense of security that they had made it in the airport." [00:52:55] (32 seconds)
"If you want to maybe just say, yes, Lord, I'm coming back to you. I'm running to you. I'm committing myself to you. Don't let this moment go by without taking this opportunity to come to the altar. Something happens when you step out and you respond to what the Lord is speaking. And you say, yes, Lord, I'm responding today. So if you want to respond today, why don't you just come and just meet us here at the altar as we just worship. And we sing this song, something has to break, Lord. Lord, something has to break. Something is breaking off today." [00:56:06] (33 seconds)
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