Returning to God: Overcoming Spiritual Drift Through His Word
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the theme of spiritual drift and the journey back to God. Using the story of Nehemiah, we examined how the Israelites, who had drifted far from God, found their way back through the renewal of their commitment to His Word. Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem was not just a physical restoration but also a spiritual one. The people of Israel, upon hearing the Word of God, were deeply moved and convicted of their sins. However, Nehemiah and Ezra encouraged them not to remain in their grief but to find joy in the Lord, emphasizing that God's grace is always available for those who return to Him.
We discussed the difference between conviction and condemnation, highlighting that while Satan condemns to shame, God convicts to change. Conviction leads to repentance and transformation, whereas condemnation leads to self-hatred and guilt. The joy of the Lord is our strength, and this joy comes from understanding and obeying God's Word. We are reminded that no matter how far we have drifted, it is never too late to return to God. His grace is sufficient, and His arms are always open to welcome us back.
The sermon concluded with a call to immerse ourselves in God's Word, to let it guide us back to Him, and to experience the joy that comes from a fully devoted life to Jesus. Whether you are coming to Jesus for the first time or returning after a period of drift, the pathway to joy and spiritual renewal is through a deep, committed relationship with Him and His Word.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Danger of Drift: Spiritual drift often happens slowly and unnoticed, much like drifting in the ocean. It can lead us to places we never intended to be, both in our relationships with others and with God. Recognizing the drift is the first step towards returning to a place of spiritual health and intimacy with God. [40:18]
2. Returning to God's Word: The Israelites' return to God began with a return to His Word. They gathered to hear the Scriptures, which led to a deep conviction of their sins. This teaches us that the way back to God is through His Word, which acts as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. [48:31]
3. Conviction vs. Condemnation: There is a significant difference between conviction and condemnation. Conviction from the Holy Spirit leads to repentance and change, while condemnation from Satan leads to shame and self-hatred. Understanding this difference helps us respond appropriately to God's call to return to Him. [53:41]
4. The Joy of the Lord: Nehemiah reminded the people that the joy of the Lord is their strength. This joy comes from knowing that God's grace is greater than our failures and that He welcomes us back with open arms. True joy is found in a restored relationship with God. [56:39]
5. The Power of Scripture: Engaging with Scripture is the most powerful catalyst for spiritual growth. It not only convicts us of our sins but also guides us back to a life of joy and obedience. Regular reflection on God's Word is essential for maintaining a vibrant and growing relationship with Him. [01:04:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:50] - Introduction: You're My Savior, My Defense
[23:09] - Global Outreach and Multilingual Services
[38:44] - Story of Snorkeling and the Danger of Drift
[40:18] - The Danger of Drift in Relationships
[41:45] - It's Never Too Late to Return to the Lord
[43:09] - Prayer for Soft Hearts and Global Needs
[44:47] - Nehemiah's Example of Drift and Return
[46:03] - Historical Context of Nehemiah
[47:22] - Rebuilding the Walls and Renewing the People
[48:31] - Returning to God's Word
[49:35] - The People's Response to God's Word
[51:01] - Conviction and Grief
[52:17] - Joy of the Lord as Strength
[53:41] - Conviction vs. Condemnation
[56:39] - The Joy of the Lord and God's Grace
[57:59] - God's Forgiveness and Compassion
[59:13] - Invitation to Trust in Jesus
[01:00:34] - Understanding and Obeying God's Word
[01:04:50] - The Power of Scripture for Spiritual Growth
[01:06:05] - The Consequences of Drifting from God
[01:07:36] - The Good News of Jesus
[01:09:16] - Prayer and Invitation to Return to God
[01:15:35] - Closing and Invitation for Prayer
[01:16:13] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 8:1-12
2. John 3:17
3. Micah 7:19
#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did the Israelites take when they realized they had drifted away from God? (Nehemiah 8:1-3)
2. How did the people respond emotionally to the reading of God's Word? (Nehemiah 8:9) [51:01]
3. What did Nehemiah and Ezra encourage the people to do after they were convicted of their sins? (Nehemiah 8:10-12) [52:17]
4. According to John 3:17, what was the purpose of God sending His Son into the world?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that the Israelites gathered as one to hear the Word of God? How does this reflect their desire to return to Him? (Nehemiah 8:1-3)
2. How does understanding the difference between conviction and condemnation help us in our spiritual journey? (Nehemiah 8:9-10) [53:41]
3. What does it mean that "the joy of the Lord is your strength"? How can this joy impact our daily lives? (Nehemiah 8:10) [56:39]
4. How does Micah 7:19 illustrate God's forgiveness and compassion towards us?
#### Application Questions
1. Have you ever experienced a time of spiritual drift? What were the signs, and how did you recognize it? [40:18]
2. In what ways can you make a more intentional effort to immerse yourself in God's Word this week? [01:04:50]
3. Reflect on a time when you felt convicted by the Holy Spirit. How did you respond, and what changes did you make in your life? [53:41]
4. How can you differentiate between feelings of conviction and condemnation in your own life? What steps can you take to respond appropriately to each? [55:16]
5. The sermon mentioned that true joy comes from a restored relationship with God. What practical steps can you take to restore or deepen your relationship with Him? [56:39]
6. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to experience the joy of the Lord. How can you invite God's joy into that situation? [56:39]
7. Identify one person in your life who might be experiencing spiritual drift. How can you support and encourage them to return to God? [41:45]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Spiritual Drift
Spiritual drift often happens slowly and unnoticed, much like drifting in the ocean. It can lead us to places we never intended to be, both in our relationships with others and with God. Recognizing the drift is the first step towards returning to a place of spiritual health and intimacy with God. Just as the Israelites drifted away from God and found themselves in a state of spiritual and physical disrepair, we too can find ourselves far from God without realizing it. The story of Nehemiah reminds us that it is never too late to recognize our drift and take steps to return to God. [40:18]
Hebrews 2:1 (ESV): "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt distant from God. What were the subtle signs of drift that you may have ignored? How can you be more vigilant in recognizing these signs in the future?
Day 2: Returning to God's Word
The Israelites' return to God began with a return to His Word. They gathered to hear the Scriptures, which led to a deep conviction of their sins. This teaches us that the way back to God is through His Word, which acts as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Immersing ourselves in Scripture helps us realign our lives with God's will and experience His transformative power. The Word of God is not just a historical document but a living and active guide that leads us back to Him. [48:31]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: How often do you spend time reading and meditating on God's Word? What specific steps can you take this week to make Scripture a more integral part of your daily routine?
Day 3: Understanding Conviction vs. Condemnation
There is a significant difference between conviction and condemnation. Conviction from the Holy Spirit leads to repentance and change, while condemnation from Satan leads to shame and self-hatred. Understanding this difference helps us respond appropriately to God's call to return to Him. Conviction is a loving nudge from God to correct our path, whereas condemnation is a destructive force that keeps us bound in guilt. Recognizing the source of our feelings can help us embrace God's grace and move towards transformation. [53:41]
2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV): "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment of guilt or shame. Was it conviction from the Holy Spirit or condemnation from the enemy? How can you respond to conviction in a way that leads to positive change?
Day 4: The Joy of the Lord
Nehemiah reminded the people that the joy of the Lord is their strength. This joy comes from knowing that God's grace is greater than our failures and that He welcomes us back with open arms. True joy is found in a restored relationship with God. When we understand and accept God's grace, we can experience a deep and abiding joy that strengthens us in our daily walk. This joy is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with God. [56:39]
Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"
Reflection: What are some ways you can cultivate the joy of the Lord in your life? How can this joy strengthen you in your current circumstances?
Day 5: The Power of Scripture
Engaging with Scripture is the most powerful catalyst for spiritual growth. It not only convicts us of our sins but also guides us back to a life of joy and obedience. Regular reflection on God's Word is essential for maintaining a vibrant and growing relationship with Him. The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom, encouragement, and guidance that helps us navigate life's challenges and grow closer to God. By making Scripture a central part of our lives, we can experience continuous spiritual renewal. [01:04:50]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: How has Scripture impacted your spiritual growth in the past? What specific passages or books of the Bible can you commit to studying more deeply in the coming weeks?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Whatever is going on in your heart today, you have a God who loves you, sees you, knows you, and wants you to be in relationship with him." [23:09] (6 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It is never too late to return to the Lord. Never. The fact that you're here today shows it's not too late. Here's the wonder of the gospel. There's always a way back. God's grace is always available. The door is always open, and that's the invitation given to you and to me." [41:45] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God's grace is greater than your failure. He's merciful. He welcomes sinners back. That there may be weeping for a time, but joy comes when we respond to him. Friends, God may want to humble you, but it's never his purpose to just leave you feeling defeated. His purpose for you is joy, the joy of the Lord." [53:41] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The good news of Jesus is true. The power of his resurrection hasn't faded. The promises of his word have not been exhausted. He is not weary, confused, perplexed, or discouraged, or anxious. He is advancing his kingdom, and he is sovereign over all. And he's coming again for all who trust in him." [01:07:36] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Whoever comes to me, I will never, never turn away. You believe that? Doesn't matter how far you drift, when you come back to him, he'll always receive you. What a great savior, amen, God bless you." [01:16:13] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "It's the danger of drift when you find yourself in a place where you did not intend to be and the most common way is not with water it's probably the most significant is in relationships where some of our most important relationships maybe a close friend your spouse another family member you you drift away from that and it happens slowly you're not even always aware it's happening and you find yourself in a place you didn't intend to be in it can be scary and disorienting and you wonder if you can get back to where you once were is there a better future and it's true in our relationship with the lord as well." [40:18] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You return to the Lord by returning to his word. You listen to his voice. You hear his heart for you. You let this book, his word, be your guide. We read in Psalm 119, it says that this book is a lamp for our feet and a light for what? Our path. And when the light's turned out, you know, when you don't have, it's like you're groping in the dark and you're trying to navigate your way." [51:01] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Conviction leads you, to repentance, to change behavior. Condemnation leads to just self-hatred, like I'm a terrible person. Conviction from the Lord offers forgiveness. Condemnation offers guilt. Condemnation is vague and broad-brushed. We're sort of like, you are such a failure, you can never be counted on. You know, that's the accuser. His tone is condemning, accusatory, and you just feel stuck, like I'm just a miserable person." [55:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You will never have more joy than when you are fully devoted to Jesus and whatever He asks of you. Do you believe that? You'll never have more joy than when you are fully devoted to Jesus and whatever He asks of you." [01:03:30] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Lasting joy only comes from surrender and returning to Jesus. And it's the wonder of the gospel. The good news is it's never too late to come back. You know, I'm glad that my drifting out in the ocean a few months ago wasn't the end for me. I'm here today. Can I just say in a bigger way that any spiritual drifting that may occur in your life and mine, the fact that you're here today means it's not too late for you, that there's a way back." [01:07:36] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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