Staying the Course

Last sermon - "The Danger of Drifting" - Heb. 2:1
This is the whole message of the book of Hebrews.

So, today - Staying the course. - prevent, correct drifting.

REVIEW:
The definition of drifting (slipping): the process of quiet, gradual separating from truth.
The does NOT mean separation from GOD in the strictest sense - Heb. 13:5
Therefore: it is more than intelligent, philosophical, religious, etc. It is a lifestyle drift.
Example: a married couple - together but perhaps distant.

Descriptive observations: (of drifting, slipping)

1. Drifting is a process. It is NOT an event - it is a series of little events

2. It's a slow, subtle, quite, gradual process.

3. It's usually unintentional. (may be unaware until....?) Not done on purpose

4. It's a great danger (to Christians and the Christian walk) - perhaps the most serious danger facing us as Christians. Example: termites and tornadoes. If a tornado wipes out 15 or 20 homes in an area, it's all over the news and widely publicized. BUT, many more homes are lost each year to termites than tornadoes but you will never read about or hear that on the news.

5. It's never neutral. To drift from something means to drift toward something else.
A. you are drawn away (wooed, influenced)
B. fromChrist toward ___________? (ungodly)
You cannot drift neutrally. The something you are drawn to may not be wrong in and of itself, but if it's pulling you away from Christ, something anti-Christ is behind the drawing. Not the Holy Spirit.

6. It's usually reversible. 1 John 1:9

BUT..... DANGER....
7. Drifting away is the start of turning away. Heb. 3:12 - "turns away"
Compare: Rom. 1:21 - they knew the truth Rom.1:25 - they exchanged the truth for a lie, Rom. 1:28 - turning away always follows drifting away. Initially all have a "natural" belief in God. Rom. 1:32 - applaud that which is sin.

8. Drifting is more likely to occur in good times.
Heb. 10:32-26
Great persecution and hardship brings Christians closer to God.
2 Tim. 4:6-7

Think on these things!!