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!!

Hebrews - Book of Warning(s)

Our focus today is Heb. 2:1 - the warning BEGINS here. The warning is SUMMARIZED here.

Point being: "slipping away, drifting" is a great danger!!!! It is the subject of the whole book of Hebrews.
A. it is a serious danger - note the various warning phrases:
make every effort
let us hold firmly
let us hold unswervingly
do not give up
do not throw away
run with perseverance
endure hardship
remember
do not forget
keep on
see to it
don't be carried away
B. it is a common danger - ALL are subject to this.
C. it is a practical danger (not just a Sunday thing) - it has life consequences! When we step out of truth, we step into falsehood.

So....... let's look at the text.

I. The Lead-up (to the text) - Heb. 1:1-4 , 2:1
The point is: Jesus is Lord, He is Truth, He is Superior... therefore: must pay more careful attention

II. The Word (drifting, slipping) - this Hebrew word is used only here in the New Testament
There are two views:
A. We slip from truth
B. truth slips from us

EITHER WAY, it leads to: 1. separation from truth and 2. beginning of a process (inattention leads to apathy leads to disobedience leads to hardened heart leads to turning away....)
God's truth doesn't stop even if you do.

NOTE: drift is NOT irreversible. But, it is progressive (if not addressed)

III. Implications of the Word. (the Word implies, suggests...)

A. A subtle movement - ie: example - gentle stream, snow falling off shoulder, etc.
B. An unintentional movement - doesn't mean pull away, deny, discard. Similar to a vehicle driver's drift across the line or off to the side.
C. A preventable movement - (example: kayak pulled up on the riverbank but not far enough and not tied. Drifted away during the night. Could have been prevented.) Prov. 3:21

IV. The Cause of the Drifting
Inattention, shifted focus, misplaced priorities

Compare: Matt. 13:3-9 Matt. 13:18-23
All are exposed to the truth
None consciously or intentionally rejects the truth.
Rather they drift from truth OR truth slips from them.

V. Prevention from drifting Heb. 2:1 "Pay Attention"
1. "PAY ATTENTION" - give heed, focus
2. "TO WHAT WE'VE (ALREADY) HEARD" ie: gospel truths, apostles doctrine, teachings of Christ, etc.

VI. Observations
1. "drifting, slipping" may be the greatest spiritual danger you face (as a Christian)

2. if it's a spiritual danger, it's also a practical danger. - has life consequences - Gal. 6:7
We can't separate spiritual life from practical life.

3. it doesn't take great sin(s) to disrupt your walk or destroy your soul (example: tornado vs. termites)

4. truth does not benefit you until it's heeded

5. truth is not heeded until it is acted upon....

2 Cor. 6:1-2

Developing Christian Optimism

Last week we looked at Post Millennial optimism which was the norm among Christians up to 60 to 70 years ago. People like Matthew Henry, Johnathon Edwards, John Wesley, etc. were all staunch post millennialists. Therefore, they had a mindset of post-millennial optimism.

Hymns such as Onward Christian Soldiers and Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus were written in this optimistic frame.
Contrast the majority of early Christians were POST millennial and therefore optimistic as to the direction the church and country was going to take
With the majority of contemporary American Christians who hold a PRE-millennial viewpoint and therefore are pessimistic as to the direction the church and the country are going to take.

Post Millennial viewpoint is that things are going to get better and better and THEN Christ will return.
On the other hand, the Pre-Millennial viewpoint is that things are going to get worse and worse before Christ returns.

NOTE: Which end times scenario is true remains to be seen!!
We do have good reason(s) for concern (pessimism)
However, there are many reasons to be optimistic as well!!

The sermon last week gave Reasons for Optimism (concerning the nation)

This week: we're looking at Developing Christian Optimism.
The focus is not national but personal.
The focus is not the end, but is in the meantime!!

So: 1. should we be more optimistic?
if so, 2. how can we develop and optimistic spirit??

#1. Recognize the reasons for optimism
(this is last week's message. The number one reason for optimism is that
God is greater than ___________. (anything you put in the blank.)

#2. Recognize reasons for concern.
Because, Christian optimism equals realism!! Isaiah 6:8-12
BUT, realism is not alarmism!

Then:
#3. Factor in God. He is all powerful, knowing, loving at work, And personally interested in you!! Psalm 139:1-10, 13-18 (a)
However, there is no Biblical optimism in the end for people who have rejected Christ. They have plenty of reason to be pessimistic.

#4. Review His Promises (read the history, review the promises given)
Question: if you spent equal time in God's Word as with the media, would your outlook change?

#5. Look back. (at what He's done. for you!!! What He's carried you through, and carried you to!!) Deut. 8:2-5 - "remember" - used 16 times in Deuteronomy, 166 times in scripture.

#6. Reaffirm your confidence. (in Him, His promises, etc) - rededicate, recommit.
On one hand, there's time to lament, but on then the lament should end with confidence in Him.
Psalm 13:1-6
Psalm 42:1-6 a
Psalm 42:9-11
Hab. 3:17-18

#7. Seek His will (direction, plan, guidance, etc.
"in His general will is not necessarily a safe, comfortable place. Example: the cross. Christ was definitely not in a safe, comfortable place, but He was right in the center of God's will for Him.
Thus, it will turn out all right!
Example: Dan. 3:15-18 This was NOT foolish, empty optimism, but confidence in God and His will.

#8. Act Accordingly. Find God's word, find God's will, then: react with obedience, response, human effort. Often that is a catalyst for miracles! Example: feeding the 5000.
Point: if you do right, you are more apt to get right which leads to feel right.
Example: Moses - was he optimistic about the Exodus?
Gideon - was he optimistic about deliverance?
BUT - they received orders, promises, obeyed, saw the outcome, changed their attitude.
Ex. 3:10-12 (a) Judges 6:14-16 (a)

#9. Reject (refuse) a pessimistic spirit.
2 Tim. 1:7
For Christians, feelings are NOT Lord!!!

#10. Give Thanks.
Compare and contrast:
Psalm 37:1, 7, 8 - "do not fret"
with Phil. 4:6-8

Reasons for Optimism

In a World Magazine informal survey "concerning the future of the USA", it was found that 25% of readers surveyed were: Optimistic - 25%
Pessimistic - 35%
A doomsday cataclysmist - 40%
Meaning that 75% of persons surveyed (mainly conservative Christians) are pessimistic regarding the future of the United States.

BUT NOTE: Americans were not always so pessimistic. In the 19th. and early 20th. centuries, people were very optimistic as to the future of the country. Believed things were improving and going to get better and better.

Question: Was the optimism justified??
On the one hand, there was a lot of good happening.... medical, technology, education, social efforts, political freedoms, religious adherence, economic growth, etc.

Still, they faced "life as we know it!!" - human nature, failings, war, crime, economic recessions, illness, death, apathy, indifference, political corruption!!

Question: What happened? Where did the optimism go?? Answer: (Speculation) - it died when they failed to reach and accomplish our ideal utopia. WW!, Great Depression, WWII, etc.

So, What should our stance be today???
Answer: balanced, Biblical, ..... probably better.

Reasons for Optimism - from a 19th. Century American viewpoint.

1. God's still in control (on the throne) Fill in the blank: God is greater than ________

#2. His promises still stand. Matt. 16:18 The Kingdom will do more than survive. It will thrive.

#3. His purpose is unchanged. It is still to: draw (man), save (souls), and transform (lives)
Luke 19:10 I Tim. 2:3-4 These apply to individuals and to the nation

#4. We are still a Christian nation. 80% claim Christianity. 66% say this is a Christian nation.

#5. God does not quickly abandon His people. Example: Israel - pre- exile, in exile. He is NOT done with us until we're done with Him!

#6. His Spirit still works. John 5:17 - this has not changed. Awakening is still possible. However, Revival is not the norm, it's the exception.

#7. We still have a say in our destiny. Jer. 18:7-10 - example: Ninevah. Inhabitants have a great deal of choice in what happens. It's in our power to turn things around.

#8. We're not blessed solely on our righteousness. Deut. 9:6 Often, in places where people were the least churched, God blessed the most.

#9. He's brought us through worse. ie: the Revolution - going against England. Economic failures in '29, post revolution politics - much conflict - almost resulted in 13 nations, rather than 13 states in one nation. Civil War, World wars.

Yet,
#10. We remain extremely blessed. Question: are these really hard times? Are people literally dying of starvation? etc.

#11. He still works good out of the bad. Rom. 8:28

#12. His time table differs from ours. 2 Pet. 3:3-4 2 Pet. 3:8-9 . We're a "microwave" society.

The End of the Book says that "we win". - Revelation.

Meanwhile - Rom:8:31

More Biblical Concepts to Build On

In a recent survey, 99% of those people stated that a loving family is the most important relationship in their lives.

Prov. 14:1 "build"

The Family Series this year has been: major doctrines to build on... Family relationships must be built, considering we live in a sinful, fallen world.
We've discussed sin, sanctification, edification, and forgiving

Today: not necessarily major doctrines, but they are natural Biblical concepts to build on.

The Concept of:
#1. Moral Law - says, that rules of right and wrong:
A. exist
B. are established (determined) by God
and
C. are revealed by God - through nature, reason, logic, conscience, AND special revelation
Heb. 1:1-2 John 1:18 2 Pet. 1:21 therefore: 2 Tim 3:16
Christ came to reveal God's will.

#2. Sufficient light - ie. God gives enough light for each one to know:
A. right and wrong exist
B. to know basic right and wrong
C. grants enough knowledge for me to discover more light

This doesn't mean that it is easy to find the right answer to all moral dilemmas,
BUT there is enough light to do right. Rom. 1:18-20
(our primary problem is not lack of knowledge BUT acting on the knowledge that we do have!!
Which leads to:

#3. Free Will - ie. the freedom to decide and choose
This is more than an option. It is a necessity!! Example: Adam & Eve - Gen.2:15-17
We are daily and repeatedly confronted with moral choices and ....... we must choose!! We are without excuse.

#4. Natural Consequence.
A. choices have consequences
B. Moral choices have natural, physical, emotional, relational consequences!
Example: Adam and Eve - their choice affected everything - individual, couple, creation, offspring...
Gal. 6:7-9
Deut. 30:19-20
This does not mean that if you choose right your life will always be right. It means that if you choose right, ultimately you'll be blessed.

#5, Joint Venture. Point being: A. the family has multiple members
B. you get the best results when your work as a team!!
Gen. 1:28 Couple equals partners. Family equals team.
On one hand, you can't make the others cooperate, but you CAN attempt and address the concept!!

#6. Active Faith - ie: effective faith which is more than intellectual and/or sentimental concept. It is: head, heart, and hands. James 2:14-18
This doesn't mean you'll always do right!! But it does mean an honest/active effort to do so.

#7. Common Lord.
Means - accepting Christ
- enthroning Christ
- (actively) serving Christ

Prov. 24:3-4

Baby Dedication

Baby dedication is a public ceremony where a child is formally dedicated to the Lord.

What is the Biblical Basis? Luke 2:22-24 which is taken from Lev. 12.
It is based on biblical concepts and truths but there is no Biblical direction for Baby Dedication. It is something that man came up with.

On one hand we are NOT Jewish, and are NOT bound to Old Testament ceremonial law.
BUT, it is a great way to celebrate a birth, dedicate a child, etc.

What Baby dedication is NOT.... It is not....
-- a required ritual (contrary to Jewish Law)
-- an imparting of grace (which is God's area)
-- a passing of responsibility - spiritual development of the child remains the responsibility of the parents
-- a guarantee of success (because of sin nature and free will)

So then, what IS a baby dedication? IT IS.....

#1. A public declaration of faith (by the parents)
Faith in: A. God - that He exists. That He is there.
B. Christ - that He is the way to God and the revelation of the Father.
C. Divine concern - that God cares
D. Divine involvement - God will be involved in the child's development

#2. A public expression of thanksgiving
Isa. 29:23 (a) - this child is the work of God's hands
Psalm 127:3 - 5 (a)

#3. A public statement of intent... to raise the child according to God's will (as revealed in God's Word) and make the best effort at it.
Deut. 6:4-9 - Prov. 22:6 Eph. 6:4

#4. A public request for assistance
from: A. God B. God's people (through whom He works)

Note the repetitive use of the word 'public' (vs. private)
Public means: A. Share the experience
B. make a clear, bold statement - "before God and these people" - comparable to Baptism, Wedding

So----
I. Charge to the parents
dedication of the child is meaningless without the dedication of "self". (This is not magic)

II. Charge to the church
-- these are our children. They are our responsibility
-- a commitment to the body includes a commitment to the children of the body.
Baby dedication should be a big day for all of us.
00 the accumulated influence of the congregation MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

So, before we dedicate children, it's time to dedicate "selves"

Forgiveness

The series is: Family + primary Christian doctrine

So far we've dealt with sin, sanctification, edification, and NOW,
Forgiveness.

Forgiveness is a major theme in scripture with 2 admonitions:
#1. Receive forgiveness - the vertical relationship between God and man
#2. Offer forgiveness - horizontal - between each other - extend and grant

Eph. 4:32 Col. 3:13 Matt. 18:21-22
Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

A definition: to cancel debt, release from obligation
to forfeit a right or claim. To pardon
to bear no malice, harbor no grudge
to give up .... a right to resentment, retaliation, indignation, anger, bitterness, etc.

It does NOT mean: to absolve (declare the offending party guiltless)
to suggest the offender is not responsible
to downplay the offense, condone the act, make excuse for the offender
to deny the hurt, anger, resentment

BUT, forgiveness means: to let go of the anger, bitterness, hurt, resentment
to forfeit your 'right" to feel that way....

Our Application today is: 1. Within the family (though the principles apply outside)
2. with typical offenses that occur within the family (we're not talking about rape, incest, abduction, murder, extreme abuses..)

OBSERVATIONS ON FORGIVENESS

#1. Forgiveness is clearly (and repeatedly) commanded in Scripture.
Mark 11:25 Luke 6:36-37 (the word is found nearly 150 times in scripture)

#2. The Command (to forgive) is for your good. (benefit)
Your good which leads to your family's good which leads to society's good, etc.

#3. Your struggle (to forgive) does to negate the command.
(all struggle some, some struggle more than others. For some, it easier to forgive.

#4. Most of what you are called to forgive is very forgivable.
Contrast what Holocaust survivors, victims of violent crime, etc. went through with typical marital conflict.
Extreme cases and issues are more complex and require more attention.

#5. We should deal with offenses (Biblically) AS THEY OCCUR
Thereby, avoid accumulation. Then when a large offense occurs, it is easier to deal with.

#6. Refusal to forgive is a great evil. It's more than wrong. it's wicked and sinful.
Example: A. Parable in Matt. 18 - quick to receive forgiveness but refuses to grant forgiveness. Leads to Matt. 18:32-25
B. Christ's comment on the Lord's Prayer - Matt. 6:14-15

Therefore:
#7. An unforgiving spirit is a great tool of Satan.
2 Cor. 2:6-11

It's Obvious that we are to forgive.
The problem is that scripture tells us to forgive more than it tells us how to forgive.
(Easier said than done)

Helps in "How to Forgive"

#1. Allow yourself to be human - Real offenses come and really hurt

BUT:
#2. Recognize when you're being a sinful human
ie: selfish, childish, petty, etc. - Admit it!!!!

#3. Don't let your feelings dictate your actions. WHO is Lord????

#4. Allow others to be human also. Rom. 3:23
everybody hurts, offends

#5. Overlook minor offenses. You have less to forgive if you choose not to be offended in the first place. Prov. 19:11

#6. Assume responsibility for your behavior.
You are NOT responsible for what others do... but, you are absolutely responsible for your reaction.
Point: if forgiveness is in order, then you can't blame them for your failure to do so.

#7. Admit the sinfulness of an unforgiving spirit (evil/wicked)
To stubbornly hold to your rightness is the same as saying "I'm right, God's wrong!"

#8. Do what's right. (what you know to be right)
On one hand, God desires forgiveness "from the heart".
But, exterior forgiveness is better than not at all.

#9. Forgive as offenses occur. (don't let it build-up or accumulate)

#10. (If needed) get help - from God, scripture, prayer, counsel, other Christians

It's much easier said than done, BUT, it's God who says, "Do it!"
John 13:17