Are You Distracted? And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction. I Corinthians 7:35 (KJV)

Distraction 1. The act of distracting; a drawing apart; separation. To create distractions among us. 2. That which diverts attention; a diversion. 3. A diversity of direction; detachment. 4. State in which the attention is called in different ways; confusion; perplexity

Distraction to provide a pleasant diversion for; amuse; entertain to separate or divide by dissension or strife something that makes it difficult to think or pay attention something that amuses or entertains you so that you do not think about problems, work, etc. a state in which you are very annoyed or upset

What Distraction Brings to Our Life Perplexity Confusion Disturbance Disorder Dissension Jealousy Derangement Madness Disobedience Franticness Furiousness Depression

We Know Distractions Will Come The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Biblical Examples of being Distracted David and Bathsheba Saul and the “singing women” Saul’s Disobedience Lot’s wife Samson and Delilah

Real Life Examples of being Distracted

10 Things That Can Distract Us: Money

Money Hebrews 13:5-Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” 1 Timothy 6:10-For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Matthew 6:24-“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

10 Things That Can Distract Us: (Social) Media

(Social) Media Matthew 16:24-“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” Galatians 5:1-So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law. Romans 12:2-Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Matthew 11:30-For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

10 Things That Can Distract Us: “Church”

“Church” Romans 3:23-for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Hebrews 10:25-And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. 1 Corinthians 14:26- Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.

10 Things That Can Distract Us: Relationships

Relationships 2 Corinthians 6:14-Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 1 Corinthians 15:33-Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.” Ecclesiates 4:9-Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.

10 Things That Can Distract Us: Routine/Service

Routine/Service Matthew 6:5-“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. Matthew 6:16-“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. Isaiah 29:13-And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote.

10 Things That Can Distract Us: Work

Work Luke 10:41-42-But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 12:20-21-“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for? Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

10 Things That Can Distract Us: Hobbies/Entertainment

Hobbies/Entertainment Exodus 20:3-Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Philippians 4:8-Christian brothers, keep your minds thinking about whatever is true, whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever can be loved, and whatever is well thought of. If there is anything good and worth giving thanks for, think about these things. Colossians 3:5-Destroy the desires to sin that are in you. These desires are: sex sins, anything that is not clean, a desire for sex sins, and wanting something someone else has. This is worshiping a god.

10 Things That Can Distract Us: “Blessings”

“Blessings” Provers 10:22-The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it. Matthew 6:33-But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Philippians 4:19-And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

10 Things That Can Distract Us: Self/Flesh/Lust

Self/Flesh/Lust Romans 8:6-7-For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Romans 8:12-13-Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. Galatians 5:16-So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. James 1:21-22-Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

10 Things That Can Distract Us: Comparing

Comparing 2 Corinthians 10:12-Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! Galatians 6:4-Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. Philippians 4:11- Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

10 Things That Can Distract Us: Work Hobbies/Entertainment “Blessings” Self/Flesh/Lust Comparing Money (Social) Media “Church” Relationships Routine/Service

Pastors & Leaders 2 Timothy 2:15-Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. James 4:17-If you know what is right to do but you do not do it, you sin. 1 Corinthians 2:5-so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power. Joshua 1:8-Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.