3. Hebrews 10:26-31

4. Matthew 26:26-29 NKJV [26] And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." [27] Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. [28] For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. [29] But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom."

5. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 NKJV [1] Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: [2] On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

7. Problems In Life That Christians Face

8. Dealing with
Discouragement

10. The Danger Of Drifting Away.
Hebrews 2:1
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

11. The Danger Of Drifting Away.

12. Drifting is Possible
Hebrews 3:12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;

13. Drifting is Possible
Hebrews 4:11 Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

14. Drifting is Possible
Hebrews 6:4-6 [4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, [5] and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, [6] if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

15. Drifting is Possible
Hebrews 10:26-31 [26] For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, [27] but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. [28] Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. [29] Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? [30] For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The LORD will judge His people." [31] It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

16. Signs of Drifting

17. Rev. 3:15-17 – lukewarm Laodicea
We become complacent
Signs of Drifting
Rev. 3:15-17 – lukewarm Laodicea
Revelation 3: [15] "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. [16] So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. [17] Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'-and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked-

18. Hebrews 6:11-12 – not become sluggish.
We become complacent
Signs of Drifting
Hebrews 6:11-12 – not become sluggish.
Hebrews 6: [11] And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, [12] that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

19. Matthew 22:4-5 they made light of it
We become complacent
Signs of Drifting
Matthew 22:4-5
they made light of it
Matthew 22:4-5 [4] Again, he sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and fatted cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the wedding."' [5] But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.

20. Matthew 4:4 – man shall not live by bread alone
We neglect God’s word
Signs of Drifting
Matthew 4:4 – man shall not live by bread alone
Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'"

21. 1 Peter 2:2-3 – desire the pure milk of the word
We neglect God’s word
Signs of Drifting
1 Peter 2:2-3 – desire the pure milk of the word
1 Peter 2:2-3 [2] as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, [3] if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

22. We neglect God’s word (Hebrews 5:11 – dull)
Signs of Drifting
(Hebrews 5:11 – dull)
Hebrews 5:11 of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

23. Matthew 6:5-8 – importance of private prayer
We neglect prayer
Signs of Drifting
Matthew 6:5-8 – importance of private prayer
Matthew 6:5-8 NKJV [5] "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. [6] But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. [7] And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. [8] "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

24. Romans 12:12 – continuing steadfastly in prayer
We neglect prayer
Signs of Drifting
Romans 12:12 – continuing steadfastly in prayer
Romans 12:12 NKJV [12] rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

25. James 5:16 – confess and pray for one another
We neglect prayer
Signs of Drifting
James 5:16 – confess and pray for one another
James 5:16 NKJV [16] Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

26. 2 Timothy 3:4 – lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God
Increased desire and care for worldly pleasures
Signs of Drifting
2 Timothy 3:4 – lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God
2 Timothy 3:4 NKJV[4] traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,

27. Increased desire and care for worldly pleasures
Signs of Drifting
Philippians 3:18-19 – many walk as enemies of the cross, whose god is their belly
Philippians 3:18-19 NKJV[18] For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: [19] whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame-who set their mind on earthly things.

28. Increased excuses for neglectful behavior
Signs of Drifting
Increased excuses for neglectful behavior
Luke 14:16-24 – Jesus addressed those who made excuses
Often, when one first fails they admit it.
As they begin to drift away, their excuses begin to increase proportionately

29. We lack spiritual joy We need to be content and joyful
Signs of Drifting
We need to be content and joyful
Romans 12:12 – rejoicing in hope
Matthew 5:12 – rejoice and be exceedingly glad
1 Thessalonians 5:16 – rejoice always
Joyful is a mindset!
Do we find real joy with our brethren?

30. We are constantly finding fault
Signs of Drifting
2 Corinthians 10:12
do we find ourselves constantly seeking to justify ourselves based on others?
Do we use the bad behavior of others to justify our neglect?
Matthew 7:1-5, (cf. John 7:24), Judge properly!
Galatians 5:14-15– biting and devouring one another
If we find we are blaming our shortcomings on others, it is very likely we are drifting.

31. A lack of concern for the souls of others
Signs of Drifting
A lack of concern for the souls of others
Philippians 2:3-4 – look out for the interests of others
Acts 8:4 – concern for the lost souls
When we don’t care about how our behavior affects others we may be drifting!
This could include being more afraid of offending (hurting the feelings of) another rather than God (e.g. grieving the Holy Spirit).

32. What are the Dangers Of Drifting?
Signs of Drifting
What are the Dangers Of Drifting?

33. We can reach a point where we no longer see “the shore” Heb 6:4-6
Signs of Drifting
Hebrews 6:4-6 NKJV [4] For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, [5] and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, [6] if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
We can reach a point where we no longer see “the shore” Heb 6:4-6

34. We can shipwreck our faith – 1 Tim 1:18-20
Signs of Drifting
1 Timothy 1:18-20 NKJV [18] This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, [19] having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, [20] of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
We can shipwreck our faith – 1 Tim 1:18-20

35. We are in danger of loosing our souls
Signs of Drifting
1 Corinthians 10:12 NKJV [12] Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
We are in danger of loosing our souls

36. We are in danger of loosing our souls
Signs of Drifting
2 Peter 2:20-22 NKJV [20] For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. [21] For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. [22] But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire."
We are in danger of loosing our souls

37. Addressing Drifting Make God your priority
Signs of Drifting
Make God your priority
Matthew 6:33 – seek first the kingdom of God
Hebrews 6:19 – hope is our anchor (at the throne of God)
1 Peter 1:13 – rest your hope fully upon the grace of God

38. Let serving God become an every day occurrence
Addressing Drifting
Signs of Drifting
Let serving God become an every day occurrence
Say something to God 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Let God says something to you 2 Tim 2:15
Do something for God (do good to others) Gal 6:10
Say something about God 1 Peter 3:15
Give something to God Romans 12:1-2
Think of a blessing from God James 1:17
Be thankful to God Ephesians 5:20

39. Continued examination Make the church important to you
Addressing Drifting
Signs of Drifting
Continued examination
2 Corinthians 13:5.
Discipline your body
1 Corinthians 9:27 Be in control
Make the church important to you
Ephesians 4:16 – do your part!

40. Give diligence to increase your faith
Addressing Drifting
Signs of Drifting
Give diligence to increase your faith
2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Peter 1:5-8 2 Peter 3:14 diligent to be found in peace
Worship God
John 4:24 In Spirit and in truth
Hebrews 10:25 be here!

41. If you have drifted, repent!
Addressing Drifting
Signs of Drifting
Abstain from evil
Ephesians 4:22 put off your former conduct
Ephesians 5:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:22
If you have drifted, repent!
Revelation 2:5 – do the first works Acts 8:22…repent and pray!

42. If you have drifted, repent!
Addressing Drifting
Signs of Drifting
If you have drifted, repent!
2 Corinthians 7:10-11 true repentance is:
2 Corinthians 7:10-11 NKJV [10] For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. [11] For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

43. Addressing Drifting
Signs of Drifting
2 Peter 1:10-11 NKJV [10] Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; [11] for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

44. What are you doing to prevent drifting in your life?

45. Are you drifting away?
God can help you in your life, all you have to do is obey what the Lord is offering you, and changes will come to your Life!