A Rope to the Dock. Ups and downs of life are common. Drifting away is a subtle and dangerous process. Big downfalls begin with small compromises.

Transcription

1 A Rope to the Dock Video Doug Heacock December 29, Spiritual Life Timeline Ups and downs of life are common Drifting away is a subtle and dangerous process. Big downfalls begin with small compromises

2 The fall of Eve began with a simple little question: 7. The fall of Eve began with a simple little question: 8. "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden?'" (Gen. 3:1) Drifting begins with small steps, small decisions, small compromises. "It's not that big of a deal." "Why does God even care about this?" "I can stop any time I want to."

3 "Does God really care about this?" "I don't believe God cares about this." "I don't believe God cares." 16. "I don't believe God." 17. "I don't believe." Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV) But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 18.

4 Hebrews 2:1-4 (ESV) Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will When we drift, we drift away from something-- we drift from what we have heard. Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV) If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory Drifting is all too common, but it is not what God would consider normal for our lives.

5 If we want to keep from drifting, we need to "tie a rope to the dock." The first strand: the Word of God Is regular reading and reflection on Scripture a high enough priority in my life? The second strand: Prayer Philippians 4:5b-7 (ESV) The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

6 Have I made regular times of prayer a high enough priority in my life? The third strand: the Church Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Have I made meeting with my church family a high enough priority in my life? If we want to keep from drifting, we need to "tie a rope to the dock." 35.