Good morning Church and welcome back to the house of God!
Last week we studied about Noah. Today we will speak about another man, ‘Abraham’, but todays topic is a bit different, “Drifting away from God!”
Finally Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives!”
Genesis 13:8
Riches not only afford matter for strife, and are the things most commonly striven about; but they also stir up a spirit of contention, by making people proud and covetous. Mine and thine are the great make-bates of the world. Poverty and labour, wants and wanderings, could not separate Abram and Lot; but riches did so. Bad servants often make a great deal of mischief in families and among neighbours, by their pride and passion, lying, slandering, and talebearing. What made the quarrel worse was, that the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt then in the land. The quarrels of professors are the reproach of religion, and give occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. It is best to keep the peace, that it be not broken; but the next best is, if differences do happen, with all speed to quench the fire that is broken out. The attempt to stay this strife was made by Abram, although he was the elder and the greater man. Abram shows himself to be a man of cool spirit, that had the command of his passion, and knew how to turn away wrath by a soft answer. Those that would keep the peace, must never render railing for railing. And of a condescending spirit; he was willing to beseech even his inferior to be at peace. Whatever others are for, the people of God must be for peace. Abram’s plea for peace was very powerful. Let the people of the land contend about trifles; but let not us fall out, who know better things, and look for a better country. Professors of religion should be most careful to avoid contention. Many profess to be for peace who will do nothing towards it: not so Abram. When God condescends to beseech us to be reconciled, we may well beseech one another. Though God had promised Abram to give this land to his seed, yet he offered an equal or better share to Lot, who had not an equal right; and he will not, under the protection of God’s promise, act hardly to his kinsman. It is noble to be willing to yield for peace’ sake.
The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.” Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram. So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. But the people of this area were extremely wicked and constantly sinned against the Lord .
Genesis 13:9-13
Abram having offered Lot the choice, he at once accepted it. Passion and selfishness make men rude. Lot looked to the goodness of the land; therefore he doubted not that in such a fruitful soil he should certainly thrive. But what came of it? Those who, in choosing relations, callings, dwellings, or settlements, are guided and governed by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, or the pride of life, cannot expect God’s presence or blessing. They are commonly disappointed even in that which they principally aim at. In all our choices this principle should rule, That is best for us, which is best for our souls. Lot little considered the badness of the inhabitants. The men of Sodom were impudent, daring sinners. This was the iniquity of Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness. God often gives great plenty to great sinners. It has often been the vexatious lot of good men to live among wicked neighbours; and it must be the more grievous, if, as Lot here, they have brought it upon themselves by a wrong choice.
So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.
Hebrew 2:1-4
Christ being proved to be superior to the angels, this doctrine is applied. Our minds and memories are like a leaky vessel, they do not, without much care, retain what is poured into them. This proceeds from the corruption of our nature, temptations, worldly cares, and pleasures. Sinning against the gospel is neglect of this great salvation; it is a contempt of the saving grace of God in Christ, making light of it, not caring for it, not regarding either the worth of gospel grace, or the want of it, and our undone state without it. The Lord’s judgments under the gospel dispensation are chiefly spiritual, but are on that account the more to be dreaded. Here is an appeal to the consciences of sinners. Even partial neglects will not escape rebukes; they often bring darkness on the souls they do not finally ruin. The setting forth the gospel was continued and confirmed by those who heard Christ, by the evangelists and apostles, who were witnesses of what Jesus Christ began both to do and to teach; and by the gifts of the Holy Ghost, qualified for the work to which they were called. And all this according to God’s own will. It was the will of God that we should have sure ground for our faith, and a strong foundation for our hope in receiving the gospel. Let us mind this one thing needful, and attend to the Holy Scriptures, written by those who heard the words of our gracious Lord, and were inspired by his Spirit; then we shall be blessed with the good part that cannot be taken away.
Do not drift away!
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
1 Timothy 4:1-5
I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you. “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself. “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” When he had finished speaking, he knelt and prayed with them. They all cried as they embraced and kissed him good-bye. They were sad most of all because he had said that they would never see him again. Then they escorted him down to the ship.
Acts 20:29-38
Drift away in Greek literally means falling apart.
They also took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and his goods, and departed.
Genesis 14:12
Illustration: At times you realize that your washroom drainage hole is clogged up. When you call for a plumber, yiu realize that little by little, particles have gathered and trapped among eachother, causing this blockage. Similarly, drifting away happens little by little before you finally get caught up in its trap completely.
How we know that you are drifting away.
1: Neglect of prayer life.
When you cease to long for prayers, you are drifting away.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:18
2: No longing for the word of God.
When you do not have longing for the word of God, you are drifting away.
3: No interest in the things of God.
When you have no interest in the things of God, you are drifting away from God.
4: Do not have a longing to give.
Many a times we are so occupied and consumed with our own needs, investments etc. So much consumed that we even forget our faith promises. If that is the case, you are drifting away from God.
5: Staying away from fellowships.
When your attendence decreases and you tend to start ignoring fellowship meets, you are drifting away from God.
6: Finding fault im everything and everybody in the Church.
Some people find indifference in everything. Clothes of church member’s clothes,
7: Do not have a longing to talk to others about Jesus.
Step by step, it happens. Eventhough very
8: Do bot have the awareness of God’s presence.
We aren’t saying perfect life, nevertheless, we have noticed people using cussing, abusing and simular things. If you meet one ot these traits, you are drifting away.
9: Pride over self achievement.
If you think you have that kind of mentality, you are drifting away from God. Your income isn’t going to help your families, God will.
Hebrew 3:12
Why people of God drift away?
1: Negligence
Hebrew 2:1-4
We are saved by faith through Grace of Cgrist Jesus. Do not neglect your salvation.
2: Spending time with wrong people
People who hang around us definitely will be the one to impact us.
1 Corinthians 15:33
3: Getting busy with success.
When our heart is captivated with success and gadgets, comforts etc, we are drifting away.
4: Carelessness
Hebrew 12:25-29
Do not be careless about God and the things of God, do not be careless a out your salvation and the word of God.
5: Captivated by the things of this world.
Many people say, let us keave this church and join another church just because it is very popular and a happening place.
6: Casualness
We must need to practice what we preach. We must be careful about what we eat and what we wear.
7: Drifting away due to family conflict.
When there are problems in the family, not only it impacts their own family, but their church as well. I have seen people leavimg Church just because of family problem.
Hebrew 12:15
8: Immorality
In the world, immorality is so strong. Illicit friendships and relationships and satan brings all these things in life.
9: Occupied with daily difficulties.
Matthew 13:20-21
Life is full of difficulties
10: Lack of fellowship or forsaking.
Hebrew 2:12-13
We are in the body of Christ because we are not self sufficient and we need one another.
11: Jealousy, envy and hatred.
Matthew 5:23-24
12: Drifting comes through the current of liberal teaching in the Church.
Not just this, the importamt thing to understand is the consequences of drifting
– ‘Casting into fire’
Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned.
John 15:6
I personally wanted to teach as I was growing up, but then God allowed me to become a pastor. That is because I was not drifted away. Thats not because I am good, thats because only God is good. That was not any luck or fortune, because honestly it doesn’t even exist. However, blessings exist and our God lives.
If God can allow me not to drift away, what good is there a reason to save you from drifting awah. However, for that, we need to submit to God and seek his strength to fight the aforementioned situations.
Do you want to risk your life, your beloved families, your beloved ones? If not, come to God and obey him. Seek His wisdom to fight the knowledge of this world and more importantly, seek His presence.
We hope you are encouraged with today’s word. We look forward to see you next Sunday. God bless!