Plain Talk Vol.20, No.11, Pg.5 - Cedar Park Church of Christ

Vol. 20, No. 11	January, 1984
*USE YOUR BIBLE*

"LEST HAPLY WE DRIFT..." (Heb. 2:1-3)

Intro.

1.Defecting from the faith is not usually an overnight process, but rather a gradual leaving; a drifting away such as mentioned in this text. 2.Notice these things about drifting...

I. ITS DECEPTIVENESS

A. Not by design 1.No one plans to become an apostate, unfaithful 2.Simply doing nothing is enough to begin the drifting process 3.No such thing as premeditated neglect

B. Often undiscernable for a time 1.Because most reluctant to admit its possibility in their own life 2.Because we compare ourselves with others rather than by God's standard (2 Cor. 10:12,18) 3.Consider plight of Laodiceans while thinking themselves to be in need of nothing (Rev. 3:17) 4.Points up need for continual self-examination (2 Cor. 13:5)

II.ITS DIRECTION

A. Drifting is always downstream 1."Away" (v. 1) None drift to God, righteousness, heaven 2.The derelict ship never drifts safely into port 3.Discipleship requires diligence and effort; most leave God simply by doing nothing

III.ITS INFLUENCE

A. As the derelict ship poses a danger to all, so does the drifter 1.No husband or wife neglects God without hurting each other (1 Cor. 7:16) 2.No parent neglects God without hurting his children (Eph. 6:4)

IV. ITS END

A. "How shall we escape.."? (v.3) 1.2 Thss. 1:7-9, etc.

V. ITS DETERRENT

A. "..We ought to give the more earnest heed..." (v.1) 1.Heedfulness to that spoken and confirmed word; yea, more earnest heed! 2.Ps. 119:11 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

CONCLUSION AND APPLICATION

A. Drifting Christians is one of the most serious problems in the church today. Is it a problem with you?

Dan S. Shipley

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