Beware of Drifting Churches: A Warning from Hebrews 2:1
The concept of drifting churches is explored through the lens of Hebrews 2:1, emphasizing the dangers of losing sight of their first love and the need to repent to avoid straying further. Illustrated with examples from Revelation, the importance of zeal and dedication in maintaining a strong, unified church community is highlighted.
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DRIFTING CHURCHES HEBREWS 2:1
Introduction Quite frequently we talk about the Lord s church! Defined as the body of the saved Used in 2 senses Universal (all who are saved), and Local (a group of the saved who join together to do the work God has give us to do collectively) The church universal is perfect Local churches have flaws, shortcomings, miscalculations, failures, etc.
Drifting Hebrews 2:1 warns against drifting While this applies to individuals. Drifting to gradually, and often unnoticed and aimlessly, be carried along or away from a certain point. The warning is of one who fails to pay attention and drifts away from his salvation Churches can also drift! Revelation 2 & 3
Some ways churches drift By forgetting their first love Revelation 2:4 The church at Ephesus. Historically it was a strong church. In our text, many good things said about her (2-3). BUT, she had left her first love.
Some ways churches drift By forgetting their first love Revelation 2:4 How? Considering love for God (1 John 5:3) it becomes the motivation behind our obedience. In time, one might let his guard down . He is not as zealous as he used to be. His service and relationship with God becomes routine.
Some ways churches drift By forgetting their first love Revelation 2:4 Churches can also lose their first love. We start off on fire , but the fire grows dim and our zeal begins to wane. We begin to drift!
Some ways churches drift By forgetting their first love Revelation 2:4 God demands that we be zealous Titus 2:14. Churches that were commended stood firmly and zealously for truth (cf. Revelation 3:7-8 Philadelphia, 1 Thessalonians 1:5-8, etc.) When zeal starts to cool off, we are in danger of drifting.
Some ways churches drift By forgetting their first love Revelation 2:4 The solution repent or face your lampstand being removed Rev. 2:5
Some ways churches drift By compromising with error Revelation 2:13-14 The church at Pergamos. Commended for holding fast to the name of the Lord (the basics) But they had in their midst false teachers 2 are listed (Balaam & Nicolaitans) When we ignore or tolerate those teaching error, we can drift
Some ways churches drift By compromising with error Revelation 2:13-14 Today, many churches, while holding fast to fundamentals are compromising the truth on doctrinal and moral matters. They tolerate those with whom they differ, but they allow them to live with their errors in their midst (maybe with the hope that they will come around ). This is a serious danger as it WILL influence the rest in time!
Some ways churches drift By compromising with error Revelation 2:13-14 Elders and preachers are entrusted with the responsibility to ensure error does not creep (drift) in Acts 20:28-31, Titus 1:9-11, cf. 2 John 9-11, Ephesians 5:11 When a church tolerates those in error, it will bring trouble!
Some ways churches drift By compromising with error Revelation 2:13-14 Pergamos was told to repent and overcome Revelation 2:16-17
Some ways churches drift By tolerating evil Revelation 2:18-21 Thyatira was tolerating immorality in their midst (fornication, associating with idols, permitting Jezebel to teach, etc.). Like the church at Corinth, it was not addressed (1 Corinthians 5:1-7)
Some ways churches drift By tolerating evil Revelation 2:18- 21 We have a responsibility to keep the church pure. Ephesians 5:25-27 Moral issues are now a major concern in churches modesty, MDR, immoral relationships, questionable entertainment, worldliness. Also, covetousness, gossip, etc. such are tolerated in many churches!
Some ways churches drift By tolerating evil Revelation 2:18- 21 We have a responsibility to keep the church pure. Ephesians 5:25-27 Immorality usually begins with letting someone slip by hoping they will mature . BUT usually it goes the other way! The small leak in the dam gets bigger if not stopped. They were told to repent, hold fast to what is good! (2:21, 25)
Some ways churches drift By being overconfident Revelation 3:1-4 The church at Sardis had a reputation. BUT to God they were dead (or dying). No indication of error being taught, or immorality tolerated. BUT they were satisfied where they were at! They were holding on to the past and holding our own . Possibly they were prideful and arrogant.
Some ways churches drift By being overconfident Revelation 3:1- 4 Many churches today refuse to adapt (without compromise) or try anything different. They want to do what they have always done. AND they are DYING! They were told to hold fast and repent (3). There were a few there trying to turn them in the right direction! When we are satisfied where we are at and think we don t need to grow, we are going to drift!
Some ways churches drift By being lukewarm Revelation 3:15-18 Laodicea was deplorable. Nothing good was said about them. They were described as lukewarm, and the Lord said, I will vomit you out of My mouth (i.e., You make me sick! ) This church was like Sardis (and Ephesus), but worse, because THEY DID NOT CARE! They were going through the motions
Some ways churches drift By being lukewarm Revelation 3:15-18 The Bible condemns apathy and indifference. Israel was complacent (cf. Amos 6:1) Titus 2:14 we are to be zealous for good works It is clear that God expects the best from us in all that we do. He also wants us to address our problems and concerns. Christian love implies that we care! (1 Corinthians 13:1-3)
Some ways churches drift By being lukewarm Revelation 3:15-18 When churches become apathetic, they WILL drift unless they change course! NOTE: Concerning these churches, only 2 of them were tolerating error. The other 3 THE WORST ONES simply were not doing what they should do! Do we fit into any of these categories?
What can we do to prevent drifting? Beware of the possibility 1 Corinthians 10:12, Hebrews 2:1 give the more earnest heed Continued examination 2 Corinthians 13:5. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 we are the temple of God are we pleasing to Him?
What can we do to prevent drifting? Be grounded in truth Hosea 4:6, destroyed for lack of knowledge Ephesians 4:18, do not walk in ignorance like the world. Resolve to be steadfast and immovable 1 Corinthians 15:58, Ephesians 4:11-16
What can we do to prevent drifting? IF you find you are drifting, return to where you are supposed to be and set your anchor there! Each of these 5 churches (Revelation 2 & 3) was told to repent and overcome. Return, hold fast, remember, restore and heal yourselves, etc. were all emphasized. IF we are drifting, we must do the same!
