Drifting Into Danger
David Wilkerson warns believers of the danger of drifting away from Christ, a sin that can lead to a loss of intimacy with Him.
David Wilkerson warns about the peril of drifting away from Christ, emphasizing that even the most devoted believers can become complacent and lose their intimate connection with God. He reflects on the history of God's people, noting how they often forget the Lord and fall back into old ways, as seen in the example of Moses and the Israelites. Wilkerson encourages believers to examine their hearts and rekindle their relationship with Christ, reminding them of the importance of staying true to God amidst a culture of apostasy. He highlights that those who remain faithful will experience the fullness of God's presence and blessings.
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"Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away" (Hebrews 2:1).
The sin of drifting away from Christ is the most tragic, dangerous sin of all -- and no believer is immune. Even the most devoted believer can begin drifting by getting lazy and passive about the things of the Lord. Once that begins to happen, it becomes harder and harder to get back into intimate communion with Christ. You may know certain people who were once tender, loving Christians yet today they seem like different people. Most drifters do not recognize themselves as being in danger.
The history of God's people has been one of backsliding, neglecting and forgetting God. Moses and the prophets seemed incredulous at the tendency of God's people to quickly forget the Lord and drift back to their old ways.
Just before he died, Moses looked back over the history of God's children in the wilderness. Nearly an entire generation of complaining, backbiting, unbelieving people had been wiped out by God's judgment, consumed in the hot desert. But a faithful remnant -- tried, tested, separated -- remained true to the Lord. Moses told them, "Your eyes have seen what the Lord did at Baal Peor; for the Lord your God has destroyed from among you all the men who followed [idol worship]. But you who held fast to the Lord your God are alive today ... For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him?" (Deuteronomy 4:3-4, 7).
Moses was essentially saying, "You stayed true in a time of great apostasy! You never gave in to idol worship, as those did who were destroyed. And no one has had God nearer to them than you have." These were the ones who entered the Promised Land -- into the Lord's fullness.
Do you remember a time when you felt nearer to him than you do now? When you felt his presence more readily and heard his voice more clearly? It might be time to examine your heart to be sure you are continuing to press in with Jesus.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Sin of Drifting Away
- A. Drifting is a tragic and dangerous sin
- B. Even devoted believers can drift by getting lazy and passive about the Lord
- II. The History of God's People
- A. God's people have a history of backsliding and neglecting God
- B. A faithful remnant remains true to the Lord
- III. The Consequences of Drifting
- A. Drifters may not recognize themselves as being in danger
- B. Drifting can lead to a loss of intimacy with Christ
Key Quotes
“The sin of drifting away from Christ is the most tragic, dangerous sin of all -- and no believer is immune.” — David Wilkerson
“Do you remember a time when you felt nearer to him than you do now?” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- It's essential to examine your heart to ensure you are continuing to press in with Jesus.
- Drifting away from Christ can happen to even the most devoted believers, making it crucial to stay vigilant.
- A faithful remnant remains true to the Lord, and it's possible to stay in that remnant by staying true to the Lord.