Falling Away From The Lord Starts With Small Things (Clip)
Shane Idleman teaches that falling away from the Lord begins with small compromises and idolatry that gradually draw believers away from God.
This sermon emphasizes the danger of idolatry for believers, highlighting how even small distractions can lead to a drift away from God. It warns about the gradual nature of falling into sin, where seemingly insignificant choices can eventually lead to major consequences, such as moral failures like infidelity. The message underscores the vulnerability of all individuals to making detrimental decisions that can have lasting impacts on their faith and relationship with God.
Full Transcript
But if I start focusing on this too much, and I want to focus on this too much, and that's basically what idolatry at its core for a believer is, it's anything that begins to take you away from God. Anything. And it will begin to creep in.
And that's why even little things can become big things. Because if you look back, all these guys, and I read books on a lot of these men that fell, in ministry, I've known people that have fallen. All of us are susceptible of falling.
Absolutely, we're one bad choice away from falling. But if you look back, it doesn't start out huge. Somebody said, you know, I woke up today, and I don't know how I had an affair tonight.
I have, how did that happen?
Sermon Outline
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I. The Danger of Small Compromises
- Idolatry begins with focusing too much on anything other than God
- Small things can gradually become big spiritual problems
- Believers are susceptible to falling through seemingly minor choices
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II. The Process of Falling Away
- Falling away does not start with major sins but with small steps
- Many who fall in ministry or life did not start with obvious failures
- Awareness of the gradual nature helps in prevention
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III. The Need for Vigilance
- Guard your heart against anything that distracts from God
- Recognize early signs of spiritual drift
- Make intentional choices to stay close to the Lord
Key Quotes
“Idolatry at its core for a believer is anything that begins to take you away from God.” — Shane Idleman
“All of us are susceptible of falling. Absolutely, we're one bad choice away from falling.” — Shane Idleman
“If you look back, it doesn't start out huge.” — Shane Idleman
Application Points
- Examine your daily choices to identify any small compromises that may lead you away from God.
- Stay vigilant and guard your heart against distractions that can become idols.
- Seek accountability and prayer to maintain spiritual focus and prevent gradual drifting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does idolatry mean for a believer?
Idolatry for a believer is anything that begins to take their focus and devotion away from God.
Can small sins really lead to falling away?
Yes, small compromises and choices can accumulate and lead to significant spiritual failure.
How can I prevent falling away from the Lord?
By guarding your heart, being vigilant about small compromises, and keeping your focus on God.
Is falling away sudden or gradual?
Falling away is usually a gradual process that starts with small, seemingly insignificant choices.