Drifting Away

Drifting Away

Hebrews 2:1-4

Do Not Neglect Salvation

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

Revelation 2:1-8

The Loveless Church

 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,

‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.”’

Hebrews 2:1

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

We need to give earnest heed to the sermons we hear week after week. If we are not serious about God's word, we would end up drifting away. The Greek word for Drifting away is leaking or going away. For example a Pot which is filled with water but has a leak appears to be full, however it is slowly but surely getting empty. Our spiritual life, sometimes, is similar to a leaking Pot.

We are not serious about God's word. We are playing Church. The Church of Ephesus was considered to be the best compared to any other Church. Paul in the letter to the Ephesians says in 1:15-16 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers.

However, the same Church is addressed in Revelation 2:4-5 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

Salvation is by Grace through Faith, not by works. It does not depend on your Church attendance or you tithing or the things you have done for the Church. You know your name is written in Book of Life by Faith. Once you are saved you are saved forever. However only an Overcomer  will be raptured. If you are not an over comer, you will be left behind with the AntiChrist. Are you an Over comer? Only an Overcoming Believer can find his place in the Kingdom of Heavens during the millennial rule.  

The Ephesians’ Church had left their first (best) love.

What is your First Love?

What are you working for?

Why do you want to get married?

Why do you want to have children?

Is your life Christ’s love driven?

If you think you can change, you need to understand, there are 3 things in Life that are not a Miracle.3 things that do not change you overnight.

- New Year night is not a Miracle Night. Nothing changes when the clock strikes 12!

- Marriage does not change you.

- Death does not change anything. You just die in the same state.

We cannot continue to live lethargic lives and not be watchful. God has to deal with you to make you like Him. Working out your Salvation is allowing God to live in you, not you living for Christ.

I Corinthians 3:11-15

 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

The Day of the Lord is fast approaching. Your works to be revealed. Whatever work is born out of love will stand the test. Are you ready?

According to today’s Churches only the following fall under the category of Sinning 

- Smoking

- Alcohol

- Adultery

- Bank Robbery

- Murder

However, we fail to consider Laziness, lethargy, prayer less lifestyle or no desire for Evangelism as Sin.

When you are out of the Purpose of God it's sin.

Matthew 24:45-46

 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.

When the Master comes what will he find you doing? Will he find you faithful before God and wise before men? Many of us are wise before men. We are careful to be an example before men. But are we Faithful before God? In Secret Hw is your life before God?  When the Master comes back, will He find you Faithful? Every believer will receive "Eternal life", but only the faithful will receive "The Crown of Life". The Crown and Throne are only for the Faithful.

God’s discipline is to bring His nature in you.

To lead an Overcoming life is Impossible; it is possible only by God through God.

I Corinthians 9:24

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

Paul the apostle says “But I discipline my body and bring it to subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”

We need to be disciplined children, being watchful. Looking out not to satisfy ourselves but for opportunities to build His Kingdom.

I Corinthians 9:16

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!

It does not say, woe is me if I don’t hear the Gospel, it says Woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel. Necessity is laid upon us to share the Gospel. We need to revive Prayer & Evangelism.

2 Corinthians 5:13, 14

For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;

Do you get beside yourself when it comes to the things of God? Are you crazy about God’s stuff? Paul says “The Love of Christ compels us...” Does the Love of Christ compel you to do the things you are doing?

May God grant us the grace! May He find us wise and faithful when He comes back. O that our lives will be disciplined lives and our work will stand the Fire when tested! Church let us return to our First (Best) love and our First works.O that our lives will be driven by your love alone O’ God!

Amen.