Hello, and welcome to our weekly sermon review.
This week, the Pastor spoke extensively on the topic “DON’T BE DISTRACTED”.
The sermon was initialized by reading from Hebrews 2 : 1- 3, reminding us of the reason we ought to take serious the things (word of God) which we have heard and will still hear, making sure we do not allow them slip away from our hands by our carelessness and nonchalant attitudes towards its sacred admonitions. Most times, we lose focus walking this narrow path with God because of DISTRACTIONS.
Text: (Hebrews 2: 1-4, Matthew 24: 3-8,10, Revelation 20:12, Exodus 32:1, Daniel 1:3-8, Genesis 1:30, Genesis 39:6-9, Luke 17:32, Genesis 19:12-26, 1 Peter 2:6)
Distraction simply means having one’s attention diverted from a focus. Diversions from our heavenly focus as believers are accompanied by happenings that appear to us as worthwhile. They are most times needs, wants, desires, that we most times have genuine reasons why we should not be deprived of them, and this has affected our walking with God. Believers should rise up and tighten their girdle, making sure they stand against distractions that will hinder them from following God diligently.
Looking at the age (Laodiceans age) we are in, there are enough distractions to battle with, most especially the way people dress, the terrible events we hear about and even the current pandemic. They are enough to make us lose our focus in God. Nevertheless, we should not allow that affect what we stand for as Christians, we need to personally take our salvation serious, because we will stand before the Lord individually to be judged, knowing full well that the purpose of the gospel is to remove the totality of this world system from our hearts. Hence, we need to be careful of the type of sermon we listen to. When what we hear is not the gospel, we could get distracted.
Things that cause distraction:
1. Prosperity, money or blessing: Having money or the riches of this world when we do not have the Holy Spirit would mean that we have gotten what will kill us. God has restrained his hands of blessing from many of us today because financial buoyancy has led many out of Christ.
2. Situations we do not expect or unbearable conditions: People who have delay in marriages or delay in childbearing may lose focus in God because of impatience. Nevertheless, every believer should know that there is no situation that comes to us that is more than what we can bear, a little endurance may be all that is needed. The children of Israel (Exodus 32:1) are one of the biblical examples we can learn from as regards impatience. They gave in to distraction even after experiencing the hand of God in their lives, and lost their focus because there was no patience in their waiting time. We should not allow the situation of the world to draw our attention away from God. It should not be easy for us to forget the goodness of God in our lives because of little challenges. We should rather see the challenges as blessings to us
3. Joblessness: This may lead one out of Christ. However, if you must follow Christ, you must be ready to bear the cost regardless of the situation that comes your way, also with the belief that the journey of Christianity cannot always be rosy. Do not because of joblessness go into crime or get distracted. Keep pressing on, don’t be lazy, whatever you find your hand doing, do well.
Biblical Examples of Those Who withstood Distractions
Several times, God tests his children in isolation.
1. Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39: 6)
Joseph was tested in isolation but did not get distracted. Despite being lured by Potiphar’s wife, and could have enjoyed the pleasure of sin without being caught, he was obligated to not sin against God and focused on obeying his commandments.
2. Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 1: 1 – 5)
Daniel was also tested with the food of the king in Babylon but purposed in his heart to not defile himself. However, Lot’s wife got distracted by the situation of Sodom and by the destruction brought upon her. She became a pillar of salt as a result of this. Therefore, let us take our examples from Daniel and Joseph who were not distracted whatsoever, while we also learn our lesson from Lot’s wife.
In conclusion, we understand that there is a lockdown, but the Holy Spirit is not locked down. He is always available to correct and comfort us. Let us therefore remain steadfast in the spirit and shun distractions. This is evidence that we love the Lord. God bless us all.
Shalom saints. You can listen to the message using the links below
Video: Dont be Distracted Video file
Mp3: Dont Be Distracted Audio