Previous AM Messages

April 21, 2024 AM
Paul Gotthardt
(#23 in series)

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Undivided: The Source of Spiritual Drift (Part 2)

James 4:1-6

Spiritual __ starts with diverted __.

A Change Principle: Problems don’t change when we focus on symptoms and not the source.

• A PROBLEM is a difficult situation, person, or matter.
• A SYMPTOM is an indication of something, usually something undesirable.
• A SOURCE is the place where something begins or is derived.

Key Truth: When worldly wisdom is embraced by Christians, it leads to disunity in the church, unbridled selfishness in believers, and spiritual infidelity before God.

• Disunity in the church

• Unbridled selfishness in believers

Pursuing selfish desires will result in…

• __ lust
  “You lust and do not have; so you commit murder.”
• Uncontrolled __
  “You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel.”
• __ blessings
  “You do not have because you do not ask.”
• Unanswered __
  “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

Self-centered pursuits lead to…

• Wrong __ (lust, envy)
• Wrong actions (fighting, quarreling, killing)
• Wrong __ (spiritual adultery)
• Wrong confidence (failing to pray)
• Wrong __ (selfish desires)

• Spiritual infidelity before God

Reflection/Response: Take some time to prayerfully process these questions before God. If God prompts you with a concern, will you submit it to Him and ask for His guidance?

• What are five things in life that I’m currently excited about and enjoying? List them. Are any of these interfering with my devotion and obedience to God?
• Was there a time in my life when I was more devoted, more engaged, and more excited about the things of God than I am today? If so, what changed?
• Am I spiritually drifting?
• Am I guilty of living a version of “respectable Christianity?” Respectable Christianity is enough “Jesus talk” to be in good standing with other Christians, but not enough “Jesus change” to cause the world to marvel at the gospel of Christ.
• Am I going through the motions and checking the boxes of Christianity?
• Have worldly wisdom and selfish ambitions put me in conflict with others, myself, and God?
• Have I settled for religion that is devoid of the power of God?
• If my children were to excessively follow my current patterns of devotion to Christ, would I be concerned about their walk with the Lord?
• Am I making excuses for my lack of desire for the things of God?
• Am I hiding from God and Christian community?
• Am I postponing obedience?
• Am I okay not being okay?
• If any of these questions brought conviction or concern, what will it take for God to get my attention?