Here are some thoughts from part of the series I am currently preaching on ... Goodbye Egypt!
The interesting thing is that when we come out of the world and want to go on for God it isn't like we forget what we came out .... but something is ever lurking to lure us back to our past.
"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." ~ George Bernard Shaw
What is it about our past that seems to draw us back?
The stories get bigger each time they are re-told and we find ourselves longing for that which we once despised.
1John 2:15-16 do not love the world (caught up in the present)
Flesh (what you pick up in the sense realm) / Eyes (what you see and want) / Pride (arrogant assumption – but subtle)
The world draws the heart from God; and the more the love of the world prevails, the more the love of God decays. ~ Matthew Henry
Romans 12:2 … and don’t be conformed (constant renovation)
- Prov 4:23 keep your heart / issues of life
James 1:14 (each one – none of us are exempt) drawn away / enticed (the LURE) bait – there is something in us (self desire)
Demas (part of Paul’s ministry team; Philemon 23,24, Col 4:14) If Demas fell, and he was part of Paul's ministry team / and mentioned before Luke who wrote on of the Gospels and the book of Acts; I think we need to pay attention to this.
2Tim 4:10 … has forsaken me, having loved this present world….
Demas loved the PRESENT world / Paul loved the world to COME.
Very rarely is it that we suddenly deny the cross and go back to the world – just a crack / then a foothold / then a stronghold / then he has a hold.
How to avoid the bait (Lure)
- Stay full; have you ever tried to catch a fish that is full?
1. Get connected and build friendships.
2. Tell your story. (this brings you into remembrance)
3. Invite people (We spend too much time trying to find ourselves instead of finding others – as you reach out so does God)
4. Challenge Spiritually.
5. Faithfulness. Regular attendance / disciplines / consistency
