Big Idea: People rarely drift away from Jesus all at once—they drift one small compromise at a time. To Keep From Drifting 1. Learn from Yesterday 1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. 2 They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3 They all ate the same spiritual food 4 and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert. 6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry.” 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did–and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test the Lord, as some of them did–and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did–and were killed by the destroying angel. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! 13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 (NIV) See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. 15 As has just been said: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.” Hebrews 3:12-15 (NIV) Wise people learn from yesterday so they don't repeat it tomorrow. 2. Keep Jesus at the Center 14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf. 18 Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? 19 Do I mean then that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20 No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord's table and the table of demons. 22 Are we trying to arouse the Lord's jealousy? Are we stronger than he? 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 (NIV) We don't drift when Jesus remains the center of our worship. 3. Live To Help People Find and Follow Jesus 23 “Everything is permissible”–but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"–but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. 25 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, 26 for, “The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it.” 27 If some unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. 28 But if anyone says to you, "This has been offered in sacrifice," then do not eat it, both for the sake of the man who told you and for conscience' sake– 29 the other man's conscience, I mean, not yours. For why should my freedom be judged by another's conscience? 30 If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for? 31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God– 33 even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 (NIV) Is there any area where you have started to drift? Choose one Next Right Step this week. Spend intentional time with Jesus every day. Identify and surrender one distraction that has been pulling you away from Christ. Follow Jesus in Believer’s Baptism November 15, 2026 Sign up on Church Center TALK IT OVER Big Idea: People rarely drift away from Jesus all at once—they drift one small compromise at a time. Opening Prayer: Invite someone to thank God for His faithfulness and grace. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where we may be drifting and to help us stay close to Jesus through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. Icebreaker: Have you ever been hiking, swimming, or driving and suddenly realized you were farther off course than you thought? What happened? How did you get back on track? Read Together: 1 Corinthians 10:1–33, Hebrews 3:12–13 As you read, notice Paul's repeated emphasis on remembering God's faithfulness, avoiding compromise, and living for God's glory. Reflection Questions For Families with Young Children What does it mean to stay close to Jesus? What are some simple ways we can spend time with Him every day? Why do we remember Jesus when we celebrate Communion? How can our family remember Jesus throughout the week? For Teens and Adults Paul points to Israel's history as a warning. What lessons do you think God wants believers today to learn from Israel's mistakes? Why is remembering God's faithfulness so important? Read Hebrews 3:12–13. What are some subtle ways Christians begin to drift from Jesus? What habits help keep us spiritually anchored? Paul warns against idolatry. Today, idols rarely look like carved statues. What are some modern idols that compete for our hearts? How can we recognize when something good has become something ultimate? Read 1 Corinthians 10:31. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” How would asking, “Does this glorify God?” change the way we make everyday decisions? Can you think of an area where this question could reshape your priorities? Paul reminds believers that their choices influence others. How can your daily example encourage someone else to stay close to Jesus? Who has influenced your walk with Christ in a positive way? Looking back over this week's message, where do you sense God inviting you to draw closer to Him? What is one intentional step you will take this week? Choose one Next Right Step this week. Spend intentional time with Jesus every day. Identify and surrender one distraction that has been pulling you away from Christ. Before making decisions this week, ask, “Will this help people find and follow Jesus?” Memory Verse “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) Pray Together