How can we avoid becoming complacent in our faith like Jeshurun? Jeshurun’s Wake-Up Call “Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; you became fat, bloated, and gorged. Then he abandoned the God who made him and scorned the Rock of his salvation.” (Deuteronomy 32:15) What went wrong? • Israel prospered, grew self-satisfied, and literally “kicked” against the One who had blessed them. • Comfort dulled their memory of bondage and their awe of deliverance. • Affection shifted from the Rock to the gifts He supplied. How complacency sneaks into our lives • Abundance leads to forgetfulness (Deuteronomy 8:10-18). • Routine worship turns mechanical (Isaiah 29:13). • Spiritual disciplines shrink while leisure expands (Proverbs 30:8-9). • Self-confidence replaces humble dependence (1 Corinthians 10:12). Staying spiritually lean and strong 1. Remember continually – Rehearse gospel rescue stories: Exodus 13:3; Psalm 103:2. – Keep communion fresh: Luke 22:19—“Do this in remembrance of Me.” 2. Feed daily on Scripture – “Man shall not live on bread alone” (Deuteronomy 8:3). – Let the Word dwell richly (Colossians 3:16) before screens and schedules crowd in. 3. Pray as first resort, not last – “In the morning, LORD, You hear my voice” (Psalm 5:3). – Prayerful dependence keeps the heart supple, not swollen. 4. Serve and give intentionally – Generosity pries open clenched fists (1 Timothy 6:17-19). – Use gifts to bless others, breaking the grip of indulgence (2 Corinthians 9:8). 5. Cultivate holy dissatisfaction – Long for deeper knowing of Christ (Philippians 3:8-14). – Reject “good enough” spirituality; chase the upward call. 6. Walk in step with the Spirit – Daily surrender (Galatians 5:25) guards against drifting. – The Spirit quickens dead routines into living fellowship. 7. Practice regular self-examination – Invite the Searcher of hearts (Psalm 139:23-24). – Confess quickly; keep short accounts (1 John 1:9). 8. Stay intertwined with God’s people – Spur one another on (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Accountability curbs solitary slippage. 9. Keep eternity in view – “Set your minds on things above” (Colossians 3:2). – Prosperity fades; the kingdom endures (Hebrews 12:28). The antidote in one sentence Live each day as rescued people, wholly dependent on the Rock who saved us, never letting His gifts eclipse His glory. |
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