Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:5-13; Romans 15:4; Exodus 31:18 – 32:22
1. Defining Undercurrent
Undercurrent:
- A current of water below the surface, moving in a different direction from any surface current
- An undercurrent is not an obvious hazard but strong undercurrents can be very dangerous
- Some undercurrents are fast and strong enough that they actively pull you along with them
Recognizing an Undercurrent –
- Water with an undercurrent is more likely to be still or have only small waves due to movement of water under the surface
- You may see clumps of debris or streaks of mud or sand moving through the water
Defining an Undercurrent of a Different Kind:
An underlying feeling or influence, especially one that is contrary to the prevailing atmosphere and is not expressed openly
- Something below the surface
- Moving in a different direction
- Not an obvious hazard, but can be very dangerous
- If strong enough can pull you along with them
- Movement under the surface
2. When Undercurrents Exist in the Church:
A. Gossip – Spreading of unfavorable information about someone else
- Making negative comments about someone that doesn’t need to be said
- Will what I am about to say tend to tear down or build up the person I’m about to talk about?
B. Slander – Making a false statement or misrepresentation about another person that defames or damages the person’s reputation
C. Sarcasm and Ridicule (“just kidding”) – speech that tends to put down, humiliate, belittle or hurt another person
D. Complaining – Not happy with what God is allowing in my life at this moment
E. Discontentment
F. Frustration – The result of some immediate event that has blocked plans or desires
G. Undermining God’s Established Authority
H. Cliques – Small exclusive circle of people
I. Unforgiveness
- Resentment – Anger that is held on to (internalized)
- Bitterness – Smoldering resentment, animosity
J. Critical or Judgmental Spirit
- Looking to find fault with someone or something
K. Negativity
- Glass stays half empty person
L. Controlling – Seeking to control others or circumstances to our advantage or to get what we want
M. Carrying out ministry in the flesh
3. The Danger from Undercurrents in the Church:
A. Division
Strikes at the heart of unity and being in one accord as a body
B. Distraction
- God’s glory is diminished
- The gospel and reaching the lost are not priority
- The hand of God is not acknowledged
C. Desertion (from the truth and application of God’s Word)
D. Derailment
- Those on the sidelines that are being exposed to the undercurrents
- Those that are being influenced or pulled along by the undercurrents
E. Dissolution (a breaking or into parts; disintegration) – Church Splits