Beware of Undercurrents

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