Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:35

Introduction

A. Throughout the church’s infancy, we see Satan attempting various strategies to check its rapid growth.

B. In spite of his best efforts, we see the church defying all odds and continuing to grow every day (Acts 6:7).

Discussion

I. Satan tried to use distractions to slow the church’s growth.

A. He tried to distract them with prejudice and ill will (Acts 6:1).

B. He tried to distract them by confounding their unique roles in the church (Acts 6:2).

C. He tried to distract some in the church with idle slander (Acts 6:11–15).

II. Satan would still like to distract us from our work.

A. He will use the cares of this world as distractions (Matthew 13:22).

B. He will even employ our families as distractions if we let him (1 Corinthians 7:35).

C. He will even distract us with what we see others doing (John 21:22; 2 Corinthians 10:12).

Conclusion

A. To limit distraction, we need to keep ourselves busy in God’s service (1 Timothy 5:11–15) and always keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–2).

B. Jesus says, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).