Sermon: "The Great Distractions: A Call Back to the Cross."

Introduction:

My life story is a testament to God's power to redeem, restore, and refocus. Like all others, I have faced personal struggles, seen the world's brokenness, and watched God's grace shine through it all.

Today, let's take a unique approach to evangelism by addressing the three major sinful distractions Satan has used since the beginning of time to pull saints and sinners away from Christ. These distractions—pride, lust, and idolatry—are nothing new, but their grip remains strong. We will confront these snares through Scripture, illustrations, and a grace-based, no-compromise approach and call all to the freedom found in Jesus Christ.

1. Pride: The Sin of Self-Exaltation

Scripture: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." – Proverbs 16:18 "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." – James 4:6

Message: Pride was the first sin committed by Satan himself when he declared, "I will ascend to heaven; I will make myself like the Most High" (Isaiah 14:13-14). Today, pride manifests in countless ways—self-sufficiency, unwillingness to repent, and an attitude that places oneself above God's authority.

Illustration: Imagine a drowning man who refuses a life preserver because he insists he can swim. Pride closes our eyes to the truth of our condition: we are sinners in need of a Savior. It keeps saints stagnant in their walk with Christ and prevents sinners from bowing the knee to Him.

Evangelistic Outreach: Remind the people you love and those who will listen to you that humility is not weakness but strength under God's control. Jesus humbled Himself to death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). When we humble ourselves and confess our need for Him, God lifts us. Call listeners to lay their pride on the cross and accept His grace.

2. Lust: The Sin of Fleshly Desires

Scripture: "For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world." – 1 John 2:16 "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually sins against their own body." – 1 Corinthians 6:18

Message: Lust is a weapon Satan uses to ensnare both saints and sinners. It isn't limited to sexual temptation; it includes all cravings that lead us to fulfill our desires outside of God's will. In today's culture, lust is glorified in media, relationships, and even personal goals.

Illustration: A fisherman baits a hook with an irresistible lure, knowing the fish will bite without seeing the danger. Lust works the same way—it promises satisfaction but delivers destruction.

Evangelistic Outreach: Offer hope and healing. Jesus didn't condemn the woman caught in adultery but said, "Go and sin no more" (John 8:11). Encourage listeners to flee from sin and run toward the Savior who satisfies every need. Remind them that no temptation is more significant than God's power to overcome (1 Corinthians 10:13).

3. Idolatry: The Sin of False Worship

Scripture: "You shall have no other gods before me." – Exodus 20:3 "They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator." – Romans 1:25

Message: Idolatry is anything that takes the place of God in our hearts. While we may not bow to statues as in ancient times, modern idols include money, career, relationships, entertainment, and even self. Idolatry distracts saints from worshiping in spirit and truth and blinds sinners to the One True God.

Illustration: A man plants a beautiful garden but admires the flowers so much that he forgets the One who created them. Similarly, we often worship the gift instead of the Giver.

Evangelistic Outreach: Point people back to the Creator. Remind them that nothing on earth can satisfy the soul, like a relationship with Jesus. Share the account of Paul in Athens, where he pointed to the altar of the "unknown god" and revealed the one true God through Christ (Acts 17:22-31). Encourage listeners to tear down the idols in their lives and worship the Lord wholeheartedly.

The Call Back to the Cross

Satan uses these three distractions to divert us from the Gospel, but the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the antidote to every one of them. At the cross, pride is crucified, lust is cleansed, and idols are overthrown.

Scripture: "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God." – 1 Corinthians 1:18

Illustration: Picture a man bound by chains, each representing pride, lust, and idolatry. The chains are too strong for him to break on his own. But then he hears the voice of Jesus, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). At the cross, the chains fall, and he walks free.

Evangelistic Outreach: Whether preaching to saints or sinners, bring them to the foot of the cross. Share how Jesus conquered sin and offered/offers victory to all who believe. Invite them to confess their sins, surrender their distractions, and embrace the life-transforming power of the Gospel.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the cross. We confess that pride, lust, and idolatry have distracted us from Your truth. Forgive us, cleanse us, and restore us. Please help us to walk in humility, purity, and proper worship. Empower us to share this message with others so they, too, may know the freedom found in Christ.

In Jesus' name, amen.