Growing Deeper

5-Day Devotional: Anchored in Christ
Day 1: The Danger of Drift
Reading: Hebrews 2:1-4
Devotional: Like a boat slowly drifting from shore, our spiritual lives can imperceptibly move away from the gospel. We don't plan to drift—it happens when our attention shifts from Christ to our circumstances, our performance, or our comparisons with others. The writer of Hebrews warns us to "pay much closer attention" because neglecting our salvation leads us into dangerous waters. Drift is subtle and quiet, often unnoticed until we find ourselves far from the safety of God's truth. Today, ask yourself: Where is my focus? Am I anchored in the finished work of Christ, or am I trusting in my own efforts? Return your gaze to Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith.
Reflection: What areas of your life reveal a slow drift from depending on Christ alone?
Day 2: The Log and the Speck
Reading: Matthew 7:1-5
Devotional: We're quick to notice the failures of others while remaining blind to our own. When we measure our righteousness by comparison—whether to other believers or the lost world—we build our confidence on a foundation of self-righteousness rather than Christ's righteousness. Jesus confronts this tendency with vivid imagery: we carry logs in our own eyes while obsessing over specks in others. This comparison game leads to pride, not repentance. True spiritual health begins with honest self-examination before God. When we see our own desperate need for grace, we become merciful toward others. Stop looking sideways at your brothers and sisters. Look up to the One who extends grace to all.
Reflection: Who are you comparing yourself to instead of looking to Christ?
Day 3: The Gospel of First Importance
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Devotional: Paul reminds the Corinthians—and us—of what matters most: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. This isn't just the beginning of our faith; it's the foundation we must return to daily. We're prone to drift toward legalism, mysticism, or moral license, adding to or subtracting from the simple gospel. But salvation isn't about our works, feelings, or spiritual experiences—it's about what Jesus accomplished. When anxiety creeps in, when guilt weighs heavy, when you question your standing with God, return to this truth: Christ died for you. He was raised for you. Your salvation rests entirely on His finished work, not your performance. This is the gospel that saves and sustains.
Reflection: How often do you remind yourself of the gospel throughout your week?
Day 4: The Joy of Repentance
Reading: Luke 15:11-24 (The Prodigal Son)
Devotional: Repentance isn't a shameful crawl back to an angry God—it's falling into the arms of a Father who runs to meet you. Like the prodigal son, we wander into far countries, pursuing empty pleasures and trusting in ourselves. We exhaust ourselves rowing against the waves, crashing into jagged rocks of our own making. But when we come to our senses and turn homeward, we discover grace waiting. The Father doesn't lecture or condemn; He wraps us in His embrace, clothes us in righteousness, and celebrates our return. Christian, you need this daily. Not just once at salvation, but continually throughout your journey. Turn to Christ. Lay down your burdens. Experience the joy of being welcomed home again.
Reflection: What do you need to lay at the feet of Jesus today?
Day 5: Nobody But Jesus
Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Devotional: God chooses nobodies to tell everybody about the Somebody who saves. Moses had stage fright. David brought a rock to a sword fight. The disciples were outsiders nobody would have chosen. Yet God changed the world through them. Your past doesn't disqualify you. Your weaknesses don't limit God. Your purpose isn't to make much of yourself but to make much of Jesus. When the enemy whispers, "Who do you think you are?" remember: you're a blood-bought member of God's family, rescued and redeemed. Live so that when people look at your life, they don't see you—they see Jesus. Let your name be forgotten if it means His name is proclaimed. You're nobody, but you know Somebody who saved your soul.
Reflection: How can you decrease so that Christ may increase in your life today?
Closing Prayer: Father, anchor us firmly in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Keep us from drifting into self-righteousness, comparison, or trusting in our own works. Help us daily turn our eyes to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. May we live as forgiven people who freely extend grace to others. Let our lives proclaim nobody but Jesus. Amen.

Key Takeaways

1. Drift happens when our attention moves away from the gospel and our confidence shifts from Christ to ourselves or our circumstances.
2. Measuring our righteousness by comparison (to other believers or to the world) leads to pride, not repentance.
3. Any confidence rooted in self is not gospel confidence. Our assurance must rest solely in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
4. The Christian life requires constant refocusing on Christ. We need to hear the gospel daily, not just once.
5. Repentance is a gift, not a burden. Turning back to Christ brings us into His arms of grace and mercy.

Discussion Questions
1. In what ways do you find yourself 'drifting' from the gospel by placing confidence in your own works or comparing yourself to others rather than resting in Christ's finished work?
2. How does the dream about repeatedly passing by home while wandering in a fog illustrate the subtle nature of spiritual drift in your own life?
3. When you examine your heart honestly, do you find yourself measuring your righteousness by comparison to other believers or to the lost world rather than by God's standard?
4. What does it mean practically to 'pay much closer attention to what we have heard' as Hebrews 2:1 instructs, and how can you implement this in your daily walk?
5. How does the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18 challenge your own prayer life and attitude toward both God and others?
6. In what areas of your Christian life have good works or religious activities become an idol that competes with your simple trust in Jesus?
7. Why do you think Christians need to hear the gospel proclaimed repeatedly, not just at salvation but throughout their entire lives?
8. How does understanding that repentance is a joyful return to Christ's arms rather than shameful guilt change your approach to confession and restoration?
9. What practical steps can you take this week to shift your focus back to Christ when you notice yourself drifting toward self-righteousness or legalism?
10. How does the imagery of the wife wrapping up the wayward sailor reflect God's grace and mercy toward you when you drift and then return to Him?

Practical Applications
Choose one of the following practices to help you stay anchored to the gospel this week:
Option 1: Daily Gospel Reminder

• Each morning, read 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 and thank God specifically for what Christ has done for you.
• Write down one way you're tempted to find confidence in something other than the gospel.

Option 2: Repentance Check-In

• Set a daily reminder (lunch, bedtime, etc.) to pause and ask: "Where have I drifted today?"
• Practice the tax collector's prayer: "God, be merciful to me, a sinner."

Option 3: Comparison Fast

• Identify one area where you tend to compare yourself to others (social media, church involvement, parenting, etc.).
• When you notice yourself comparing, immediately redirect your thoughts to what Christ has done for you.

Option 4: Accountability Partnership

• Partner with someone from the group this week.
• Share one area where you tend to drift and ask them to pray for you and check in mid-week.