Destroying Distractions

Why is it so hard to stay focused on God—even when your intentions are good?


In a world built to pull you in every direction, Jesus invites you to remain… and learn how to resist distractions.

In Week 4 of our Remain series, Brad teaches on one of the enemy’s most effective tactics: distraction. Not always through obvious sin, but through constant noise, worry, pressure, and even “good things” that slowly pull our hearts away from God.

Jesus speaks directly to this in Matthew 13 (the Parable of the Sower), showing how the same Word can produce different results depending on the condition of our hearts. In this message, you’ll learn four ways the enemy tries to neutralize God’s Word in us—and how to cultivate “good soil” so we can bear lasting fruit:

  • Snatched by distraction → Guard your heart
  • Scorched by shallow roots → Go deeper and get rooted
  • Strangled by worries, wealth, and desires → Simplify and weed the garden
  • Sabotaged through subtle interference → Stay alert and stay awake

If you’ve felt scattered, anxious, spiritually numb, or pulled in a thousand directions, this message is for you.

Speaker

Brad Straarup

Series

Remain

Topic

Spiritual Disciplines
Remaining in Christ
Resist Distractions
Cultivate Good Soil

Scripture

John 15:5
John 15:10
John 10:10
Mark 1:35
Matthew 16:23
Matthew 13:1
Matthew 13:2
Matthew 13:3
Matthew 13:4
Matthew 13:5
Matthew 13:6
Matthew 13:7
Matthew 13:8
Matthew 13:19
Matthew 13:20
Matthew 13:21
Matthew 13:22
Matthew 13:23
Proverbs 4:23
Mark 4:19
Matthew 13:26
Matthew 13:24
Matthew 13:25
Ephesians 2:10
Luke 8:15
Psalm 139:23
Psalm 139:24
1 Peter 5:8
1 Peter 5:9
Matthew 26:41
Hebrews 12:1
Hebrews 12:2

Date

January 25, 2026
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