Ignoring the Iceberg: When Warnings Go Unheeded

Big Idea: The time to seek God is now, before you hit the iceberg.

Engage – Hooking the Audience (5 minutes)

The Titanic, a symbol of human achievement and tragic consequences:

“Imagine the Titanic. Launched with fanfare on May 31, 1911, it set sail from Southampton on April 10, 1912. Billed as ‘unsinkable,’ it was the most luxurious ship of its time. Picture the grand staircases, the elegant dining halls, the orchestra playing, the feeling of the ocean breeze. Over 2,200 passengers, filled with dreams and expectations, were aboard.”

“But on the night of April 14, 1912, that dream turned into a nightmare. Despite warnings about ice in the area, the Titanic steamed ahead. At 11:40 PM, it struck an iceberg. The ‘unsinkable’ ship was mortally wounded.”

“In the early morning hours of April 15th, the Titanic slipped beneath the waves, taking over 1,500 lives. Families were torn apart, dreams shattered. It’s a tragedy that reminds us how quickly life can change, how fragile our sense of security can be.”

“Just like the passengers on the Titanic felt secure in their journey, we often feel secure in our own lives, in our routines, our plans, our assumptions about tomorrow.

But are we heeding the warnings around us?”

And just like those on the Titanic, who felt safe until it was too late, we too often live with a false sense of security. “

Tension – Clearly Stating the Fallen Condition Focus (FCF) (7 minutes)

We live in a world overflowing with distractions, constantly pulling us away from what truly matters. It’s so easy to fall into the “I’ll do it later” trap.

We tell ourselves we have plenty of time, pushing aside those important conversations with God in prayer, delaying that step of obedience, putting off spiritual growth and service.

We see this in so many ways:

We delay seeking forgiveness or offering it to others.

We avoid confronting sin in our lives.

We put off reading God’s Word or connecting with other believers.

We assume God’s patience is limitless, confusing his grace with permission to procrastinate. But there’s a critical difference between God’s patient love and our dangerous assumption of permanence.

At the heart of this tension are often pride, fear, or a misunderstanding of God’s character. We think we’re in control, that we can put God off until it’s convenient for us.

But are we willing to risk eternity on a “maybe later”?

Are we willing to ignore the warnings of our own hearts and the voice of the Spirit?

Transition to Truth:

“This tension, this feeling of misplaced security, demands an answer.

Thankfully, we find that answer in the unwavering truth of God’s Word.

Let’s turn to the scriptures to see how God addresses this.”

Truth – Verse-by-Verse Exposition (10 minutes)

1 Corinthians 10:1-13: Learning from the Past

1

“Paul, in 1 Corinthians 10, he’s basically saying, ‘Hey, we’ve seen this before. We know what happens when we get complacent.’ He’s using the history of Israel as a warning. He’s saying, ‘Don’t think you’re too strong to fall. Stay alert, stay faithful.’”

“It’s a reminder that we’re not immune to temptation, to distraction, to spiritual drift. We need to stay connected to God, to stay rooted in his word.”

Luke 13:1-9: Real Life, Real Warnings

You know, when you read about these events, it’s not just ancient history. These are real people, dealing with real tragedies, just like we do today. Imagine being in that crowd, hearing about these Galileans whose blood Pilate mixed with their sacrifices. It’s shocking, isn’t it?”

“And then, Jesus brings up the tower of Siloam, collapsing and killing eighteen people. You know, we see things like this on the news all the time. Buildings collapse, accidents happen. It’s easy to think, ‘That’s terrible, but it won’t happen to me.’ But Jesus is saying, ‘Hold on a minute. Don’t be so sure.’”

“He’s cutting through the noise, telling them—and us—that these events aren’t about who’s ‘worse’ or ‘better.’ He’s saying, ‘Look, we’re all in the same boat. We all need to wake up and realize that life is fragile, and we need to turn to God.’ He’s not trying to scare us, but he’s being real with us. He’s saying, repent. Turn your life around.”

“And then, the fig tree parable. It’s such a powerful picture, isn’t it? We’ve all had those moments where we feel like we’re not producing anything, like we’re just taking up space. God, the owner of the vineyard, he’s patient, but he also expects fruit. And Jesus, like the gardener, he’s interceding for us, giving us time, working with us. He digs around the tree, puts on manure. It’s not a pretty process, but it is necessary. It’s God working in our lives. He’s asking, are you going to let him work? Are you going to bear fruit?”

“Think of it this way, has God been digging around your roots lately? Have you felt him shaking things up? That’s his mercy, not his condemnation. He’s trying to loosen the things that are keeping you from him. He’s trying to bring you to fruitfulness.”

Transition to Isaiah:

“From Jesus’ stark warning, let’s now turn to the prophet Isaiah, who offers us a contrasting yet complementary message of God’s open invitation.

It is like Jesus warning us about the storm, and then Isaiah is like the life boat that is being offered.”

Isaiah 55:1-9: God’s Open Invitation

“After hearing Jesus’ warning, Isaiah 55 is like a breath of fresh air. God’s inviting us to come to him, to drink from his living water, to eat from his abundant feast. He’s saying, ‘Come, even if you have nothing to offer.’ It’s a loving invitation.”

“And then, he says, ‘Seek the Lord while he may be found.’ There’s that urgency again. It’s not about fear, but about opportunity. God’s saying, ‘I’m here, I’m waiting, come to me now.’”

“He reminds us that his ways are higher than ours. He sees the bigger picture. He knows what we need, even when we don’t. It’s a reminder that we can trust him.”

Psalm 63:1-8: Worship as Response

Transition to Application:

“Having explored these powerful truths, we must now ask ourselves, how do these words apply to our lives today?

Application – Actionable Steps (5 minutes)

“What Kind of Tree Are You?” (Luke 13:1-9)

The Fig Tree That’s Alive But Not Growing.

The Tree That’s Cut Down.

The Tree That Bears Fruit.

“Which tree represents your life?”

“Don’t be like the passengers on the Titanic...”

“The time to seek God is now, before you hit the iceberg.”

Transition to Inspiration:

“These actions are vital, but to truly embrace them, we need to let the truth sink deep into our hearts.

Let’s take a moment to imagine the impact of these truths on our lives.”

Inspiration / Reflection – Imaginative Connection (3 minutes)

“Imagine what it would be like if… you received a final notice from God Himself.”

“Imagine what your life would be like if… you knew this was your last opportunity to truly turn to Him.”

“Would you keep waiting? Or would you act while the opportunity is still open?”

“Perhaps consider what area of your life you are putting off dealing with God about.”

Transition to Action:

“With these reflections in mind, let’s now move from imagination to action.

What concrete steps can we take in response to God’s calling?”

The first step is simple, but extremely hard.

Action / Next Step – Clear and Practical Response (3-4 minutes)

Reflect: What ‘iceberg’ am I ignoring in my life?

“Take a moment to truly consider this question. WHAT ICEBERG AM I IGNORING IN MY LIFE?

It’s easy to live on the surface, distracted by the ‘luxuries’ of life, just like the passengers on the Titanic. But what are the potential ‘icebergs’ looming in your spiritual journey?”

“Are you ignoring a call to repentance in a specific area of your life? Is there a relationship you need to mend, a habit you need to break, or a spiritual discipline you’ve been neglecting?”

“Perhaps the ‘iceberg’ is a subtle drift away from your first love for Christ, a growing complacency, or a fear that’s hindering your obedience.”

“Write down what comes to mind. Be honest with yourself and with God. This is a crucial step toward addressing the warnings He’s given you.”

“Ask God to reveal any hidden ‘icebergs’ you may be unaware of. He sees what we cannot, and He desires to guide us toward true freedom and abundant life.”

For non-believers:

Begin Today: Take a moment to silently acknowledge that you are open to exploring a relationship with God.

This Week: Find a trusted Christian friend, pastor, or leader and schedule a time to discuss your questions about faith. If you do not have someone, search for a local church and attend a service.

Consider: The Bible is huge, and can be hard to understand. Start simple with reading the first chapter of the Gospel of John.

Urgency: Do not delay. God’s invitation is for you now.

Encouragement: “Remember, the time to seek God is now, before you hit the iceberg. Take that first step today before its too late.”

Transition to Closing Prayer:

“As we prepare to respond to God’s Word, let’s bring these truths before Him in prayer”

Closing Prayer – Disciple’s Prayer Model (3 minutes)

Praise:

“Father, we praise you for your incredible patience and mercy.

We thank you that even when we ignore your warnings, you continue to extend your hand of grace.

We praise you for sending Jesus, our intercessor, who pleads for us and provides a way for us to turn back to you.

We praise you for the Holy Spirit who reveals our blind spots.”

Purpose:

“Lord, we ask that you would align our purpose with your will.

Help us to see beyond the distractions of this world and focus on what truly matters.

Give us the courage to step out in obedience, to bear fruit for your kingdom, and to live lives that honor you.

Help us to not waste the time you have given us.”

Provision:

“Father, we ask for your provision in our lives.

Provide us with the wisdom and strength to resist the ‘I’ll do it later’ trap.

Provide us with the resources and opportunities to serve you faithfully.

Provide us with your Word, and the ability to understand it.

Provide us with the community we need.”

Pardon:

“Lord, we confess that we have often ignored your warnings.

We have been complacent, putting off repentance and obedience.

Forgive us for our pride and our fear.

Forgive us for the times we have taken your patience for granted.

Cleanse our hearts and renew our spirits.

Forgive us for ignoring the ‘icebergs’ in our lives.”

Protection:

“Father, we ask for your protection against the temptations and distractions that seek to derail us.

Protect us from spiritual complacency and from the illusion of endless time.

Protect us from the enemy’s schemes to keep us from you.

Protect us from the consequences of ignored warnings.

Protect our hearts and minds.”

Praise (again):

“We praise you again, Lord, for your unfailing love and grace.

We thank you that even when we fail, your mercies are new every morning.

We thank you that you are a God of second chances, and that you are always ready to welcome us back into your loving arms.

We thank you for your constant presence, and the hope we have through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.”