What Can Disrupt Your Walk With Jesus? A Bible Study Guide

Introduction: Understanding the Distractions

Walking with Jesus is life-changing, but staying consistent requires intentional effort. The world is full of distractions that can slowly pull believers away from faith. Sometimes, it happens subtly—busy schedules, doubts, unhealthy influences—but recognizing these disruptions is the first step to overcoming them.

This study explores common obstacles that weaken faith and provides Biblical truth to stay anchored in Jesus.

1. Distractions From Everyday Life

One of the biggest challenges in maintaining faith is busyness. Responsibilities, social media, entertainment, and obligations can take priority over time with God.

• Luke 10:41-42 — "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better."

Jesus reminded Martha that being busy isn’t always the same as being productive in faith. Mary chose time at Jesus’ feet over distractions—her priority was Him.

Bible Study Application:

Identify distractions that take time away from prayer or reading Scripture.

Read Matthew 6:33, which encourages seeking God first.

Set aside daily time to focus on Jesus, even if it’s just ten minutes.

2. Negative Influences & Wrong Relationships

The people surrounding you affect your faith, either helping it grow or pulling you away. Wrong influences can lead to compromising values, weakening convictions, or drifting into sin.

• 1 Corinthians 15:33 — "Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’"

Walking with Jesus sometimes means distancing from toxic relationships and surrounding yourself with those who encourage faith.

Bible Study Application:

Consider if there are friendships that pull you away from faith.

Read Proverbs 13:20, which warns about wise and foolish influences.

Pray for wisdom in choosing relationships that align with God’s purpose.

3. Doubt & Spiritual Struggles

Doubt is normal, but letting it take over weakens faith. Some question God’s plan, struggle with unanswered prayers, or wonder if they are truly forgiven.

• James 1:6 — "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

Doubt shouldn’t be ignored—it should be faced with truth. Asking questions leads to deeper understanding, but fear-driven doubt makes people feel distant from Jesus.

Bible Study Application:

Write down any doubts about faith.

Read Mark 9:24, where a man says, "I believe; help my unbelief."

Pray honestly—ask Jesus to help strengthen faith.

4. Sin & Temptation

Temptation isn’t random—it’s an intentional effort to pull people away from God’s best. Giving in to sinful habits creates distance in faith.

• James 4:7 — "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

Jesus conquered sin so that it wouldn’t control lives, but maintaining a strong relationship with Him requires resisting temptation.

Bible Study Application:

Identify struggles where temptation feels strongest.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:13, which reminds believers that God provides an escape from temptation.

Pray for strength to walk in purity and holiness.

5. Fear & Worry

Anxiety, fear, and uncertainty can make faith feel shaky. When hard situations arise, trust in God must remain stronger than fear.

• Isaiah 41:10 — "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God."

Fear is not from God—it’s a tool that keeps people from stepping into their calling.

Bible Study Application:

Write down a fear that feels overwhelming.

Read Philippians 4:6-7, which says to replace anxiety with prayer.

Declare God’s truth—replace fear with faith.

6. Pride & Self-Reliance

Thinking faith is optional or relying on personal strength instead of God’s can weaken the relationship with Jesus.

• Proverbs 3:5-6 — "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Faith grows when people admit they need Jesus every single day.

Bible Study Application:

Ask: Where am I relying on myself instead of God?

Read James 4:10, which speaks about humility in faith.

Pray for a heart that is fully dependent on Jesus.

Conclusion: Staying Focused on Jesus

Disruptions in faith happen, but Jesus provides the strength to overcome them. Recognizing distractions and choosing to stay close to Him daily makes a difference.

Faith isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence.

Dr. D. Devon Griffin, Author

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Download these additional resources: How to become a follower of Jesus Christ, by Bishop Charlene M. Jamison.