Backsliding
A. BACKSLIDE, AWORD NOT OFTEN HEARD.
1. Prov 14:14, cuwg (soog); "a primitive root; properly, to flinch, i.e. (by
implication) to go back, literally (to retreat) or figuratively (to apostatize)."
2. Jer. 8:5; Hos. 11:7, meshubah-"a turning away, a turning back, an apostasy,
a backsliding."
B. COMPARE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT Heb. 10:39; 4:1; 3:12; Gal 5:4.
1. It can happen suddenly as an act of a rebellious will or fearful heart.
2. Most commonly when we are unaware.
3. Results in the loss of the soul.
C. WE NEED TO TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT BACKSLIDING.
A. FOR ISRAEL, FALSE GODS( Judges 10:13; Jer. 18:15 ).
1. We are beset by false god's of Money( 1 Tim. 6:9-10 ),
Pleasure( 2 Cor. 4:16-18 ) Glory( Matt. 6:1-2 ).
2. Matt. 6:19-21; 1 John 2:15-17; Col. 3:1-2.
B. AND ASSOCIATIONS( 1 Kings 11:1-6; Deut 7:3-4 ).
1. 2 Cor. 6:11-12; Eph. 5:11.
2. Be not deceived( 1 Cor. 15:33 ).
C. AND FEAR( Num. 13:30-14:4 ).
1. What have we to fear?( Matt. 10:28; Rom. 8:31 ).
2. The promise of God( 1 John 4:4; 5:4 ).
A. ARE WE BACKSLIDING? ARE WE SURE?
B. WE NEED TO TEST OURSELVES( Matt. 7:5; 2 Cor 13:5 ).
C. SOME SIGNS TO WATCH FOR IN OURSELVES.
1. "Not getting anything out of worship services" ( Matt. 15:8 ).
2. Miss worship services when you really could have been there
( Psa. 122:1; 42:4; 84:1-2; 147:1; Heb. 10:25 ).
3. Murmering against the efforts of others, like the song leader, the preacher, the
Bible Class teacher, and the ones leading in prayer( Phil. 2:14; Rom. 12:3 ).
4. Instead of wondering if the sermon will touch someone's heart, you are
wondering if it will finish on time ( Acts 11:26; Mat. 6:33 ).
5. It becomes harder and harder to find the time to read your Bible
( Psa. 1:1-3; 119:97; 2 Tim. 2:15 ).
6. There is no more joy in your singing or you don't sing at all ( Heb. 13:5 ).
7. You rarely attend Gospel meetings ( Luke 19:10 ).
8. You hold "grudges" against fellow Christians ( Col. 3:13; 2 Cor. 2:7, 11 ).
9. You seldom feel like praying( 1 Thes 5:17; Matt. 7:7-11 ).
10. Your giving becomes an after thought ( 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 9:7 ).
11. Church growth does not interest you ( Luke 9:57-62; 8:14 ).
12. There is no real change in your spiritual life( Rom. 12:2; 2 Pet 3:18 ).
13. Becoming defensive when admonished, angry when rebuked( Gal. 4:16 ).
14. Taking everything personally, wearing my feelings on my sleeve.
15. The asserting of self and opinion, and when refused, getting mad.
A. EXAMINE YOURSELF( 2 Cor. 13:5 ).
B. "BAD THINGS HAPPEN ONLY TO OTHERS."
1. Where will we all be 5 or 10 years down the road?
2. Many who thought they would never( Matt. 26:31-35, 56 ).
C. WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO FAITHFULNESS( Heb. 10:35-39 ).
A. ARE YOU A BACKSLIDER?
B. HEAR THE PLEADING OF YOUR FATHER AND LET THE RESPONSE OF
THE PEOPLE OF OLD BE YOUR RESPONSE( Jer. 3:21-22 ).
D. Michael Cornwell