Sermon on Backsliding Christians People

 

Sermon on Backsliding Christians People

Introduction

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to address a subject that is of critical importance to our spiritual walk—backsliding. This term might seem old-fashioned, but its reality is as relevant today as it was in the days of the early Church. To backslide means to fall away, to regress in our faith, and to return to old habits, sins, and ways of thinking that we once renounced. It’s a condition that can afflict any believer, no matter how strong they think they are.

As we delve into this topic, let us consider the words of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:7: "You were running a good race. Who stepped into your path, pulling you away from the truth you were following?" This rhetorical question encapsulates the heartache of spiritual regression, and today we will explore the causes, consequences, and the remedy for backsliding.

 

1. The Causes of Backsliding

There are many reasons why a believer might backslide. Understanding these causes can help us to guard against them.

 

a. Neglect of Spiritual Disciplines

One of the most common causes of backsliding is the neglect of spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and worship. Just as physical muscles weaken when not exercised, so too does our faith when we neglect the spiritual practices that sustain it. Jesus warned in Matthew 26:41, urging vigilance and prayer, lest you succumb to temptation. The spirit may be eager, but the body is frail.""

When we stop prioritizing time with God, we open the door for other things to take precedence in our lives. It begins with skipping one prayer time, then another. Before long, our Bibles gather dust, and we find ourselves more engaged in worldly activities than in the things of God.

 

b. The Allure of the World

The world around us is constantly beckoning us to return to our former ways. In 1 John 2:15-16, the apostle warns, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. "If one's heart clings to the world, the essence of divine love is absent. For all worldly desires—the cravings of the flesh, the allure of the eyes, and the arrogance of existence—do not spring from the Divine but are rooted in earthly illusions."

The temptations of wealth, pleasure, and status can pull our hearts away from God. When we begin to measure success by worldly standards, we are in danger of backsliding. Like Lot’s wife, who looked back at Sodom, we can be tempted to long for the things we once left behind.

 

c. Trials and Tribulations

Trials can either strengthen our faith or lead us to doubt God’s goodness. When faced with suffering, some believers may question God’s love or His ability to intervene in their situation. In Matthew 13:21, Jesus speaks of the seed that falls on rocky ground: "But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When challenges arise or hardships are faced due to their belief, they soon lose their resolve."

When we focus on our problems instead of God’s promises, we can start to drift. It’s easy to become disillusioned when our faith doesn’t seem to be producing the results we expect. This is why it’s crucial to develop a deep and abiding trust in God, one that endures even in the face of adversity.

 

d. The Deceitfulness of Sin

Sin is deceptive. Hebrews 3:13 warns us to "encourage one another daily... so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." Sin never presents itself as it truly is. It often appears harmless, even enjoyable, but its end is always destruction.

When we allow sin to creep back into our lives, it can create a wedge between us and God. It dulls our spiritual senses and makes us less sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s conviction. Over time, what once pricked our conscience becomes acceptable, leading us further away from God.

 

2. The Consequences of Backsliding

Backsliding is not without serious consequences. It impacts our relationship with God, our witness to others, and our eternal destiny.

a. A Strained Relationship with God

The most immediate consequence of backsliding is a strained relationship with God. Isaiah 59:2 says, "Your wrongdoing has built a wall between you and your Creator; your transgressions have veiled His presence, causing His ears to be closed to your pleas."

When we backslide, our intimacy with God diminishes. We no longer experience the joy of His presence, the comfort of His Spirit, or the clarity of His guidance. Instead, we may feel distant, disconnected, and spiritually dry. This is not because God has moved away from us, but because we have moved away from Him.

 

b. Loss of Spiritual Authority and Witness

As followers of the faith, we are invited to infuse the world with the zest of salt and the brilliance of light. (Matthew 5:13-16). However, when we backslide, we lose our spiritual authority and our ability to positively influence others. Our testimony becomes tainted, and our ability to witness effectively is compromised.

When others see us returning to old habits, they may question the authenticity of our faith. This not only damages our reputation but also hinders others from coming to Christ. We are reminded in Romans 2:24, "God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."

 

c. The Danger of Hardened Hearts

One of the most dangerous consequences of backsliding is the potential for our hearts to become hardened. Hebrews 6:4-6 It offers a stark reminder: 'For those who have once embraced enlightenment but then turned away, the path back to repentance is forever barred.

This passage highlights the danger of repeatedly resisting the Holy Spirit’s conviction. Each time we say "no" to God, our hearts become a little more callous, making it increasingly difficult to return to Him. This is why it is so important to respond to the Spirit’s prompting as soon as we recognize it.

 

d. The Risk of Eternal Separation from God

The ultimate consequence of unchecked backsliding is eternal separation from God. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21-23, "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

If we persist in rebellion against God, refusing to repent and return to Him, we risk hearing those dreadful words, "I never knew you. Away from me  you evildoers!" We must embrace this destiny with the utmost seriousness, for it highlights the timeless importance of our spiritual state.

 

3. The Remedy for Backsliding

Thankfully, God, in His mercy, has provided a way back for those who have backslidden. The remedy involves repentance, renewal, and restoration.

a. Repentance: Returning to Our First Love

 

The first step in overcoming backsliding is repentance. Repentance is not just feeling sorry for our sins; it is a complete turning away from them and a return to God. In Revelation 2:4-5, Jesus addresses the church in Ephesus: "Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Turn back and rekindle the original passion in your actions."

Repentance involves recognizing our sin, confessing it to God, and making a decisive change in direction. It is about returning to our first love—Jesus Christ—and renewing our commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly.

 

b. Renewal: Refreshing Our Spirit through the Word and Prayer

Once we have repented, we must renew our minds and hearts through the Word of God and prayer. Romans 12:2    instructs us to "break free from the mold of worldly conventions and embrace a transformation through the renewal of our minds."

Spending time in God’s Word is essential for renewing our spirit. The Bible is our source of spiritual nourishment, providing guidance, encouragement, and correction. Prayer, too, is vital, as it keeps us connected to God and helps us to align our will with His.

 

c. Restoration: Rebuilding Our Spiritual Foundations

Finally, we must work to rebuild the spiritual foundations that have been weakened by backsliding. This involves re-engaging with the body of Christ through fellowship, serving others, and participating in communal worship.

Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us, "consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not abandoning our gatherings as some do, but actively encouraging each other." Our church community is essential for spiritual renewal, offering vital support, accountability, and motivation as we strive to deepen our faith.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey of faith is one that requires perseverance, vigilance, and a constant reliance on God’s grace. Backsliding is a real danger for every believer, but it is not an inevitable fate. By recognizing the causes, understanding the consequences, and embracing the remedy, we can overcome backsliding and continue to grow in our relationship with Christ.

"Embrace the wisdom of Hebrews 12:1-2, which encourages us to shed every burden and sin that ensnares us, as we navigate our path with steadfast endurance. Surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, let us focus intently on Jesus, the trailblazer and consummator of our faith, as we journey forward."

May we all strive to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, avoiding the pitfalls of backsliding, and pressing forward toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).

Amen.