THE DANGER OF FORGETTING GOD

THE DANGER OF FORGETTING GOD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 2

Key verse: Judges 2:10 (KJV)
“And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.”

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Psalm 78:6-8; Hosea 4:6

Description: Failing to pass faith to the next generation leads to spiritual decline and bondage.

INTRODUCTION:
Judges 2 presents a sobering reality: a new generation arose after Joshua and his companions who did not know the Lord nor His mighty works. This forgetfulness did not mean total ignorance of God’s existence, but rather a lack of personal experience and commitment to Him.

The failure was not primarily with the children but with the parents and leaders who did not effectively pass down the covenant faith. The result was tragic—spiritual decline, idolatry, and repeated cycles of oppression in Israel.

Forgetting God is not simply about memory; it is about neglecting His presence, ignoring His commands, and failing to live in daily relationship with Him. When a generation forgets God, society sinks into darkness.

1. THE ROOT OF FORGETTING GOD
Forgetfulness of God often begins subtly with neglect of His Word and works.

a) Neglecting God’s Word
(Deuteronomy 6:6-9) Parents were commanded to diligently teach the Word. Neglect leads to ignorance.

b) Failing to remember God’s mighty works
(Psalm 106:7) Israel forgot God’s miracles at the Red Sea and provoked Him.

c) Spiritual decline begins in comfort
(Deuteronomy 8:10-14) Prosperity often makes people forget God.

d) Forgetting God is the beginning of idolatry
(Hosea 13:6) When they were filled, their hearts were exalted, and they forgot Him.

Biblical Example: The Israelites at Sinai (Exodus 32:1-6) quickly forgot God’s deliverance and turned to a golden calf.

2. THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PASS FAITH TO THE NEXT GENERATION
One of the greatest duties of parents and leaders is to ensure the next generation knows God.

a) God commands intentional teaching
(Deuteronomy 6:7) Teach children diligently when sitting, walking, lying down, and rising up.

b) Faith must be transferred through testimony
(Psalm 78:4) Declare His works to the children, so they will not forget.

c) Example is stronger than words
(1 Corinthians 11:1) Children learn more from what we live than what we say.

d) Failure to teach produces spiritual illiteracy
(Hosea 4:6) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

Biblical Example: Timothy was nurtured in faith by his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5).

3. THE CONSEQUENCES OF FORGETTING GOD
Forgetting God leads to sin, idolatry, oppression, and loss of destiny.

a) Spiritual compromise leads to idolatry
(Judges 2:11-12) Israel forsook the Lord and served Baal and Ashtoreth.

b) Forgetting God provokes His anger
(Judges 2:14) God delivered them into the hands of their enemies.

c) Sin brings bondage and oppression
(Proverbs 14:34) Sin is a reproach to any people.

d) Forgetting God leads to destruction
(Deuteronomy 8:19) If you forget the Lord your God, you shall surely perish.

Biblical Example: King Joash (2 Chronicles 24:17-22). After the death of Jehoiada, he forgot the God who helped him and turned to idolatry, which led to his downfall.

CONCLUSION:
Judges 2 warns us of the danger of forgetting God. When a generation fails to know the Lord and His mighty works, spiritual decline and bondage follow. It is the responsibility of parents, leaders, and the church to diligently pass the faith to the next generation.

We must ensure that our children and spiritual sons and daughters know the Lord personally. Forgetting God is costly, but remembering Him and walking in obedience leads to generational blessing.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me never to forget You or neglect Your Word.
2. Father, give me grace to pass my faith to the next generation.
3. Every spirit of forgetfulness and negligence, be destroyed in my life.
4. Lord, deliver me from the distractions that make men forget You.
5. Father, let my children and descendants know You deeply.
6. Lord, revive in me the passion to testify of Your mighty works.
7. I reject every form of spiritual decline in my family.
8. Lord, let my home be a sanctuary of truth and righteousness.
9. Father, help me to be an example of faith to the next generation.
10. Lord, preserve my lineage in Your covenant forever.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You will not forget the Lord your God.
2. Your children shall know the Lord and serve Him faithfully.
3. The Lord will keep your family from spiritual decline.
4. You will be a living example of faith to the next generation.
5. Every spirit of forgetfulness is broken in your life.
6. God will make you a custodian of generational blessings.
7. Your testimony will inspire faith in others.
8. The enemy will not corrupt your children’s hearts.
9. The Lord will establish His covenant with your descendants.
10. You will walk in remembrance of God’s mighty works all your days.