CAUSES OF BACKSLIDING AND HOW TO OVERCOME THEM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Jeremiah 2:19

"Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will rebuke you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing that you have forsaken the Lord your God, and the fear of Me is not in you, says the Lord God of hosts."

Supporting Texts:

Proverbs 14:14
Hebrews 10:38-39
Matthew 24:12
2 Peter 2:20-22
Galatians 6:9

INTRODUCTION:

Backsliding is a spiritual decline where a believer who once walked closely with God gradually drifts away from faith, obedience, and intimacy with the Lord. It does not happen suddenly but is a result of small compromises, neglect of spiritual disciplines, and yielding to sinful desires.

Jeremiah 2:19 reveals that backsliding carries consequences, serving as a rebuke and correction for those who forsake God. However, God is merciful and always calls His children to return to Him. In this sermon, we will examine the major causes of backsliding and how believers can overcome them to remain steadfast in their walk with God.

1. SPIRITUAL LAZINESS AND PRAYERLESSNESS

A Christian who neglects prayer and Bible study weakens spiritually, making them vulnerable to backsliding.

a) Lack of a Consistent Prayer Life (Luke 18:1)

When a believer stops praying, they disconnect from divine strength, making them susceptible to spiritual attacks.

b) Neglect of Bible Study and Meditation (Joshua 1:8)

Without regular study of God’s Word, a believer lacks spiritual nourishment and direction.

c) Failure to Fellowship with Other Believers (Hebrews 10:25)

Isolation from the church weakens a Christian, making them an easy target for the enemy.

d) Lack of Fasting and Seeking God’s Presence (Matthew 17:21)

A lack of spiritual discipline results in spiritual dryness and loss of fire.

e) Biblical Example: The Disciples in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:40-41)

They failed to watch and pray, leading to weakness and fear when faced with trials.

How to Overcome:

Develop a daily habit of prayer, Bible study, and worship.
Surround yourself with godly influences and remain active in Christian fellowship.
Cultivate a personal altar of fasting and seeking God’s face.

2. LOVE FOR WORLDLY PLEASURES AND MATERIALISM

A believer who prioritises worldly things over God is on a path to backsliding.

a) Desire for Wealth Over God (1 Timothy 6:10)

The pursuit of riches and material success can lead a believer away from God.

b) Compromise with Worldly Lifestyles (Romans 12:2)

When a Christian begins to adopt worldly values, their spiritual strength declines.

c) Spending More Time on Carnal Activities than Spiritual Growth (Colossians 3:2)

An obsession with entertainment, social media, and pleasures weakens spiritual appetite.

d) Associating with Ungodly Influences (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Wrong friendships can corrupt good character and lead to moral decay.

e) Biblical Example: Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)

Demas forsook Paul and the ministry because he loved the things of this world.

How to Overcome:

Seek first the Kingdom of God, making Him your priority.
Avoid friendships, habits, and environments that draw you into worldliness.
Be content with what God has provided and trust Him for your needs.

3. UNRESOLVED OFFENSES AND BITTERNESS

Unforgiveness and bitterness create an entry point for the devil to lead a believer into backsliding.

a) Holding Grudges Against Others (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Bitterness hardens the heart and quenches the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer’s life.

b) Allowing Offense to Grow into Hatred (Matthew 5:23-24)

A person who does not resolve conflicts quickly opens the door to sin.

c) Unforgiveness Blocks God's Forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15)

God will not forgive those who refuse to forgive others.

d) Bitterness Leads to Rebellion (Hebrews 12:15)

A bitter heart eventually turns against God and His people.

e) Biblical Example: Cain (Genesis 4:3-8)

Cain’s jealousy and bitterness against Abel led him to commit murder.

How to Overcome:

Choose to forgive others, knowing that God has forgiven you.
Release offenses quickly, praying for those who hurt you.
Guard your heart against resentment by focusing on God’s love.

4. UNCHECKED TEMPTATIONS AND SINFUL DESIRES

Sinful habits that are not dealt with can lead to full-blown backsliding.

a) Entertaining Lustful Thoughts (James 1:14-15)

Sin starts as a thought before it turns into an action.

b) Making Excuses for Sinful Habits (Romans 6:12-14)

A backsliding Christian no longer sees sin as dangerous.

c) Disregarding Conviction of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)

Repeated disobedience dulls a believer’s conscience.

d) Gradually Returning to Old Sins (2 Peter 2:20-22)

Going back to old sinful habits indicates spiritual decline.

e) Biblical Example: Samson (Judges 16:1-21)

He kept playing with sin until he lost his strength and God’s presence.

How to Overcome:

Resist temptation immediately by fleeing from sinful environments.
Confess and forsake any sinful habits before they take root.
Seek godly accountability from a mentor or spiritual leader.

5. LACK OF FAITH AND SPIRITUAL DISCOURAGEMENT

When trials and challenges come, some believers lose faith and turn away from God.

a) Losing Trust in God’s Promises (Hebrews 10:23)

Doubt weakens faith and leads to discouragement.

b) Allowing Trials to Shake Your Faith (James 1:2-3)

A backsliding Christian sees trials as punishment rather than a test of faith.

c) Spiritual Weariness and Giving Up (Galatians 6:9)

When believers grow tired of serving God, they risk falling away.

d) Listening to the Lies of the Enemy (John 8:44)

The devil deceives believers into thinking that God has abandoned them.

e) Biblical Example: Peter (Luke 22:31-34, 54-62)

Peter denied Jesus out of fear but was later restored.

How to Overcome:

Strengthen your faith by standing on God’s Word and His promises.
See trials as opportunities for spiritual growth.
Surround yourself with faith-building influences and testimonies.

CONCLUSION:

Backsliding is a gradual process that happens when a believer neglects spiritual disciplines, compromises with sin, or allows distractions to take the place of God. However, God’s mercy is always available to restore those who repent.

If you have identified any of these causes in your life, it is time to return to God, seek His forgiveness, and renew your commitment to Him. He is always ready to receive His children with open arms.

PRAYER POINTS:

Lord, restore my spiritual fire and keep me from backsliding.
Father, deliver me from every form of compromise and sin.
Lord, help me to stay committed to prayer, the Word, and fellowship.
Father, break every attachment to worldly pleasures in my life.
Lord, give me a forgiving heart and remove every bitterness.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

You shall not fall into backsliding; the Lord will uphold you!
Every distraction pulling you away from God is broken now!
Your faith shall be strengthened, and you will walk in divine victory!
You shall overcome every temptation and live a life of holiness!
The fire of revival shall burn in your heart continually!

Amen!

Friday, 21 February 2025