HOW TO GUARD AGAINST BACKSLIDING

HOW TO GUARD AGAINST BACKSLIDING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 10:12
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 4:23, Hebrews 2:1, Galatians 5:1, Revelation 3:11, Jude 1:24

INTRODUCTION
The Christian journey is a continuous walk of faith, requiring diligence, commitment, and spiritual vigilance. While God’s grace is available to keep us from falling, believers must also take personal responsibility to guard against backsliding. The Bible warns in 1 Corinthians 10:12, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." This verse highlights the need for constant self-examination, humility, and dependence on God to maintain spiritual stability.

Backsliding does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process that begins with little compromises, neglect of spiritual disciplines, and an increasing comfort with sin. Many people who once burned with zeal for God have found themselves cold and distant because they failed to guard their spiritual lives. The devil is always seeking opportunities to weaken believers, and if one is not intentional about staying strong in faith, they can easily slip into spiritual decline.

However, backsliding is not inevitable. God has provided everything we need to remain steadfast, including His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the fellowship of other believers. By following biblical principles and remaining spiritually alert, we can guard against falling away and continue to grow in our relationship with God. In this message, we will explore practical steps to prevent backsliding and ensure we remain firm in our walk with Christ.

1. DEVELOP A STRONG FOUNDATION IN THE WORD

a) Study and Meditate on Scripture Daily (Joshua 1:8)
The Word of God is our spiritual anchor, keeping us firm in the faith. Daily meditation on Scripture strengthens our conviction and prevents us from being deceived by false doctrines.

b) Let the Word of God Renew Your Mind (Romans 12:2)
A transformed mind is less likely to be swayed by worldly influences. The more we fill our minds with God’s truth, the more resistant we become to temptation.

c) Apply the Word in Everyday Life (James 1:22)
Knowledge of the Bible alone is not enough; we must live by it. Practicing the Word strengthens our spiritual resolve and keeps us from drifting away.

d) Use the Word to Resist the Devil (Matthew 4:4-10)
Jesus overcame Satan’s temptations by declaring Scripture. When faced with trials, we must use the Word as our spiritual weapon.

e) Biblical Example: The Berean Christians (Acts 17:11) diligently studied the Scriptures daily, ensuring they remained rooted in the truth and did not fall into deception.

2. CULTIVATE A CONSISTENT PRAYER LIFE

a) Prayer Strengthens Our Spirit (Luke 18:1)
Just as physical exercise strengthens the body, prayer strengthens our spirit. A prayerless Christian is vulnerable to spiritual weakness and backsliding.

b) Pray Without Ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Consistent prayer builds an intimate relationship with God, making it difficult for sin and distractions to take root in our lives.

c) Use Prayer as a Weapon Against Temptation (Matthew 26:41)
Jesus instructed His disciples to watch and pray so they would not fall into temptation. A strong prayer life helps us resist the enemy’s attacks.

d) Pray in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18)
Praying in the Spirit edifies and empowers believers, keeping them spiritually alert and sensitive to God’s leading.

e) Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:10) remained faithful in prayer despite opposition. His commitment to prayer preserved his faith even in the face of persecution.

3. STAY CONNECTED TO FELLOWSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY

a) Do Not Forsake the Assembly of Believers (Hebrews 10:25)
Isolation is dangerous for a believer. Staying connected to a strong Christian community provides encouragement and accountability.

b) Be Accountable to Spiritual Mentors (Proverbs 27:17)
Spiritual mentors and godly friends help keep us on track by correcting, encouraging, and guiding us in our walk with God.

c) Participate Actively in Church Activities (Acts 2:42-47)
Engaging in corporate worship, Bible study, and service in the body of Christ strengthens our faith and keeps us spiritually active.

d) Surround Yourself with Godly Influences (1 Corinthians 15:33)
The company we keep affects our spiritual growth. Associating with ungodly individuals can lead to backsliding, while godly relationships encourage spiritual growth.

e) Biblical Example: The early Church (Acts 2:42) remained strong because they devoted themselves to fellowship, teaching, and prayer.

4. BEWARE OF SPIRITUAL COMPLACENCY AND PRIDE

a) Never Assume You Are Too Strong to Fall (1 Corinthians 10:12)
Overconfidence in one's spiritual strength can lead to a lack of vigilance, making one an easy target for the enemy.

b) Keep a Humble and Teachable Heart (James 4:6-7)
God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. A teachable heart remains sensitive to correction and guidance.

c) Examine Yourself Regularly (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Self-examination helps us identify weaknesses and areas where we need spiritual improvement.

d) Stay Spiritually Watchful (Matthew 24:42)
Jesus warned us to watch and be ready because the enemy attacks when we least expect it.

e) Biblical Example: King Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:16) became proud and fell into sin. His downfall teaches us to remain humble and dependent on God.

5. DEVELOP A STRONG HUNGER FOR GOD

a) Seek First the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)
A deep desire for God’s presence keeps our hearts focused on Him rather than worldly distractions.

b) Stay Passionate for the Things of God (Romans 12:11)
Never allow your spiritual zeal to fade. Continual hunger for God keeps your faith alive.

c) Let the Holy Spirit Lead You Daily (Galatians 5:16)
Walking in the Spirit helps us avoid fulfilling the desires of the flesh.

d) Engage in Continuous Spiritual Growth (2 Peter 3:18)
Keep growing in the knowledge of Christ so that your faith remains vibrant.

e) Biblical Example: David (Psalm 63:1) longed for God passionately, ensuring his heart remained aligned with Him.

CONCLUSION
Guarding against backsliding requires spiritual discipline, vigilance, and intentionality. The devil is always seeking to weaken our faith, but through deep engagement with God’s Word, a fervent prayer life, and staying connected to godly fellowship, we can maintain our spiritual strength. Complacency is a dangerous trap that leads many into spiritual decline, but when we remain humble and constantly examine our walk with God, we can prevent backsliding and stand firm in our faith.

Above all, we must hunger for God daily, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. No one is immune to spiritual decline, but by applying these biblical principles, we can remain steadfast and finish our Christian race with victory. May the Lord grant us the grace to stay faithful until the end.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, keep me spiritually strong and help me to never drift away from Your presence.

2.  Father, create in me a deep hunger for Your Word and a passion for prayer.

3.  Holy Spirit, guide my steps and keep me from spiritual complacency.

4.  Lord, surround me with godly relationships that will strengthen my faith.

5.  Father, I reject every temptation and distraction that can lead me into backsliding.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1.  I declare that you will not fall away from the faith; the Lord will uphold you with His mighty hand.

2.  Every scheme of the enemy to weaken your spiritual life is destroyed in Jesus' name.

3.  You shall remain rooted in the Word of God, and your faith will grow stronger daily.

4.  The fire of prayer in your life will never go out; you shall remain fervent in the Spirit.

5.  I decree that you will finish your Christian race strong, and no power shall pull you down.