SIGNS OF A BACKSLIDING CHRISTIAN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Revelation 2:4-5

"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."

Supporting Texts:

Hebrews 10:38-39
1 Corinthians 10:12
Matthew 24:12
Proverbs 14:14
2 Peter 2:20-22

INTRODUCTION:

Backsliding is a condition where a believer, who was once fervent in their walk with God, begins to drift away from their faith, spiritual disciplines, and commitment to Christ. It is often a gradual process, unnoticed at first, but it eventually leads to spiritual decline and separation from God’s presence.

Jesus, in Revelation 2:4-5, rebuked the church in Ephesus for leaving their first love, warning them to remember, repent, and return to their initial devotion. When a Christian begins to lose their passion for God and starts compromising with sin, it is a clear sign of backsliding.

This sermon will highlight key signs of a backsliding Christian, helping us to examine our lives and return to God before it is too late.

1. LOSS OF FIRST LOVE FOR GOD

A backsliding Christian experiences a decline in their love and passion for God.

a) A Decrease in Passion for Prayer and Worship (Psalm 63:1)

A person who once found joy in prayer, worship, and fellowship with God begins to see these as burdensome.

b) Neglect of the Word of God (Joshua 1:8)

The Bible, which once brought encouragement and revelation, now seems uninteresting or irrelevant.

c) No Desire for the Things of God (Matthew 6:33)

A backsliding Christian prioritises worldly pleasures over their spiritual growth.

d) Loss of Reverence for God's Presence (Isaiah 29:13)

Church attendance and spiritual activities become routine rather than heartfelt expressions of love for God.

e) Biblical Example: The Church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:4-5)

Despite their works, Jesus rebuked them for forsaking their first love.

2. COMPROMISING WITH SIN

A backsliding Christian starts tolerating sin in their life instead of resisting it.

a) Making Excuses for Sinful Behaviour (James 4:17)

Sin is no longer seen as serious, and compromises are made in areas of holiness and righteousness.

b) Indifference to Conviction of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)

The voice of the Holy Spirit becomes faint as the conscience is gradually seared.

c) Engaging in Secret Sins (Numbers 32:23)

A person starts doing things in secret that they would never have done publicly before.

d) Justifying Sinful Lifestyles (Romans 6:1-2)

Instead of repenting, a backslider finds ways to justify sinful actions.

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

Samson kept compromising with Delilah until he lost his strength and God’s presence.

3. DECREASED INTEREST IN FELLOWSHIP WITH BELIEVERS

A backsliding Christian gradually withdraws from godly fellowship and spiritual accountability.

a) Skipping Church and Christian Meetings (Hebrews 10:25)

A person starts missing church services, Bible studies, and prayer meetings without a genuine reason.

b) Isolating from Fellow Believers (Proverbs 27:17)

Instead of seeking encouragement from other Christians, they prefer to be alone or around unbelievers.

c) Avoiding Godly Counsel and Correction (Proverbs 12:1)

A backslider rejects advice from spiritual leaders and fellow believers.

d) Developing a Critical Spirit Towards the Church (Jude 1:16)

They start criticising church leaders, sermons, and fellow believers rather than examining their own hearts.

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

Demas abandoned Paul and the ministry because he loved the world more than God.

4. LOSS OF SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT AND GROWTH

A backsliding Christian becomes spiritually stagnant and unable to discern between right and wrong.

a) Diminished Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit (John 16:13)

What once grieved the person now seems normal, and there is no conviction.

b) Replacing Spiritual Priorities with Worldly Pursuits (1 John 2:15-16)

Materialism, entertainment, and personal ambitions become more important than spiritual growth.

c) Ignoring God’s Instructions and Rebuke (Proverbs 29:1)

They no longer take God’s Word seriously and continue in disobedience.

d) No Evidence of Spiritual Growth (2 Peter 3:18)

Instead of growing in faith, they remain spiritually stagnant or regress.

e) Biblical Example: King Saul (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Saul repeatedly ignored God’s commands and lost his discernment, leading to his downfall.

5. VULNERABILITY TO SATANIC ATTACKS AND DEFEAT

A backsliding Christian opens the door to spiritual attacks and bondage.

a) Increased Temptations and Falling into Sin (Luke 11:24-26)

Since they are no longer spiritually alert, they become easy prey for the enemy.

b) Lack of Power in Spiritual Battles (Ephesians 6:11-13)

Without spiritual discipline, they struggle against the forces of darkness.

c) Anxiety, Fear, and Depression Take Over (Isaiah 59:2)

Instead of experiencing God’s peace, they are filled with worry, fear, and restlessness.

d) Physical and Emotional Fatigue from Spiritual Weakness (Nehemiah 8:10)

Their joy in the Lord fades, and they become weary and discouraged.

e) Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:3-5)

Judas fell into deep despair after betraying Jesus and ultimately ended his life.

CONCLUSION:

Backsliding is a dangerous spiritual condition that every believer must guard against. It does not happen suddenly but through gradual compromises, spiritual neglect, and disobedience. The Bible warns us to be vigilant, to abide in Christ, and to keep our love for God burning.

If you notice any of these signs in your life, do not ignore them. Repent, return to God, and ask for His mercy and restoration. God is always ready to forgive and restore those who genuinely seek Him.

PRAYER POINTS:

Lord, help me to remain steadfast in my faith and never backslide.
Father, restore my first love for You and rekindle my spiritual passion.
Lord, deliver me from every compromise and secret sin.
Father, help me to stay committed to prayer, the Word, and fellowship.
Lord, remove every distraction that is pulling me away from You.
Father, surround me with godly influences that will strengthen my walk with You.
Lord, give me the grace to overcome temptations and spiritual weakness.
Father, restore my spiritual hunger and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
Lord, protect me from the deception of the enemy and false teachings.
Father, let me finish my Christian race strong and faithful.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

You shall not fall into backsliding; the Lord will keep you strong in faith!
Your love for God will continue to grow deeper and stronger!
No power of darkness shall pull you away from God’s presence!
The fire of revival shall burn in your heart continually!
You will walk in holiness and righteousness all your days!
Every plan of the enemy to make you backslide is destroyed!
The enemy shall not rejoice over your spiritual downfall!
You will experience fresh hunger for God and His Word!
Your testimony in Christ shall never be cut short!
You will finish your Christian race victoriously and receive your eternal reward!

Amen!

Friday, 21 February 2025