THE DANGER OF BACKSLIDING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 14:14

"The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself."

Supporting Texts:

Hebrews 10:38-39
2 Peter 2:20-22
Revelation 2:4-5
Jeremiah 3:22
Luke 9:62

INTRODUCTION:

Backsliding is a spiritual condition where a believer, who once walked closely with God, begins to drift away from their faith, devotion, and righteous living. It does not happen overnight but is often a gradual process of neglecting prayer, the Word, and fellowship with God.

The Bible warns us about the dangers of backsliding because it leads to spiritual weakness, loss of divine favour, and, ultimately, destruction if not repented of. Many people in the Bible, including Samson, Saul, and Demas, fell into backsliding and paid dearly for it.

In this sermon, we will explore what backsliding is, its causes, signs, and consequences, as well as the pathway to restoration.

1. WHAT IS BACKSLIDING?

Backsliding means turning away from God and returning to a former state of spiritual decline.

a) Backsliding Is a Gradual Departure from God (Hebrews 2:1)

Most people do not fall into sin suddenly; it begins with small compromises and spiritual neglect.

b) Backsliding Starts in the Heart (Proverbs 14:14)

Before a person openly turns away from God, their heart has already drifted from Him.

c) Backsliding Can Happen to Anyone (1 Corinthians 10:12)

Even strong believers must be vigilant because the enemy constantly seeks to weaken our faith.

d) Backsliding Leads to a Hardened Heart (Hebrews 3:12-13)

When a person keeps resisting the Holy Spirit, their heart becomes callous and insensitive to God.

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

Demas, once a co-labourer of Paul, forsook the faith because he loved the world more than God.

2. WHAT CAUSES BACKSLIDING?

Backsliding has many causes, but they often stem from negligence and spiritual carelessness.

a) Loss of First Love (Revelation 2:4-5)

When our passion for God declines, backsliding is inevitable.

b) Neglect of Prayer and the Word (Psalm 119:11)

Without daily fellowship with God through His Word and prayer, we become spiritually weak.

c) Wrong Company and Influence (1 Corinthians 15:33)

The people we associate with can either strengthen our faith or lead us away from God.

d) Disobedience and Compromise (James 4:4)

Compromising with sin and disobedience to God’s commands gradually weakens our spiritual life.

e) Biblical Example: Solomon’s Spiritual Decline (1 Kings 11:1-4)

Despite his wisdom, Solomon’s love for foreign women led him into idolatry and backsliding.

3. SIGNS OF BACKSLIDING

Backsliding does not always manifest immediately, but there are clear warning signs.

a) Loss of Spiritual Hunger (Psalm 63:1)

A backslider no longer desires God’s presence or enjoys fellowship with Him.

b) Indifference to Sin (Romans 6:1-2)

A person who is backsliding becomes comfortable with sinful behaviours.

c) Inconsistent Prayer and Bible Study Life (Luke 18:1)

A prayerless and wordless Christian is a powerless and backsliding Christian.

d) Avoidance of Christian Fellowship (Hebrews 10:25)

When people stop attending church or fellowshipping with believers, it is a sign of spiritual decline.

e) Biblical Example: Peter’s Denial of Christ (Luke 22:54-62)

Peter distanced himself from Jesus, and this led to his denial of Christ three times.

4. CONSEQUENCES OF BACKSLIDING

The dangers of backsliding are severe, affecting both our spiritual and physical lives.

a) Loss of God’s Presence (Judges 16:20)

When we turn away from God, His presence departs, leaving us vulnerable.

b) Vulnerability to Satanic Attacks (Luke 11:24-26)

Backsliders become easy targets for demonic oppression and bondage.

c) Hardening of the Heart (Romans 1:28)

A backslider who refuses to repent may reach a point where they no longer feel convicted.

d) Loss of Eternal Reward and Inheritance (Revelation 3:11)

Backsliding can lead to the loss of divine blessings, rewards, and even eternal life if not repented of.

e) Biblical Example: Saul’s Downfall (1 Samuel 16:14)

Saul’s disobedience led to his rejection by God and the loss of his kingship.

5. HOW TO RETURN FROM BACKSLIDING

God is merciful and willing to restore those who genuinely repent and seek Him.

a) Acknowledge Your Condition (Jeremiah 3:22)

Recognising that you have backslidden is the first step towards restoration.

b) Confess and Repent of Sin (1 John 1:9)

Genuine repentance means turning away from sin and returning wholeheartedly to God.

c) Restore Your Prayer and Bible Study Life (Joshua 1:8)

Spending time with God in His Word and prayer strengthens our faith and relationship with Him.

d) Surround Yourself with Godly Influences (Psalm 1:1-3)

Fellowshipping with godly believers will encourage and strengthen your walk with God.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24)

The prodigal son realised his mistake, repented, and was joyfully restored by his father.

CONCLUSION:

Backsliding is a serious danger that every believer must guard against. It often starts subtly, but if not addressed, it leads to spiritual destruction. The Bible warns us to remain steadfast, vigilant, and committed to our walk with God.

However, God’s mercy is always available for those who repent and return to Him. If you have drifted away, today is the day to seek restoration. Do not delay, for tomorrow is not promised. Let us strive to remain faithful and stand firm in our faith until the end.

PRAYER POINTS:

Lord, keep my heart steadfast in You and away from backsliding.
Father, deliver me from every spiritual lukewarmness and complacency.
Lord, ignite my passion for prayer, the Word, and fellowship.
Father, separate me from ungodly influences that lead me away from You.
Lord, restore every spiritual virtue I have lost.
Father, renew my love and devotion for You.
Lord, strengthen me to resist every temptation that leads to backsliding.
Father, help me to walk in obedience and holiness daily.
Lord, let my relationship with You grow deeper and stronger.
Father, give me grace to finish my race with faithfulness and perseverance.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

You shall not fall into backsliding; the Lord will keep you standing!
Your love for God will remain strong and unshaken!
No power of darkness shall pull you away from God!
The fire of revival shall burn in your heart always!
You will be a vessel of honour in God's kingdom!
Every lost spiritual virtue in your life shall be restored!
The enemy shall not rejoice over your spiritual downfall!
Your testimony of faith shall never be cut short!
You will walk in holiness, righteousness, and obedience all your days!
You shall finish your race strong and receive your eternal reward!

Amen!

Friday, 21 February 2025