Sermon:BackSlidden Christians

WHO IS A BACKSLIDDER?

A backslider is someone who was once committed to God but has reverted to old patterns of behavior, distancing themselves from their spiritual convictions and practices.

A backslider is someone who once had a genuine relationship with God but has become disconnected from Him, often becoming spiritually complacent, worldly, and unfruitful. 

Backsliding is often associated with rebellion against God’s commands and a turning away from His ways. 

Backsliding can lead to a hardened heart, where people refuse to listen to God’s correction.

KEY ASPECTS OF BACKSLIDING 

□ Reverted to old ways:A backslider returns to sinful behaviors, habits, or attitudes they had before their commitment to Christ.

□ Lack of Interest in Evangelism:A backslider no longer feels burdened or motivated to share the gospel or spread the message of Christ.

□ Attachment to worldly things or worldly desires:They become more focused on material wealth, entertainment, cultural practices,traditions or the pleasures of the world, rather than on spiritual matters.

□ Spiritual Blindness: They may be unaware of or indifferent to their spiritual condition, unable to see the importance of living according to God's will.

□ Lack of Seriousness About God: A backslider may neglect worship, prayer, or the study of the word, showing little interest in growing spiritually.

□ Hypocritical worship:They may go through the motions of worship, but their hearts are far from God, reflecting a disconnect between their actions and their faith.

□Fruitlessness:The word of God does not produce lasting, godly change in them, and their actions do not reflect the fruit of the Spirit.

□ Criticism of Leaders:A backslider may criticize or reject the authority of spiritual leaders, showing a lack of respect for those who teach and lead in the faith.

□ Weak Prayer Life: Their prayer life is weak or non-existent, and they do not engage in consistent communication with God.

□Quick to Sin: They show little resistance to temptation and are easily drawn into sinful behaviors without repentance or remorse.

□ Spiritual vulnerability: Backsliders are more susceptible to spiritual attacks, as they have distanced themselves from God's protection and guidance.

□ Neglect of Scripture: They do not prioritize the study of God's Word, which is essential for spiritual growth and staying rooted in truth. 

SIGNS YOU MAY BE A BACKSLIDDEN CHRISTIAN

□ Prayerlessness: When a person stops praying, it suggests a heart that no longer desires intimacy with God or seeks His will. Without regular prayer, a person becomes more focused on their own abilities or worldly solutions. 

□ Neglecting Bible study:A backslidden Christian will often avoid reading or meditating on the word, which leads to spiritual malnourishment.

□ Loss of spiritual joy and peace: A person may feel disconnected from the peace and joy that comes from being close to God, experiencing spiritual dryness or a sense of emptiness.

□ Lack of conviction or sensitivity to sin: A backslidden Christian may become less sensitive to sin, not feeling the weight of wrongdoing or becoming indifferent to sinful behavior.

□ Excusing or Justifying sin: A person who is backslidden might rationalize sinful behaviors instead of confessing and repenting,allowing sin to go unchecked. 

□ Resisting or ignoring godly counsel: When a person becomes backslidden, they may resist the advice of fellow believers or ignore the teachings of church leaders, choosing instead to follow their own desires or secular influences.

□ Decreased desire for worship: A backslidden individual might lose their enthusiasm for corporate worship or personal worship, finding it difficult to engage in praising God.

□ Prioritizing worldly pursuits: There may be an increase in focus on material success, entertainment, or personal pleasure at the expense of spiritual growth or service to others.

□ Increased isolation or isolation from accountability: A backslidden Christian might distance themselves from others who hold them accountable or encourage them in the faith.

□ Lack of fruit or spiritual growth: When someone is backslidden, their spiritual life may show little evidence of growth or positive change, with little desire to serve others or share their faith.

□ Cynicism or bitterness towards God or others: They may become disillusioned with God’s plans, angry at perceived injustices, or develop a bitter spirit that affects their relationships with others.

□ Neglecting the calling to serve: A backslidden Christian might withdraw from active service in the church or community, losing sight of their calling to love and serve others in the name of Christ. 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT BACKSLIDING 

□ Isaiah 1:4:The people of Israel are called a sinful nation and laden with iniquity, displaying a pattern of rejection of God's guidance. 

-Isaiah 1:4,"Alas,sinful nation,A people laden with iniquity,A brood of evildoers,children who are corrupted! They have forsaken the Lord,They have provoked to anger the Holy One of Israel,They have turned away backward.

□ Hosea 11:7: Israel's refusal to return to God, despite His efforts to restore them.

-Hosea 11:7,"My people are bent on backsliding from Me.Though they call to the Most High,none at all exalt Him."

□ Jeremiah 2:19:Speaks of how the wickedness of backsliding will punish and correct a person. 

-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."

□ Isaiah 59:12-13:Shows how sin and rebellion (which include backsliding) lead to separation from God, preventing answers to prayers.

-Isaiah 59:12-13,"For our transgressions are multiplied before You,and our sins testify against us;.......In transgressions and lying against the Lord and departing from our God,speaking oppression and revolt,conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood."

□Proverbs 14:14:The backslider’s heart is filled with his own ways,which leads to destruction.

-Proverbs 14:14,"The backslidder in heart will be filled with His own ways.."

□Jeremiah 5:6:Shows that those who backslide fall prey to danger, being overtaken by predators.

-Jeremiah 5:6,"Therefore a lion from the forest shall slay them,A wolf of the deserts shall destroy them;A leopard will watch over their cities.Everyone who goes out from there shall be torn in pieces,Because their transgressions are many;their backslidings have increased."

□Jeremiah 3:12:God continually calls people to return from their backsliding, promising mercy and forgiveness if they repent. 

-Jeremiah 3:12,"Return backsliding Israel,'says the Lord;I will not cause My anger to fall on you.For I am merciful,'says the Lord."

□Hosea 14:4:Shows God’s willingness to heal the backslider.

-Hosea 14:4,"I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely,For my anger has turned away from Him."

□Jeremiah 3:22: Shows God's invitation to a backslidder to return and be restored to health.

-Jeremiah 3:22,"Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings."

□Jeremiah 6:10:The people refuse to listen to the warnings of God’s prophets and the word of God became a reproach to them.

-Jeremiah 6:10,"To whom shall I speak and give warning,that they may hear?....And they cannot give heed.Behold,the word of the Lord is a reproach to them;They have no delight in it."

□Ezekiel 33:31:The people hear God’s words but do not obey, likened to someone who merely listens to a song, without taking it to heart.

-Ezekiel 33:31,"So they come to you as people do,they sit before you as my people,and they hear your words,but they do not do them;for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain."

□James 1:12:Those who endure temptation (and thus, do not backslide) are promised a crown of life.

-James 1:12,"Blessed is the man who endures temptation;for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised those who love Him."

 □Mark 7:8 and Mark 7:13 show how human traditions can lead people away from God’s true commandments, a kind of backsliding when the focus shifts from God's word to human ideas.

-Mark 7:8"For laying aside the commandment of God,you hold the tradition of men."

-Mark 7:13,"Making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down."

□Judges 2:19 :The people reverted ,behaving more corruptly than their fathers,And refused to turn from their stubborn way.

-Judges 2:19,"..And it came to pass,when the judge was dead,that they reverted and behaved more corruptly than their fathers,by following other gods,to serve and bow down to them.They did not cease from their own doings nor from their stubborn way."

□Nehemiah 9:17:The people were rebellious  and refused to obey God.

-Nehemiah 9:17,"They refused to obey ,and they were not mindful of your wonders that you did among them.But they hardened their necks ,and in their rebellion they appointed a leader..."

□Jeremiah 32:33:Shows how people turned from following the Lord and refused to listen to instruction. 

-Jeremiah 32:33," And they have turned to me the back,and not the face;though I taught them,rising up early and teaching them,yet they have not listened to receive instruction. "

□Jeremiah 3:14,"The Lord calls for backslidden Christians to return to him.

-Jeremiah 3:14,"Return,O backsliding children,"says the Lord;for I am married to you."

 THE CONSEQUENCES OF SPIRITUAL BACKSLIDING

□Loss of Joy and Peace: A backslider does not experience the inner peace and joy that comes from walking closely with God. Without the  Holy Spirit’s presence, there may be a sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction.

□Weakening of Faith: As a person drifts away from God, their faith may weaken, making it harder to trust in God’s promises or to believe in His ability to guide and protect them. 

□Increased Temptation and Sin: Backsliding often leads to a greater susceptibility to temptation. Without spiritual discipline, sin can easily take root, and the person may fall into habits or behaviors they once rejected.

□Loss of Spiritual Influence: A backslidden Christian may lose their ability to influence others positively. Their testimony of faith becomes less credible, and they may struggle to impact the lives of others for Christ.

□Broken Fellowship with God: Sin, neglecting spiritual practices, and drifting away from God all contribute to a broken relationship with Him. 

□Lack of Spiritual Growth: Without engagement in spiritual practices such as prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, a backslidden Christian ceases to grow spiritually. 

□Chastisement from God: A backslidden Christian may experience God’s corrective discipline, which could include trials, difficulties, or a sense of God’s distance to bring them back to Himself.

-Hebrews 12:6,"For whom the Lord loves he chastens.."

□ Loss of Rewards: The Bible speaks of the believer’s works being tested by fire, and those who have not remained faithful may experience loss.

-1 Corinthians 3:13-15,".And the fire will test each one's work,of what sort it is.If anyone's work which he has built on it endures,he will receive a reward.If anyone's work is  burned,he will suffer loss.."

□Loss of Purpose and Direction: A backslidden person may struggle with a sense of aimlessness, as they lose sight of God’s calling and purpose for their life.

□Hardening of Heart: As someone continues in backsliding, their heart may become hardened towards God, making it even harder to repent and return.

□Negative Impact on the Church: When individuals backslide, it can impact the wider body of believers. Their absence, lack of participation, and spiritual state can hinder the church’s unity and effectiveness in fulfilling its mission. 

STEPS TO PREVENT SPIRITUAL BACKSLIDING 

□Develop a Consistent Prayer Life: Regular communication with God through prayer strengthens your relationship and helps you stay focused on your spiritual goals. 

□Engage with Scripture:Consistently reading and meditating on the Bible nourishes your soul and provides guidance.

□Stay Connected to a Faith Community: Be part of a church or fellowship group, attend services regularly, participate in group activities, and encourage one another in the faith.

□Practice Gratitude and Worship:  Gratitude and worship help maintain a positive perspective and remind you of God's faithfulness.

□Avoid Temptations and negative Influences: Identify situations or relationships that could lead you away from your faith. Avoid environments or activities that promote sin or complacency in your spiritual life.

□Serve Others: Acts of kindness and compassion deepen your connection with God and others.

□Cultivate Spiritual disciplines:Consider fasting or other spiritual practices that draw you closer to God. These disciplines help maintain a vibrant spiritual life.

□Seek Accountability: Having someone who encourages and challenges you in your spiritual walk can prevent isolation and complacency.

□Regularly evaluate your spiritual health : Take time to reflect on your spiritual journey. Are there areas where you have grown or areas that need attention? Regular self-examination can help you stay on track.

□Repent and seek restoration when necessary: If you do slip into sin or feel distant from God;repent, seek forgiveness, and restore your relationship with God.

□Dependent on God: Trust in God’s strength and guidance, and rely on His grace in moments of weakness.

HOW CAN BACKSLIDDEN CHRISTIANS FIND THEIR WAY BACK?

□Confess your sins: The first step in returning to God is to honestly acknowledge and confess the sins that have caused the separation.

-1 John 1:9,"If we confess our sins,He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

□Repent of your sins: Repentance goes beyond merely feeling sorry for one's sins; it involves a change of heart and a decision to turn away from sin.

-Acts 3:19,"Repent therefore and be converted,that your sins may be blotted out. 

□Commit to follow Christ:Returning to Christ means making a fresh commitment to follow Him.This involves  accepting Him,choosing to live according to His teachings,dedicating yourself to His Lordship and obeying His commands.

-Luke 9:23,"If anyone desires to come after me,let him deny himself,and take up his cross daily and follow me."

□Reignite your Prayer Life: Set aside time daily to communicate with God, share your heart with Him, and listen for His voice.

-Philippians 4:6-7,"Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication ,with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. "

□Re-engage in Bible Study:Return to studying the Bible regularly to hear from God and gain strength, guidance, and wisdom. 

-Psalm 119:105,"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

□Seek Fellowship and Accountability: Fellowship with the church, Bible study groups, or Christian friends will help keep you accountable and provide support as you seek to rebuild your faith.

-Hebrews 10:25,"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,as is the manner of some,but exhorting one another..."

□Serve Others: Serving others allows you to grow spiritually and experience the joy that comes from living for God's purposes. It also helps to break the cycle of selfishness and worldliness that often contributes to backsliding.

-Galatians 5:13,"For you,brethren,have been called to liberty;only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh,but through love serve one another. "

□Allow the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you: Pray for the Holy Spirit’s empowerment to resist temptation, understand God’s will, and live a life pleasing to God.

-John 14:26,"But the helper,the Holy Spirit,whom the father will send in my name,He will teach you all things,and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."

□Submit to God:True restoration requires submitting to God's will, letting go of old habits, relationships, or distractions that led to backsliding.

-James 4:7,"Therefore submit to God.Resist the devil and he will flee from you."

PRAYER FOR REPENTANCE 

The Bible assures us that backsliding can be restored through repentance and returning to God.(Acts 2:38)

- Acts 2:38,"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Lord Jesus, I come before You today, acknowledging my sins and asking for Your forgiveness. I repent of all my wrongdoings and surrender my soul, spirit, and mind to Your control. Heal my backsliding and draw me closer to You. Hold me steadfast in my faith, that I may not falter in my walk with You or fall into sin. Thank You, Lord, for Your boundless grace and mercy. In Jesus' name, Amen.

PRAYERS

1.O God,turn my heart back to You, and help me to walk in Your ways. Break every chain that has led me astray and strengthen me to follow You with a renewed commitment. In Jesus' name.

2.Father, draw me back to Yourself and give me the grace to walk faithfully in Your will. I reject every force that pulls me away from You and commit to following You wholeheartedly. In Jesus' name.

3.Lord,I ask that You deliver me from the forces that lead me to sin. Strengthen my resolve to follow You, and renew my commitment to live according to Your word. In Jesus' name.

4.O Lord,I ask for Your forgiveness and strength to overcome the temptations that have pulled me away from You. Break the hold of sin in my life, and restore my heart to You. Help me to stand firm in Your word and resist the forces that seek to lead me astray. In Jesus' name.

5.Father, help me to return to You, for You are the only one who can heal me and restore my joy. I commit myself to following You once again with all my heart. In Jesus' name.

6.Lord, I recognize that I have walked in my own ways and have turned my back on You. Forgive me for my wandering heart. Restore me with a sincere and faithful heart, and help me to turn from sin and follow You with all my strength in Jesus' name.

7.Father, I confess that I have followed the wrong paths, and my heart has wandered from You. Forgive me, Lord, and deliver me from every snare that leads to backsliding. Help me to stay faithful and true to You, never again turning back to my old ways. In Jesus' name.

8.Lord, I confess my sins and the ways I have hardened my heart. I ask for Your forgiveness and restoration. Break the chains that bind me to sin, and help me to follow You once again with all my heart. In Jesus' name.

9.Lord Jesus, heal my backsliding and restore me to Yourself. Purify my heart and mind, and help me to live a life that honors You. I commit to turning away from all that pulls me from You, and I trust You to lead me on the path of righteousness. In Jesus' name.

10.Lord, I confess that I have been unfaithful, and I ask for Your forgiveness. Help me to hear Your word and to obey it with a willing heart. Strengthen me against the forces of temptation, and empower me to live faithfully for You. In Jesus' name.

11.O Lord, I have strayed from You and followed my own desires. Forgive me and help me to turn back to You. Renew my commitment to follow Your ways and serve You with all my heart. Break the grip of sin over my life, and restore me to Your presence. In Jesus' name.

12.Father, I confess that my heart has become hardened, and I have not heeded Your word. Forgive me for my disobedience, and grant me wisdom to resist sin.In Jesus' name.

13.Lord, help me to remain steadfast in You and to resist the temptations that seek to pull me away. Strengthen me through every trial, and help me to persevere in following You. In Jesus' name.

14.O God, I repent for the ways I have neglected Your commands. Forgive me for my disobedience and help me to honor Your word. Open my heart to obey You fully, and strengthen me to live in accordance with Your will. In Jesus' name.

15.Father, I ask for Your forgiveness for the traditions and habits that have led me away from You. Break the power of these worldly influences in my life and help me to focus solely on Your word. In Jesus' name.

16.Lord, I repent for turning away from You and walking in my own ways. Forgive me for my unfaithfulness, and heal my heart. Draw me back to You, and renew my passion to serve You wholeheartedly.In Jesus' name.

17.Lord,I submit myself to Your will and ask for the strength to live according to Your ways. I reject the forces that lead me away from You and commit to following You. In Jesus' name.

18.Father, I have been unfaithful, but I now return to You. Forgive me for my sins and restore me to Your grace. Heal my heart from the wounds of sin, and renew my desire to live for You.In Jesus' name.

19.Lord, I have strayed far from You, but I come before You now in repentance. Forgive me, Lord, and heal my backsliding. Restore me to Your love and grace, and help me to remain faithful to You. In Jesus' name.

20.Father, I come against every force, seen and unseen, that seeks to lead me into backsliding. I renounce all spiritual complacency, sin, and temptation in my life. Strengthen me, O Lord, and guard my heart against the forces that pull me away from You.In Jesus' name.

Thank you Lord for answering my prayers in Jesus' name,Amen.