BACKSLIDE
September 26, 2004
Introduction
On one of our questionnaires, someone requested that we do a sermon on backsliding. The list of topics that all of you can choose from included the topic, “Backslide.” It’s a term that we don’t hear a great deal today. What does it mean to backslide? Obviously, it means that you have:
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Lost ground
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Slid backward
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Not as good as you once were!
The expression “backside” is found named in the Old Testament, but certainly it is referred to in the New Testament, it just isn’t called backsliding. The Handbook of Bible Applications from which the list was taken, suggests three other terms associated with Backsliding: (Forget, Give Up, Turn Away)
Body
I. Backsliding and forgetting.
A. Sometimes people forget God when things go well.
(Deu 8:10-14 NKJV) "When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you. {11} "Beware that you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, {12} "lest; when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; {13} "and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; {14} "when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;
B. Sometimes people forget God when their leaders die.
(Judg 2:7-12 NKJV) So the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD which He had done for Israel. {8} Now Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died when he was one hundred and ten years old. {9} And they buried him within the border of his inheritance at Timnath Heres, in the mountains of Ephraim, on the north side of Mount Gaash. {10} When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel. {11} Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served the Baals; {12} and they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the LORD to anger.
1. We often have fathers who fail to pass on their faith to their children.
(Eph 6:4 NKJV) And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
2. Sometimes a godly mother has to take up the slack for a father’s failure.
(2 Tim 1:5 NKJV) when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
3. The lose of one generation can spell disaster.
Judges 2:10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the LORD nor the work which He had done for Israel.
II. Backsliding is moving away from God.
A. Sometimes we are distracted.
1. Martha was distracted.
(Luke 10:41-42 NKJV) And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. {42} "But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
2. Jesus indicated that many of us get distracted.
(Mat 13:22 NKJV) "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
a. We get distracted by our homes and our business activities.
b. Some get distracted by sports, entertainment, and even children’s activities.
c. But Jesus warns about ever looking back.
(Luke 9:62 NKJV) But Jesus said to him, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."
B. Sometimes we are drawn away by temptations.
(James 1:13-15 NKJV) Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. {14} But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. {15} Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
III. What is the cure for backsliding?
A. For ourselves.
1. Draw close to God.
(James 4:8-10 NKJV) Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. {9} Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. {10} Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
2. We draw close to God through prayer.
a. Jesus encouraged us to pray.
(Mat 7:11 NKJV) "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
b. James encouraged us to confess and pray.
(James 5:16 NKJV) Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
B. We need to help others who may be slipping away.
1. James encouraged us to do that.
(James 5:19-20 NKJV) Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, {20} let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
2. Paul encouraged us to do that.
(Gal 6:1 NKJV) Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Conclusion
I. May God help us not to back slide.
II. If we see someone overtaken in a fault, may we take the time to help them.
Scripture quotations marked "NKJV™" are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.