“Backsliding”
is
intended
for
all
born-again
Christians
who
have
decided
to
walk
away
from
their
faith
in
Jesus
Christ;
those
who
have
inadvertently
lost
their
way
and
returned
to
their
previous
life
in
sin;
and
those
who
know
a
backslidden
Christian who needs help.
All
Christians
will
fail
at
various
times
because
we
will
never
be
perfect
until
we
leave
our
physical
body.
Plus,
as
we
grow
closer
to
Jesus,
we
realize
how
deeply
our
sinful
nature
is
embedded
within
our
heart
and
soul.
When
we
accept
Jesus
Christ
as
our
Savior
and
Lord,
we
initially
confront
those
aspects
of
our
external
behavior
that
are
not
aligned
with
God’s
will.
But
as
we
mature,
we
begin
to
focus
on
our
internal
behavior
(such
as
the
vanity
of
being
self-centered
and
the
uselessness
of
pride);
we
cringe
as
to
how
we
respond
to
various
situations;
and
as
Isiah
stated
when
he
saw
the Lord sitting on His throne (Isaiah 6) “Woe is me, because I am a man of unclean lips.”
•
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 3:23
•
“If
we
say
that
we
have
no
sin,
we
deceive
ourselves,
and
the
truth
is
not
in
us.
If
we
confess
our
sins
,
He
is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:8-9
Confession of our sins means we:
•
Take responsibility for what we have done.
•
Come to the conclusion that what we did is wrong.
•
Admit our mistakes directly to God in heartfelt prayer.
•
Willfully turn away from the sin.
However,
backsliding
is
when
a
born-again
Christian
will
make
a
long-term
decision
to
turn
away
from
God;
does
not
recognize
and
confess
their
sins;
and
willingly
seeks
to
fulfill
the
desires
of
their
flesh.
In
addition,
there
is
a
pattern
and awareness of sin, but continues with no willful attempt to stop.
Here are additional characteristics about one who is backslidden:
1
.
Their continuation of sin is based upon some means of deceptive rationalization.
2
.
They live “in between.”
3
.
Their fleshly desires become more intense, and sin becomes more controlling.
Deceptive Rationalization
God
designed
us
with
a
free
will:
an
ability
to
make
decisions
in
how
we
live
our
lives.
In
addition,
to
support
our
decisions,
we
must
have
some
means
of
rational
thought
to
justify
everything
we
do—from
buying
a
home,
to
selecting
a
spouse,
and
to
whom
we
yield
control
of
our
life.
As
such,
for
one
to
backslide,
they
must
create
rationalized
reasons
to support their decision of turning away from God and returning to sin.
There
are
two
primary
means
used
by
a
backslider
to
rationalize
their
decision
and
behavior:
(1)
their
preference
for
sin
over God, and (2) criticism of the body of Christ (the church).
Jesus
said,
“And
this
is
the
condemnation,
that
the
light
has
come
into
the
world,
and
men
loved
darkness
rather
than
light,
because
their
deeds
were
evil.
For
everyone
practicing
evil
hates
the
light
and
does
not
come
to
the
light,
lest
his
deeds should be exposed.” John 3:19-20
Each time a sin is committed (and without seeking forgiveness):
•
The conscience becomes weaker.
•
The heart hardens against guilt, remorse and godly fear.
•
Negative emotions will occur more often, such as anger, sadness, and so forth.
•
Caustic and negative perceptions of the world increases.
•
As each of the above occurs, the downward cycle becomes stronger and compounds upon itself.
With
regards
to
criticizing
the
church,
it’s
fairly
easy
to
find
faults
in
any
church
body,
because
none
of
us
are
perfect.
As such, criticism of the church is a common component of backslidden rationalization. Here are some examples:
In Between
Because
a
backslidden
Christian
had
experienced
the
light
and
truth
of
Jesus,
they
will
often
find
an
inability
to
intimately
relate
to
anyone.
They
are
unable
to
relate
to
those
who
are
not
born-again
because
they
know,
understand
and
see
the
consequences
sin.
In
addition,
they
are
unable
to
share
their
faith
because
they
know
they
would
be
considered
a
hypocrite.
Besides,
when
one
is
“disconnected”
from
the
Holy
Spirit
it
is
difficult
to
share
spiritual
truths.
For
those
who
are
in
darkness,
attempts
to
expound
godly
wisdom
and
spiritual
truths
are
most
often
based
upon
pseudo
intellect
and
delusional
falsehoods.
The
reason…godly
wisdom
and
spiritual
truths
are
revealed
by
the
Holy
Spirit…and not by man.
Conversely,
a
backslidden
Christian
will
find
it
difficult
to
relate
to
brothers
and
sisters
in
Christ
because
of
condemnation
and
guilt,
and
interaction
may
cause
them
to
confront
their
sin
(which
they
do
not
want
to
deal
with).
However,
they
will
sometimes
feel
a
sadness
within
their
heart
because
encounters
with
Christians
remind
them
of
where they are and where they should be.
Stronger Desires and Controlling Sin
When a Christian decides to walk away from God and chooses to sin:
•
The strength and intensity of their fleshly desires increases.
•
The sin has magnified influence and control.
•
Concern for consequences and collateral damage decreases.
•
The sin causes more destruction and desolation than before.
Jesus
revealed
,
“When
an
unclean
spirit
goes
out
of
a
man,
he
goes
through
dry
places,
seeking
rest,
and
finds
none.
Then
he
says,
‘I
will
return
to
my
house
from
which
I
came.’
And
when
he
comes,
he
finds
it
empty,
swept,
and
put
in
order.
Then
he
goes
and
takes
with
him
seven
other
spirits
more
wicked
than
himself,
and
they
enter
and
dwell
there;
and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” Matthew 12:43-45
“For
if,
after
they
have
escaped
the
pollutions
of
the
world
through
the
knowledge
of
the
Lord
and
Savior
Jesus
Christ,
they
are
again
entangled
in
them
and
overcome,
the
latter
end
is
worse
for
them
than
the
beginning.
For
it
would
have
been
better
for
them
not
to
have
known
the
way
of
righteousness,
than
having
known
it,
to
turn
from
the
holy
commandment
delivered
to
them.
But
it
has
happened
to
them
according
to
the
true
proverb:
‘A
dog
returns
to
his
own
vomit,’ and, ‘a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.’” 2 Peter 2:20-22
Time to Get Real
Consider
your
life.
Contemplate
the
degree
of
your
joy,
happiness
and
peace.
Evaluate
the
hardness
of
your
heart.
Then ask yourself the following questions:
•
Are you making the right choices?
•
Are you fully aware of—and do you fear—the eternal consequences of your decisions?
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10
Jesus
warned,
“And
do
not
fear
those
who
kill
the
body
but
cannot
kill
the
soul.
But
rather
fear
Him
who
is
able
to
destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
“But
in
accordance
with
your
hardness
and
your
impenitent
heart
you
are
treasuring
up
for
yourself
wrath
in
the
day
of
wrath
and
revelation
of
the
righteous
judgment
of
God,
who
‘will
render
to
each
one
according
to
his
deeds’:
eternal
life
to
those
who
by
patient
continuance
in
doing
good
seek
for
glory,
honor,
and
immortality;
but
to
those
who
are
self-
seeking
and
do
not
obey
the
truth,
but
obey
unrighteousness—indignation
and
wrath,
tribulation
and
anguish,
on
every
soul
of
man
who
does
evil,
of
the
Jew
first
and
also
of
the
Greek;
but
glory,
honor,
and
peace
to
everyone
who
works
what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.” Romans 2:5-11
Your Heavenly Father Loves You…Regardless
There
is
another
perception
that
occurs
when
one
lives
in
darkness:
they
will
incorrectly
view
God
as
the
great
dictator—the
one
who
sets
all
these
rules
to
stop
us
from
doing
things
we
want
to
do.
They
fail
to
realize
every
commandment
from
God
is
for
our
benefit
and
wellbeing.
Like
a
father
who
lovingly
instructs
their
child
not
to
do
certain
things,
God’s
instructions
are
intended
to
direct
us
away
from
those
things
that
will
harm
us—and
has
provided
us with a means to recover when we fail to listen and obey.
“For
I
am
persuaded
that
neither
death
nor
life,
nor
angels
nor
principalities
nor
powers,
nor
things
present
nor
things
to
come,
nor
height
nor
depth,
nor
any
other
created
thing,
shall
be
able
to
separate
us
from
the
love
of
God
which
is
in
Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
“In
this
the
love
of
God
was
manifested
toward
us,
that
God
has
sent
His
only
begotten
Son
into
the
world,
that
we
might
live
through
Him.
In
this
is
love,
not
that
we
loved
God,
but
that
He
loved
us
and
sent
His
Son
to
be
the
propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10
“So
I
say
to
you,
ask,
and
it
will
be
given
to
you;
seek,
and
you
will
find;
knock,
and
it
will
be
opened
to
you.
For
everyone
who
asks
receives,
and
he
who
seeks
finds,
and
to
him
who
knocks
it
will
be
opened.
If
a
son
asks
for
bread
from
any
father
among
you,
will
he
give
him
a
stone?
Or
if
he
asks
for
a
fish,
will
he
give
him
a
serpent
instead
of
a
fish?
Or
if
he
asks
for
an
egg,
will
he
offer
him
a
scorpion?
If
you
then,
being
evil,
know
how
to
give
good
gifts
to
your
children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:9-13
Ask the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes and reveal:
•
Whether or not your relationship with God is active and alive, or distant and dead.
•
The worsening condition of the world.
Although
a
Christian
may
turn
away
from
God,
God
will
not
turn
away
from
the
one
who
walks
away,
and
will
patiently
wait for repentance.
•
“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
Hebrews 13:5
•
“The
Lord
is
not
slack
concerning
His
promise,
as
some
count
slackness,
but
is
longsuffering
toward
us,
not
willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9
Global Decline
Many
persons
are
aware
of
the
last
days;
see
and
have
a
conceptual
understanding
of
end
time
“signs;”
and
are
experiencing
various
degrees
of
a
deep
gut-wrenching
fear
due
to
pending
unknowns.
Unfortunately,
due
to
our
human
nature
it
is
much
easier
to
live
in
denial
(i.e.
“sleepwalking”)
than
to
take
a
good
hard
look
at
what’s
going
on
in
the
world
and
prepare
our
heart
for
the
One
who
will
come
in
the
twinkling
of
an
eye.
As
such,
every
one
of
us
need
to
prepare our hearts and watch for the return of Jesus Christ.
“Blessed
is
that
servant
whom
his
master
will
find
so
doing
when
he
comes.
Truly,
I
say
to
you
that
he
will
make
him
ruler
over
all
that
he
has.
But
if
that
servant
says
in
his
heart,
‘My
master
is
delaying
his
coming,’
and
begins
to
beat
the
male
and
female
servants,
and
to
eat
and
drink
and
be
drunk,
the
master
of
that
servant
will
come
on
a
day
when
he
is
not
looking
for
him,
and
at
an
hour
when
he
is
not
aware,
and
will
cut
him
in
two
and
appoint
him
his
portion
with
the
unbelievers.
And
that
servant
who
knew
his
master’s
will,
and
did
not
prepare
himself
or
do
according
to
his
will,
shall
be
beaten
with
many
stripes.
But
he
who
did
not
know,
yet
committed
things
deserving
of
stripes,
shall
be
beaten
with
few.
For
everyone
to
whom
much
is
given,
from
him
much
will
be
required;
and
to
whom
much
has
been
committed, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:43-48
Two
things
will
become
more
evident
as
the
world
continues
to
decline
into
the
last
days:
the
darkness
of
Satan
will
become
more
prevalent,
and
the
light
of
God’s
truth
will
become
brighter.
As
such,
whatever
means
of
demonic
deception
and
lies
that
are
used
to
justify
sin
will
be
revealed
by
God
as
He
increasingly
pours
out
His
spirit
for
all
to
see
during
the
last
days—for
no
one
will
be
able
to
stand
before
Him
and
say
“I
never
knew
the
truth.”
There
will
be
no
excuses
or
pointing
of
blame
to
someone
else
because
all
will
be
held
personally
accountable
at
the
final
judgment.
Names
of
those
who
are
in
the
Book
of
Life
will
be
forgiven,
names
that
are
not
will
experience
a
second
and
eternal
death.
“Then
I
saw
a
great
white
throne
and
Him
who
sat
on
it,
from
whose
face
the
earth
and
the
heaven
fled
away.
And
there
was
found
no
place
for
them.
And
I
saw
the
dead,
small
and
great,
standing
before
God,
and
books
were
opened.
And
another
book
was
opened,
which
is
the
Book
of
Life.
And
the
dead
were
judged
according
to
their
works,
by
the
things
which
were
written
in
the
books.
The
sea
gave
up
the
dead
who
were
in
it,
and
Death
and
Hades
delivered
up
the
dead
who
were
in
them.
And
they
were
judged,
each
one
according
to
his
works.
Then
Death
and
Hades
were
cast
into
the
lake
of
fire.
This
is
the
second
death.
And
anyone
not
found
written
in
the
Book
of
Life
was
cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15
Jesus
promised,
“He
who
overcomes
shall
be
clothed
in
white
garments,
and
I
will
not
blot
out
his
name
from
the
Book
of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.” Revelation 3:5
Return Home
A backslidden Christian will return home when they determine:
•
They’re fed up with their sin and have had enough.
•
The spiritual and eternal rewards of living for Christ far exceed the fleeting benefits of living a deceptional lie.
•
The desire in their heart for God exceeds the demands of the flesh.
The
Parable
of
the
Prodigal
Son
provides
us
with
insight
into
the
spiritual
consequences
of
being
backslidden—and
especially the heart of God who patiently waits for us to return.
“A
certain
man
had
two
sons.
And
the
younger
of
them
said
to
his
father,
‘Father,
give
me
the
portion
of
goods
that
falls
to
me.’
So
he
divided
to
them
his
livelihood.
And
not
many
days
after,
the
younger
son
gathered
all
together,
journeyed
to
a
far
country,
and
there
wasted
his
possessions
with
prodigal
living.
But
when
he
had
spent
all,
there
arose
a
severe
famine
in
that
land,
and
he
began
to
be
in
want.
Then
he
went
and
joined
himself
to
a
citizen
of
that
country,
and
he
sent
him
into
his
fields
to
feed
swine.
And
he
would
gladly
have
filled
his
stomach
with
the
pods
that
the swine ate, and no one gave him anything.”
“But
when
he
came
to
himself,
he
said,
‘How
many
of
my
father’s
hired
servants
have
bread
enough
and
to
spare,
and
I
perish
with
hunger!
I
will
arise
and
go
to
my
father,
and
will
say
to
him,
‘Father,
I
have
sinned
against
heaven
and
before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.’”
“And
he
arose
and
came
to
his
father.
But
when
he
was
still
a
great
way
off,
his
father
saw
him
and
had
compassion,
and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your
sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’”
“But
the
father
said
to
his
servants,
‘Bring
out
the
best
robe
and
put
it
on
him,
and
put
a
ring
on
his
hand
and
sandals
on
his
feet.
And
bring
the
fatted
calf
here
and
kill
it,
and
let
us
eat
and
be
merry;
for
this
my
son
was
dead
and
is
alive
again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.” Luke 15:11-24
The
Parable
of
the
Prodigal
Son
exemplifies
God's
grace,
His
love
for
us,
and
the
"pathway
home.”
The
lost
son
had
to
experience
failure
and
starvation
before
he
came
to
his
senses,
evaluated
his
life
and
returned
home.
The
following
Parable of the Lost Sheep reveals the heart of God—and how far He will go—to find us when we are lost.
“What
man
of
you,
having
a
hundred
sheep,
if
he
loses
one
of
them,
does
not
leave
the
ninety-nine
in
the
wilderness,
and
go
after
the
one
which
is
lost
until
he
finds
it?
And
when
he
has
found
it,
he
lays
it
on
his
shoulders,
rejoicing.
And
when
he
comes
home,
he
calls
together
his
friends
and
neighbors,
saying
to
them,
‘Rejoice
with
me,
for
I
have
found
my
sheep
which
was
lost!’
I
say
to
you
that
likewise
there
will
be
more
joy
in
heaven
over
one
sinner
who
repents
than
over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:4-7
Do you know His voice?
Jesus
declared,
“My
sheep
hear
My
voice,
and
I
know
them,
and
they
follow
Me.
And
I
give
them
eternal
life,
and
they
shall
never
perish;
neither
shall
anyone
snatch
them
out
of
My
hand.
My
Father,
who
has
given
them
to
Me,
is
greater
than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29
Do you believe Jesus died for your sins?
“In
Him
we
have
redemption
through
His
blood,
the
forgiveness
of
sins,
according
to
the
riches
of
His
grace.”
Ephesians 1:7
Do you love Me?
Peter
claimed
to
be
the
most
loyal
of
the
disciples.
However,
three
times
Peter
denied
knowing
Jesus
on
the
night
of
His
arrest
and
crucifixion.
After
Jesus
was
raised
from
the
dead
and
appeared
to
the
disciples,
Jesus
asked
Peter
three times,
“Do you love me?”
(John 21:15-19)
Put
yourself
into
this
heart-wrenching
moment.
All
that
Jesus
did,
all
of
the
miracles
and
all
of
the
teaching—including
the
direct
relationship
Peter
had
with
the
Son
of
God—was
discarded
by
Peter
when
he
found
himself
in
a
threatening
situation,
and
denied
he
knew
Jesus.
Imagine
the
consequential
devastation,
pain,
guilt
and
remorse
in
Peter’s
heart
after he slithered away from his accusers. He knew what he had done, and it was unforgivable in his mind.
Three
times
Jesus
asked
Peter
“Do
you
love
me?”
(once
for
each
time
Peter
denied
Jesus)
reveals
God
cares
more
about
the
attitude
of
our
heart
than
our
sin.
Each
time
Peter
responded
with
yes,
he
loved
Him—each
time
Jesus
responded by telling Peter to take care of His flock.
So…Do you love Him?
It’s Time to Come Home
If
you
are
backslidden,
you
know
deep
within
your
heart
and
soul
NOW
IS
THE
TIME
TO
COME
HOME!
Because
as
each day passes, it will become more difficult to let go of that which is dragging you down.
Is
the
Holy
Spirit
speaking
to
you
right
now?
Do
you
feel
the
loving
tug
in
your
heart
to
turn
away
from
your
sin
and
towards
the
one
who
gave
His
life
for
you…so
that
you
could
be
forgiven…and
live
with
Him
for
eternity?
Are
you
ready to let go of that which is causing spiritual death and reach out to the only one who can give you spiritual life?
Even
though
you
may
feel
distant,
He
is
closer
than
you
know.
Even
though
you
may
not
forgive
yourself,
He
already
has. Our limited minds cannot comprehend the love God has for each of us…as He draws us toward Himself.
“Thus
my
heart
was
grieved,
and
I
was
vexed
in
my
mind.
I
was
so
foolish
and
ignorant;
I
was
like
a
beast
before
You.
Nevertheless,
I
am
continually
with
You;
You
hold
me
by
my
right
hand.
You
will
guide
me
with
Your
counsel,
and
afterward
receive
me
to
glory.
Whom
have
I
in
heaven
but
You?
And
there
is
none
upon
earth
that
I
desire
besides
You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:21-26
Heavenly
Father,
in
the
name
of
Jesus
Christ,
my
Savior
and
Lord,
I
ask
you
to
forgive
me
for
my
sin.
Thank
you,
Jesus,
for
dying
for
me,
and
for
suffering
what
I
should
receive
for
what
I
have
done.
Holy
Spirit,
I
need
your
help
and
guidance,
and
I
ask
you
to
indwell
within
me…because
I
cannot
do
this
without
you…nor
do
I
ever
want
to
do
anything
without
you
being
in
control
of
my
life.
Open
my
eyes
and
my
mind
to
your
truth
as
you
pour
into
me
your
spirit.
Use
me
as
a
means
to
glorify
Jesus,
because
He
alone
is
worthy.
Thank
you,
God,
for
loving
me,
and
for
being
patient,
and
never letting me go. Amen.
May
God
richly
bless
you
with
victory,
joy,
peace,
spiritual
strength
and
wisdom
as
your
Savior,
Jesus
Christ,
becomes
Lord over every aspect of your life.
All for His Glory,
Harold D. Thomas
Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The
following
questions should be answered or discussed after reading “Backsliding.”
There
are
two
types
of
questions:
lesson
and
opinion.
Lesson
questions
(preceded
by
a
number)
are
provided
an
answer.
Opinion
questions
(preceded
by
an
O)
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or discovering how the lesson content illuminates our personal lives. As such, no answers are provided.
Questions
O
Do
you
think
a
backslidden
Christian
is
aware
(deep
in
their
heart
and
soul)
God
still
loves
them
and
is
waiting
patiently for them to come to their senses and return?
O
Can
you
explain
the
opposing
torment
(between
what
they
know
is
right
vs.
what
they’re
doing
is
wrong)
in
the
heart and soul of a backslidden Christian?
O
If a backslidden Christian is aware of God’s love, and they are aware of the consequences of their decisions:
•
How do they justify/cope with the internal conflict?
•
Based
upon
Matthew
12:43-45
and
2
Peter
2:20-22
(Stronger
Desires
and
Controlling
Sin),
what
additional
challenges does the backslidden Christian encounter?
1.
What is living “in between?”
2.
With regards to the backslidden Christian:
•
Can you identify a relational consequence with those who are not born again? Explain.
•
Can you identify a relational consequence with those who are born again? Explain.
3.
What will motivate a backslidden Christian to return “home?”
Answers
1.
When
a
backslidden
Christian
is
unable
to
intimately
relate
to
those
who
are
not
born
again
and
those
who
are
born again.
2.
Relational consequences:
•
They know and understand consequences of sin. Are unable to share their faith (considered a hypocrite).
•
Condemnation and guilt become a barrier. Interaction may result in confronting their sin.
3.
Fed
up
with
their
sin
(had
enough);
remembrance
of
what
it
was
like
living
for
Christ
vs.
living
a
deceptional
lie;
and
when the desire in their heart for God becomes greater than the demands of their flesh.
The questions may be viewed and downloaded as a PDF file by clicking on this button.
Jesus
The words of Jesus Christ are in
red text.
“Backsliding”
is
intended
for
all
born-again
Christians
who
have
decided
to
walk
away
from
their
faith
in
Jesus
Christ;
those
who
have
inadvertently
lost
their
way
and
returned
to
their
previous
life
in
sin;
and
those
who
know
a
backslidden Christian who needs help.
All
Christians
will
fail
at
various
times
because
we
will
never
be
perfect
until
we
leave
our
physical
body.
Plus,
as
we
grow
closer
to
Jesus,
we
realize
how
deeply
our
sinful
nature
is
embedded
within
our
heart
and
soul.
When
we
accept
Jesus
Christ
as
our
Savior
and
Lord,
we
initially
confront
those
aspects
of
our
external
behavior
that
are
not
aligned
with
God’s
will.
But
as
we
mature,
we
begin
to
focus
on
our
internal
behavior
(such
as
the
vanity
of
being
self-centered
and
the
uselessness
of
pride);
we
cringe
as
to
how
we
respond
to
various
situations;
and
as
Isiah
stated
when
he
saw
the
Lord
sitting
on
His
throne
(Isaiah
6) “Woe is me, because I am a man of unclean lips.”
•
“For
all
have
sinned
and
fall
short
of
the
glory
of
God.”
Romans 3:23
•
“If
we
say
that
we
have
no
sin,
we
deceive
ourselves,
and
the
truth
is
not
in
us.
If
we
confess
our
sins
,
He
is
faithful
and
just
to
forgive
us
our
sins
and
to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:8-9
Confession of our sins means we:
•
Take responsibility for what we have done.
•
Come to the conclusion that what we did is wrong.
•
Admit our mistakes directly to God in heartfelt prayer.
•
Willfully turn away from the sin.
However,
backsliding
is
when
a
born-again
Christian
will
make
a
long-term
decision
to
turn
away
from
God;
does
not
recognize
and
confess
their
sins;
and
willingly
seeks
to
fulfill
the
desires
of
their
flesh.
In
addition,
there
is
a
pattern
and
awareness
of
sin,
but
continues
with
no
willful
attempt to stop.
Here
are
additional
characteristics
about
one
who
is
backslidden:
1
.
Their
continuation
of
sin
is
based
upon
some
means
of deceptive rationalization.
2
.
They live “in between.”
3
.
Their
fleshly
desires
become
more
intense,
and
sin
becomes more controlling.
Deceptive Rationalization
God
designed
us
with
a
free
will:
an
ability
to
make
decisions
in
how
we
live
our
lives.
In
addition,
to
support
our
decisions,
we
must
have
some
means
of
rational
thought
to
justify
everything
we
do—from
buying
a
home,
to
selecting
a
spouse,
and
to
whom
we
yield
control
of
our
life.
As
such,
for
one
to
backslide,
they
must
create
rationalized
reasons
to
support
their
decision
of
turning
away from God and returning to sin.
There
are
two
primary
means
used
by
a
backslider
to
rationalize
their
decision
and
behavior:
(1)
their
preference
for
sin
over
God,
and
(2)
criticism
of
the
body
of
Christ
(the church).
Jesus
said,
“And
this
is
the
condemnation,
that
the
light
has
come
into
the
world,
and
men
loved
darkness
rather
than
light,
because
their
deeds
were
evil.
For
everyone
practicing
evil
hates
the
light
and
does
not
come
to
the
light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” John 3:19-20
Each
time
a
sin
is
committed
(and
without
seeking
forgiveness):
•
The conscience becomes weaker.
•
The
heart
hardens
against
guilt,
remorse
and
godly
fear.
•
Negative
emotions
will
occur
more
often,
such
as
anger, sadness, and so forth.
•
Caustic
and
negative
perceptions
of
the
world
increases.
•
As
each
of
the
above
occurs,
the
downward
cycle
becomes stronger and compounds upon itself.
With
regards
to
criticizing
the
church,
it’s
fairly
easy
to
find
faults
in
any
church
body,
because
none
of
us
are
perfect.
As
such,
criticism
of
the
church
is
a
common
component
of backslidden rationalization. Here are some examples:
Rationalization for sin
: The church is filled with hypocrites!
Truth:
Yes,
every
church
has
hypocrites
as
members.
This
is
inevitable
because
the
church
is
filled
with
people
who
have
a
propensity
to
make
mistakes
(like
you
and
me).
However,
many
in
the
church
are
actively
seeking
to
grow
in
Christ
and
overcome
their
faults.
This
perception
is
akin
to
someone
walking
into
a
hospital
and
complaining…
“There
are
sick
persons
in
here!”
However,
most
Christian
churches
will
have
a
“core”
of
believers
that
truly
seek
Jesus Christ, and exemplify Him in their lives.
Rationalization for sin
: Churches are after money.
Truth:
There
are
some
churches
you
should
avoid;
and
there
are
some
churches
that
have
placed
their
faith
and
trust
in
God
meeting
their
financial
needs.
However,
pastors
(on
occasion)
must
still
remind
the
faithful
of
God’s
mandate (and spiritual importance) of tithing.
Rationalization for sin:
Fallen church leaders.
Truth:
This
is
tragically
true
and
it
hurts
all
of
us.
However,
these
events
reinforce
the
importance
of
relying
upon
and
trusting
in
the
teaching
and
guidance
of
the
Holy
Spirit,
and not man.
Rationalization for sin:
Hurt by someone in the church
Truth:
It
is
important
for
all
Christians
to
rise
above
those
things
that
can
snare
or
trap
us.
Do
not
allow
the
sin
of
someone
rob
you
of
eternity
in
Heaven.
Consider
the
“big
picture”
because
holding
onto
the
pain
is
not
worth
it.
To
break
free,
you
must
forgive
because
you
are
forgiven
(do
this
for
your
healing).
Remember
the
words
of
Jesus
Christ—who
was
unjustly
convicted
for
a
crime
He
did
not
commit—as
He
hung
on
the
cross—dying—He
prayed
for
His
executioners,
“Father,
forgive
them;
for
they
know
not
what they do.” Luke 23:34
In Between
Because
a
backslidden
Christian
had
experienced
the
light
and
truth
of
Jesus,
they
will
often
find
an
inability
to
intimately
relate
to
anyone.
They
are
unable
to
relate
to
those
who
are
not
born-again
because
they
know,
understand
and
see
the
consequences
sin.
In
addition,
they
are
unable
to
share
their
faith
because
they
know
they
would
be
considered
a
hypocrite.
Besides,
when
one
is
“disconnected”
from
the
Holy
Spirit
it
is
difficult
to
share
spiritual
truths.
For
those
who
are
in
darkness,
attempts
to
expound
godly
wisdom
and
spiritual
truths
are
most
often
based
upon
pseudo
intellect
and
delusional
falsehoods.
The
reason…godly
wisdom
and
spiritual
truths are revealed by the Holy Spirit…and not by man.
Conversely,
a
backslidden
Christian
will
find
it
difficult
to
relate
to
brothers
and
sisters
in
Christ
because
of
condemnation
and
guilt,
and
interaction
may
cause
them
to
confront
their
sin
(which
they
do
not
want
to
deal
with).
However,
they
will
sometimes
feel
a
sadness
within
their
heart
because
encounters
with
Christians
remind
them
of
where they are and where they should be.
Stronger Desires and Controlling Sin
When
a
Christian
decides
to
walk
away
from
God
and
chooses to sin:
•
The
strength
and
intensity
of
their
fleshly
desires
increases.
•
The sin has magnified influence and control.
•
Concern
for
consequences
and
collateral
damage
decreases.
•
The
sin
causes
more
destruction
and
desolation
than
before.
Jesus
revealed,
“When
an
unclean
spirit
goes
out
of
a
man,
he
goes
through
dry
places,
seeking
rest,
and
finds
none.
Then
he
says,
‘I
will
return
to
my
house
from
which
I
came.’
And
when
he
comes,
he
finds
it
empty,
swept,
and
put
in
order.
Then
he
goes
and
takes
with
him
seven
other
spirits
more
wicked
than
himself,
and
they
enter
and
dwell
there;
and
the
last
state
of
that
man
is
worse
than
the
first.
So
shall
it
also
be
with
this
wicked
generation.”
Matthew 12:43-45
“For
if,
after
they
have
escaped
the
pollutions
of
the
world
through
the
knowledge
of
the
Lord
and
Savior
Jesus
Christ,
they
are
again
entangled
in
them
and
overcome,
the
latter
end
is
worse
for
them
than
the
beginning.
For
it
would
have
been
better
for
them
not
to
have
known
the
way
of
righteousness,
than
having
known
it,
to
turn
from
the
holy
commandment
delivered
to
them.
But
it
has
happened
to
them
according
to
the
true
proverb:
‘A
dog
returns
to
his
own
vomit,’
and,
‘a
sow,
having
washed,
to
her wallowing in the mire.’” 2 Peter 2:20-22
Time to Get Real
Consider
your
life.
Contemplate
the
degree
of
your
joy,
happiness
and
peace.
Evaluate
the
hardness
of
your
heart. Then ask yourself the following questions:
•
Are you making the right choices?
•
Are
you
fully
aware
of—and
do
you
fear—the
eternal
consequences of your decisions?
“The
fear
of
the
Lord
is
the
beginning
of
wisdom.”
Proverbs 9:10
Jesus
warned,
“And
do
not
fear
those
who
kill
the
body
but
cannot
kill
the
soul.
But
rather
fear
Him
who
is
able
to
destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28
“But
in
accordance
with
your
hardness
and
your
impenitent
heart
you
are
treasuring
up
for
yourself
wrath
in
the
day
of
wrath
and
revelation
of
the
righteous
judgment
of
God,
who
‘will
render
to
each
one
according
to
his
deeds’:
eternal
life
to
those
who
by
patient
continuance
in
doing
good
seek
for
glory,
honor,
and
immortality;
but
to
those
who
are
self-seeking
and
do
not
obey
the
truth,
but
obey
unrighteousness—indignation
and
wrath,
tribulation
and
anguish,
on
every
soul
of
man
who
does
evil,
of
the
Jew
first
and
also
of
the
Greek;
but
glory,
honor,
and
peace
to
everyone
who
works
what
is
good,
to
the
Jew
first
and
also
to
the
Greek.
For
there
is
no
partiality
with
God.” Romans 2:5-11
Your Heavenly Father Loves You…Regardless
There
is
another
perception
that
occurs
when
one
lives
in
darkness:
they
will
incorrectly
view
God
as
the
great
dictator—the
one
who
sets
all
these
rules
to
stop
us
from
doing
things
we
want
to
do.
They
fail
to
realize
every
commandment
from
God
is
for
our
benefit
and
wellbeing.
Like
a
father
who
lovingly
instructs
their
child
not
to
do
certain
things,
God’s
instructions
are
intended
to
direct
us
away
from
those
things
that
will
harm
us—and
has
provided
us
with
a
means
to
recover
when
we
fail
to
listen
and obey.
“For
I
am
persuaded
that
neither
death
nor
life,
nor
angels
nor
principalities
nor
powers,
nor
things
present
nor
things
to
come,
nor
height
nor
depth,
nor
any
other
created
thing,
shall
be
able
to
separate
us
from
the
love
of
God
which
is
in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
“In
this
the
love
of
God
was
manifested
toward
us,
that
God
has
sent
His
only
begotten
Son
into
the
world,
that
we
might
live
through
Him.
In
this
is
love,
not
that
we
loved
God,
but
that
He
loved
us
and
sent
His
Son
to
be
the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10
Jesus
explained,
“So
I
say
to
you,
ask,
and
it
will
be
given
to
you;
seek,
and
you
will
find;
knock,
and
it
will
be
opened
to
you.
For
everyone
who
asks
receives,
and
he
who
seeks
finds,
and
to
him
who
knocks
it
will
be
opened.
If
a
son
asks
for
bread
from
any
father
among
you,
will
he
give
him
a
stone?
Or
if
he
asks
for
a
fish,
will
he
give
him
a
serpent
instead
of
a
fish?
Or
if
he
asks
for
an
egg,
will
he
offer
him
a
scorpion?
If
you
then,
being
evil,
know
how
to
give
good
gifts
to
your
children,
how
much
more
will
your
heavenly
Father
give
the
Holy
Spirit
to
those
who
ask
Him!” Luke 11:9-13
Ask the Holy Spirit to open your spiritual eyes and reveal:
•
Whether
or
not
your
relationship
with
God
is
active
and alive, or distant and dead.
•
The worsening condition of the world.
Although
a
Christian
may
turn
away
from
God,
God
will
not
turn
away
from
the
one
who
walks
away,
and
will
patiently wait for repentance.
•
“For
He
Himself
has
said,
‘I
will
never
leave
you
nor
forsake you.’”
Hebrews 13:5
•
“The
Lord
is
not
slack
concerning
His
promise,
as
some
count
slackness,
but
is
longsuffering
toward
us,
not
willing
that
any
should
perish
but
that
all
should
come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9
Global Decline
Many
persons
are
aware
of
the
last
days;
see
and
have
a
conceptual
understanding
of
end
time
“signs;”
and
are
experiencing
various
degrees
of
a
deep
gut-wrenching
fear
due
to
pending
unknowns.
Unfortunately,
due
to
our
human
nature
it
is
much
easier
to
live
in
denial
(i.e.
“sleepwalking”)
than
to
take
a
good
hard
look
at
what’s
going
on
in
the
world
and
prepare
our
heart
for
the
One
who
will
come
in
the
twinkling
of
an
eye.
As
such,
every
one
of
us
need
to
prepare
our
hearts
and
watch
for
the
return of Jesus Christ.
“Blessed
is
that
servant
whom
his
master
will
find
so
doing
when
he
comes.
Truly,
I
say
to
you
that
he
will
make
him
ruler
over
all
that
he
has.
But
if
that
servant
says
in
his
heart,
‘My
master
is
delaying
his
coming,’
and
begins
to
beat
the
male
and
female
servants,
and
to
eat
and
drink
and
be
drunk,
the
master
of
that
servant
will
come
on
a
day
when
he
is
not
looking
for
him,
and
at
an
hour
when
he
is
not
aware,
and
will
cut
him
in
two
and
appoint
him
his
portion
with
the
unbelievers.
And
that
servant
who
knew
his
master’s
will,
and
did
not
prepare
himself
or
do
according
to
his
will,
shall
be
beaten
with
many
stripes.
But
he
who
did
not
know,
yet
committed
things
deserving
of
stripes,
shall
be
beaten
with
few.
For
everyone
to
whom
much
is
given,
from
him
much
will
be
required;
and
to
whom
much
has
been
committed,
of
him
they
will
ask
the more.” Luke 12:43-48
Two
things
will
become
more
evident
as
the
world
continues
to
decline
into
the
last
days:
the
darkness
of
Satan
will
become
more
prevalent,
and
the
light
of
God’s
truth
will
become
brighter.
As
such,
whatever
means
of
demonic
deception
and
lies
that
are
used
to
justify
sin
will
be
revealed
by
God
as
He
increasingly
pours
out
His
spirit
for
all
to
see
during
the
last
days—for
no
one
will
be
able
to
stand
before
Him
and
say
“I
never
knew
the
truth.”
There
will
be
no
excuses
or
pointing
of
blame
to
someone
else
because
all
will
be
held
personally
accountable
at
the
final
judgment.
Names
of
those
who
are
in
the
Book
of
Life
will
be
forgiven,
names
that
are
not
will
experience
a
second and eternal death.
“Then
I
saw
a
great
white
throne
and
Him
who
sat
on
it,
from
whose
face
the
earth
and
the
heaven
fled
away.
And
there
was
found
no
place
for
them.
And
I
saw
the
dead,
small
and
great,
standing
before
God,
and
books
were
opened.
And
another
book
was
opened,
which
is
the
Book
of
Life.
And
the
dead
were
judged
according
to
their
works,
by
the
things
which
were
written
in
the
books.
The
sea
gave
up
the
dead
who
were
in
it,
and
Death
and
Hades
delivered
up
the
dead
who
were
in
them.
And
they
were
judged,
each
one
according
to
his
works.
Then
Death
and
Hades
were
cast
into
the
lake
of
fire.
This
is
the
second
death.
And
anyone
not
found
written
in
the
Book
of
Life
was
cast
into
the
lake
of
fire.”
Revelation
20:11-15
Jesus
promised,
“He
who
overcomes
shall
be
clothed
in
white
garments,
and
I
will
not
blot
out
his
name
from
the
Book
of
Life;
but
I
will
confess
his
name
before
My
Father
and before His angels.” Revelation 3:5
Return Home
A
backslidden
Christian
will
return
home
when
they
determine:
•
They’re fed up with their sin and have had enough.
•
The
spiritual
and
eternal
rewards
of
living
for
Christ
far
exceed
the
fleeting
benefits
of
living
a
deceptional
lie.
•
The
desire
in
their
heart
for
God
exceeds
the
demands of the flesh.
The
Parable
of
the
Prodigal
Son
provides
us
with
insight
into
the
spiritual
consequences
of
being
backslidden—and
especially
the
heart
of
God
who
patiently
waits
for
us
to
return.
“A
certain
man
had
two
sons.
And
the
younger
of
them
said
to
his
father,
‘Father,
give
me
the
portion
of
goods
that
falls
to
me.’
So
he
divided
to
them
his
livelihood.
And
not
many
days
after,
the
younger
son
gathered
all
together,
journeyed
to
a
far
country,
and
there
wasted
his
possessions
with
prodigal
living.
But
when
he
had
spent
all,
there
arose
a
severe
famine
in
that
land,
and
he
began
to
be
in
want.
Then
he
went
and
joined
himself
to
a
citizen
of
that
country,
and
he
sent
him
into
his
fields
to
feed
swine.
And
he
would
gladly
have
filled
his
stomach
with
the
pods
that
the
swine
ate,
and
no
one
gave
him
anything.”
“But
when
he
came
to
himself,
he
said,
‘How
many
of
my
father’s
hired
servants
have
bread
enough
and
to
spare,
and
I
perish
with
hunger!
I
will
arise
and
go
to
my
father,
and
will
say
to
him,
‘Father,
I
have
sinned
against
heaven
and
before
you,
and
I
am
no
longer
worthy
to
be
called
your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.’”
“And
he
arose
and
came
to
his
father.
But
when
he
was
still
a
great
way
off,
his
father
saw
him
and
had
compassion,
and
ran
and
fell
on
his
neck
and
kissed
him.
And
the
son
said
to
him,
‘Father,
I
have
sinned
against
heaven
and
in
your
sight,
and
am
no
longer
worthy
to
be
called your son.’”
“But
the
father
said
to
his
servants,
‘Bring
out
the
best
robe
and
put
it
on
him,
and
put
a
ring
on
his
hand
and
sandals
on
his
feet.
And
bring
the
fatted
calf
here
and
kill
it,
and
let
us
eat
and
be
merry;
for
this
my
son
was
dead
and
is
alive
again;
he
was
lost
and
is
found.’
And
they
began to be merry.” Luke 15:11-24
The
Parable
of
the
Prodigal
Son
exemplifies
God's
grace,
His
love
for
us,
and
the
"pathway
home.”
The
lost
son
had
to
experience
failure
and
starvation
before
he
came
to
his
senses,
evaluated
his
life
and
returned
home.
The
following
Parable
of
the
Lost
Sheep
reveals
the
heart
of
God—and how far He will go—to find us when we are lost.
“What
man
of
you,
having
a
hundred
sheep,
if
he
loses
one
of
them,
does
not
leave
the
ninety-nine
in
the
wilderness,
and
go
after
the
one
which
is
lost
until
he
finds
it?
And
when
he
has
found
it,
he
lays
it
on
his
shoulders,
rejoicing.
And
when
he
comes
home,
he
calls
together
his
friends
and
neighbors,
saying
to
them,
‘Rejoice
with
me,
for
I
have
found
my
sheep
which
was
lost!’
I
say
to
you
that
likewise
there
will
be
more
joy
in
heaven
over
one
sinner
who
repents
than
over
ninety-nine
just
persons
who
need no repentance.” Luke 15:4-7
Do you know His voice?
Jesus
declared,
“My
sheep
hear
My
voice,
and
I
know
them,
and
they
follow
Me.
And
I
give
them
eternal
life,
and
they
shall
never
perish;
neither
shall
anyone
snatch
them
out
of
My
hand.
My
Father,
who
has
given
them
to
Me,
is
greater
than
all;
and
no
one
is
able
to
snatch
them
out of My Father’s hand.” John 10:27-29
Do you believe Jesus died for your sins?
“In
Him
we
have
redemption
through
His
blood,
the
forgiveness
of
sins,
according
to
the
riches
of
His
grace.”
Ephesians 1:7
Do you love Me?
Peter
claimed
to
be
the
most
loyal
of
the
disciples.
However,
three
times
Peter
denied
knowing
Jesus
on
the
night
of
His
arrest
and
crucifixion.
After
Jesus
was
raised
from
the
dead
and
appeared
to
the
disciples,
Jesus
asked
Peter three times,
“Do you love me?” (John 21:15-19)
Put
yourself
into
this
heart-wrenching
moment.
All
that
Jesus
did,
all
of
the
miracles
and
all
of
the
teaching—including
the
direct
relationship
Peter
had
with
the
Son
of
God—was
discarded
by
Peter
when
he
found
himself
in
a
threatening
situation,
and
denied
he
knew
Jesus.
Imagine
the
consequential
devastation,
pain,
guilt
and
remorse
in
Peter’s
heart
after
he
slithered
away
from
his
accusers.
He
knew
what
he
had
done,
and
it
was
unforgivable in his mind.
Three
times
Jesus
asked
Peter
“Do
you
love
me?”
(once
for
each
time
Peter
denied
Jesus)
reveals
God
cares
more
about
the
attitude
of
our
heart
than
our
sin.
Each
time
Peter
responded
with
yes,
he
loved
Him—each
time
Jesus
responded by telling Peter to take care of His flock.
So…Do you love Him?
It’s Time to Come Home
If
you
are
backslidden,
you
know
deep
within
your
heart
and
soul
NOW
IS
THE
TIME
TO
COME
HOME!
Because
as
each
day
passes,
it
will
become
more
difficult
to
let
go
of that which is dragging you down.
Is
the
Holy
Spirit
speaking
to
you
right
now?
Do
you
feel
the
loving
tug
in
your
heart
to
turn
away
from
your
sin
and
towards
the
one
who
gave
His
life
for
you…so
that
you
could
be
forgiven…and
live
with
Him
for
eternity?
Are
you
ready
to
let
go
of
that
which
is
causing
spiritual
death
and
reach out to the only one who can give you spiritual life?
Even
though
you
may
feel
distant,
He
is
closer
than
you
know.
Even
though
you
may
not
forgive
yourself,
He
already
has.
Our
limited
minds
cannot
comprehend
the
love
God
has
for
each
of
us…as
He
draws
us
toward
Himself.
“Thus
my
heart
was
grieved,
and
I
was
vexed
in
my
mind.
I
was
so
foolish
and
ignorant;
I
was
like
a
beast
before
You.
Nevertheless,
I
am
continually
with
You;
You
hold
me
by
my
right
hand.
You
will
guide
me
with
Your
counsel,
and
afterward
receive
me
to
glory.
Whom
have
I
in
heaven
but
You?
And
there
is
none
upon
earth
that
I
desire
besides
You.
My
flesh
and
my
heart
fail;
but
God
is
the
strength
of
my
heart
and
my
portion
forever.”
Psalm
73:21-26
Heavenly
Father,
in
the
name
of
Jesus
Christ,
my
Savior
and
Lord,
I
ask
you
to
forgive
me
for
my
sin.
Thank
you,
Jesus,
for
dying
for
me,
and
for
suffering
what
I
should
receive
for
what
I
have
done.
Holy
Spirit,
I
need
your
help
and
guidance,
and
I
ask
you
to
indwell
within
me…because
I
cannot
do
this
without
you…nor
do
I
ever
want
to
do
anything
without
you
being
in
control
of
my
life.
Open
my
eyes
and
my
mind
to
your
truth
as
you
pour
into
me
your
spirit.
Use
me
as
a
means
to
glorify
Jesus,
because
He
alone
is
worthy.
Thank
you,
God,
for
loving
me, and for being patient, and never letting me go. Amen.
May
God
richly
bless
you
with
victory,
joy,
peace,
spiritual
strength
and
wisdom
as
your
Savior,
Jesus
Christ,
becomes Lord over every aspect of your life.
All for His Glory,
Harold D. Thomas
Thought-Provoking Questions
The
purpose
of
the
questions
is
to
facilitate
a
deeper
understanding
of
the
Bible,
this
Bible
study
topic
and
ourselves.
The
questions
may
be
answered
by
each
reader,
or
used
by
a
Bible
study
group
leader
or
church
pastor.
The
following
questions
should
be
answered
or
discussed after reading “Backsliding.”
There
are
two
types
of
questions:
lesson
and
opinion.
Lesson
questions
(preceded
by
a
number)
are
provided
an
answer.
Opinion
questions
(preceded
by
an
O)
are
designed
to
enhance
learning
via
the
determination
of
opinions
and/or
discovering
how
the
lesson
content
illuminates
our
personal
lives.
As
such,
no
answers
are
provided.
Questions
O
Do
you
think
a
backslidden
Christian
is
aware
(deep
in
their
heart
and
soul)
God
still
loves
them
and
is
waiting
patiently for them to come to their senses and return?
O
Can
you
explain
the
opposing
torment
(between
what
they
know
is
right
vs.
what
they’re
doing
is
wrong)
in
the heart and soul of a backslidden Christian?
O
If
a
backslidden
Christian
is
aware
of
God’s
love,
and
they are aware of the consequences of their decisions:
•
How do they justify/cope with the internal conflict?
•
Based
upon
Matthew
12:43-45
and
2
Peter
2:20-22
(Stronger
Desires
and
Controlling
sin),
what
additional challenges are encountered?
1.
What is living “in between?”
2.
With regards to the backslidden Christian:
•
Can
you
identify
a
relational
consequence
with
those who are not born again? Explain.
•
Can
you
identify
a
relational
consequence
with
those who are born again? Explain.
3.
What
will
motivate
a
backslidden
Christian
to
return
“home?”
Answers
1.
When
a
backslidden
Christian
is
unable
to
intimately
relate
to
those
who
are
not
born
again
and
those
who
are born again.
2.
Relational consequences:
•
They
know
and
understand
consequences
of
sin.
Are
unable
to
share
their
faith
(may
be
perceived
as
a hypocrite).
•
Condemnation
and
guilt
become
a
barrier.
Interaction may result in confronting their sin.
3.
Fed
up
with
their
sin
(had
enough);
remembrance
of
what
it
was
like
living
for
Christ
vs.
living
a
deceptional
lie;
and
when
the
desire
in
their
heart
for
God
becomes
greater than the demands of their flesh.
The questions may be viewed and downloaded as a PDF
file by clicking on this button.
Jesus
The words of Jesus Christ
are in red text.