Backsliding Prov. 14:14 CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

Backsliding is an Old Testament term, so it has limited application to a Christian because we cannot be separated from the love of God and he will never leave us nor forsake us.  However, there is plenty about backsliding that does apply to us and we need to take heed to this doctrine – In backsliding:

You reap what you sow – Prov 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself – Gal 6:7-8

Reaping should cause you to return to the Lord – Jer 2:19 Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts – people ask, “Why is God doing this to me?” – they ought to take a hard look and be sure first that what they are experiencing isn’t the result of their own doing – God and the devil often get blamed for a lot of stuff that we do to ourselves while we are backslidden.

And if you return he will heal your backsliding – Jer 3:22 Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the LORD our God. Jer 3:12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the LORD, and I will not keep anger for ever – some people get away from the Lord and then fear what lies ahead on the road back to him – you are better off to have learned your lesson and to have returned than to sit it out and suffer the consequences of staying backslidden – he is just waiting for you to return.

And if you don’t return, a worse thing is coming – Jer 5:6 Wherefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall spoil them, a leopard shall watch over their cities: every one that goeth out thence shall be torn in pieces: because their transgressions are many, and their backslidings are increased – he’ll sick the devil on you and don’t think for a minute that he won’t – 2 Cor 11:13-15 by false teachers; 2 Cor 2:11 for being unforgiving; 1 Cor 5:5 for getting out into deep sin; 1 Tim 3:6-7 even backslidden preachers – pride and a bad report; so 1 Pet 5:8 is true, don’t get backslidden or you could have a run in with the devil.

You have a chance to get it right now or else – Jer 8:5 Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.

So turn back to the Lord today!