Topic: BACKSLIDING
Bible Reading: Hosea 9-11; Revelation 2.
Memory Verse: “Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people: for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every cornfloor.” Hosea 9:1 (KJV).
Backsliding also known biblically as falling away is often described as a process by which an individual who has converted to Christianity reverts to pre-conversion habits and/or lapses or falls into sin. It can also be explained as when people turn from God to pursue their own desire. Every child of God should therefore examine himself regularly to ensure he is not falling away.
There was a man used mightily by God to do exploits in His kingdom. The man raised the dead, healed the sick and did so many miracles in the name of the Lord. Then, he became proud such that whenever anyone else was preaching or teaching and he was asked to participate, he would ask how many outstanding miracles had he performed? That would determine whether he would attend or not. He became very arrogant and the devil was able to penetrate his life and gradually, he was possessed by demons and became a mad man.
Whenever you start romancing with sin no matter how seemingly small it is whether, lies, pride, cheating, or adultery amongst others, you create a pathway for the devil to come into your life. And usually, it is gradual and unless you retrace your steps urgently, disaster looms in a corner because the devil that you have dealt with previously will now see an opportunity to take you back and then ensure as much as possible to keep you. That is why in Luke 9:62 (KJV), “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Sometimes backsliding starts from having less commitment to things of God until you finally lose all commitments. Imagine someone who is used to studying the word of God for three hours everyday who gradually reduces his study time to two hours, then one hour and possibly to 30 minutes. It is a matter of time, it will get to zero minutes. That person is already backsliding.
All blacksliders lose the special protection of God and so make themseves easy prey for their adversaries. Thus in Hosea 9:1 (KJV) the Bible says, “Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people: for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every cornfloor.” You can no longer rejoice like others because God is no longer protecting you.
Action Point: Examine yourself whether you are gradually backsliding and cry to God for mercy while repenting of your wrong actions.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero