How To Know When You Are Backslidden
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:35-39
(Doctrine Baptists believe in and practice.
“Backslide” mentioned once in Proverbs, three times
in Hos., fourteen times in Jer.)
Intro:
The word “Backslide” is totally an O.T. word used in
a N.T. sense. This word is defined in the N.T. as
“carnal” or “draw back” or a “Brother sin”. Webster
defines it, “to fall off”, one who neglects his vows
of obedience and falls into sin. To turn gradually
from the faith. (Pr. 14:14; Jer. 2:19; 8:5)
1.
Backslider compared to a heifer (Hos. 4:16)
Stubborn – will not go where owner wants it to go.
Stands back when it should go forward. Turns aside
when it ought to move straight on. Wiggles and
twists in protest. Chafed by the yoke and resents
the puncture of the goad.
2.
Bitterness can bring hardness. (Heb. 12:15;
3::12-13; Pr. 28:13-14) Go through the motions by
wrong motives or by ritualism.
I.
When You Are Unhappy In Service (Jn. 16:24; Ps.
144:15) (happy is the people whose God is the Lord)
A. Complain about serving God = church, Christians.
(Pr. 16:20) (Who so trusteth in the Lord, happy is
he)
1.
Demand too much. (Pr. 29:18; 14:21) (He that hath
mercy on the poor, happy is he)
2.
Deprived too much = more interested in what you get
from church than what you put into it. (conviction
instead of comfort)
B. Complacent in service of God = satisfied,
indifferent. (Jer. 4:18; 5:25)
1.
Softening heart = Sensitive
2.
Hardening heart = Crystallize. (Pr. 28:13-14)
a)
Declining from the point reached = “draw back”.
(Heb. 10:39)
b)
Destiny is always down or away from God = great
injury to self, God’s cause.
II.
When You Are Unforgiving In Spirit (Mt. 6:14-15)
A.
Bitter attitude toward someone. (Heb. 12:15)
1.
At work because you’re not paid enough or promoted
or bonused.
2.
At friends because you’re not appreciated, treated
right.
3.
At home because family (wife, kids) rebellious or
husband doesn’t notice your work, looks. (misery
instead of mercy)
B.
Bad attitude toward sin. (Jn. 3:19)
1.
Unembarrassed when committing it.
2.
Unnoticing of your’s while criticizing other for
it.
III.
When You Are Unfaithful In Stewardship (I Cor. 4:2;
Eph. 4:28)
A.
Uncommitted to the church = Not neglectful, but
simple uncommitted.
1.
Its purposes = none greater in which to involve
self. Greatest use of life.
2.
Its pursuits = none greater in which to include
self. Great use of energies.
B.
Unconcerned about the Christless. (Ps. 126:5-6) (Not
indifferent but simply wont go)
1.
Give no witness. (Eccl. 11:6)
2.
Give no invitation. (II Pet. 3:9)
3.
Give no prayer. (Ro. 10:1-2)
Selfish instead of Spiritual