TEXT: JOHN 21: 1 – 5
INTRODUCTION:
Backsliding is known as falling away. It is a term used in Christianity to describe a process by which an individual who has been converted to Christianity reverts to pre-conversion habits of sin. A backslider is a Christian who gets out of touch with the Lord. It happens when someone who is devoted to God begins to take her relationship with Him less seriously as a result of carelessness, disobedience or negligence. Backsliding does not necessarily mean loss of salvation, but it can lead to it. There is nothing like Back-jumping but back-sliding because it is a process. Progress is forward while backsliding movement is backward direction. This study seeks to alert us on dangers and efforts of spiritual relapse and would provide practical steps established in biblical teaching by which anyone in backsliding condition can be restored.
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSIONS
1. What is spiritual dryness? Psalm 63: 1
2. Discuss the dangers of backsliding? Genesis 19: 17, 26; 1 Samuel 10: 10 – 11; 16: 14; Hebrews 10: 26 – 27; Revelation 21: 8.
3. “Christians should distance themselves from backsliders” Discuss. Romans 15: 1 – 6, 7, 1 Corinthians 5: 9 – 11.
4. What should be our responsibilities to the backslider? 2 Samuel 1: 20; John 21: 5; Galatians 6: 1 – 3; James 5: 19 – 20; 1 John 5: 16
CONCLUSION
The Spiritual dryness precedes backsliding; when one feels distance from God or struggling to grow spiritually. Sometimes it is due to personal sin, unconfessed sin which result to the loss of joy of salvation. It could be as a result of physical, mental or emotional sin. Whatever be the case, come back to Him. David was likely experiencing a time of spiritual dryness when he wrote Psalm 13: 1 – 2. David trusted in the Lord and was restored. You also can overcome yours.
MEMORY VERSE
“My little children. I’m writing these things to you so that you might not sin. Yet if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the father- JESUS, the Messiah, one who is righteous.” 1 John 2: 1