BACKSLIDING
Jer_8:5. Rev_2:4-5
I. Some of its Causes.
1. The fear of man. Ashamed to confess.
2. Worldly associations in business or companionship.
3. Unequally yoked with unbelievers in marriage.
4. Yielding to the desire for what is new rather than profitable.
5. Maintaining an unforgiving spirit toward another (Mar_11:25-26).
6. Harbouring unclean thoughts and feelings.
7. Refusing to make confession to God when conscious of having sinned.
II. Some of its Evidences.
1. Neglecting the Word of God as the bread of life.
2. Little desire for secret prayer and communion with God.
3. Growing fondness for worldly pleasures.
4. Satisfied with present attainments in spiritual things.
5. Trifling excuses for neglecting Christian fellowship.
6. Tendency to discontent and fault-finding.
7. Decreasing anxiety for the salvation of others.
III. The Remedy
Return. Repent. Confess. Renounce. Perform. Jer_8:5; Rev_2:4-5.
Autor: James Smith