Theme: The Anatomy Of A Backslider

Author: Apostle Emmanuel Mitchell

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather to discuss a difficult but important topic: the anatomy of a backslider. A backslider is someone who was once on the path of righteousness but has turned away from God and fallen back into sin. It is a tragic situation, and one that we must be aware of in ourselves and in others, so that we can recognize the signs of backsliding and seek to help those who are struggling. Let us turn to the Scriptures for guidance on this topic. In Proverbs 14:14, it says, “The backslider in heart will be filled with the fruit of his ways.” This verse tells us that the root of backsliding is a heart that has turned away from God and towards sin. And as a result, the backslider will reap the consequences of their actions. In Jeremiah 2:19, it says, “Your own wickedness will correct you, and your backslidings will reprove you.” This verse tells us that the backslider will be corrected by their own wickedness. They will be reproved by their own actions, for they have turned away from God’s ways and are living in disobedience.
So what are the signs of a backslider? Firstly, a backslider begins to neglect their relationship with God. They may stop praying, reading the Bible, or attending church. They may begin to prioritize other things over their faith, such as work, relationships, or personal pursuits.
Secondly, a backslider may become isolated from the Christian community. They may stop attending church or spending time with other believers. They may distance themselves from those who can offer support and encouragement in their faith.
Thirdly, a backslider may begin to indulge in old patterns of sin. They may fall back into addiction, sexual immorality, or other sinful behaviours. They may justify their actions or try to hide them from others.
But there is hope for the backslider. In James 5:19-20, it says, “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” This verse tells us that we can help the backslider return to the truth by reaching out to them and offering our support.
We can also look to the example of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. The prodigal son was a backslider who had turned away from his father’s house and squandered his inheritance. But he eventually realized the error of his ways and returned to his father, who welcomed him back with open arms.
The prodigal son’s story shows us the anatomy of a backslider in action. Firstly, he became restless and dissatisfied with his life at home. He felt that he needed to strike out on his own and experience the world. This is often how backsliding begins: with a sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction with our current situation.
Secondly, the prodigal son indulged in sinful behavior. He wasted his inheritance on wild living and ended up destitute and hungry. This is often how backsliding progresses: with a gradual slide into sin and disobedience.
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Thirdly, the prodigal son hit rock bottom. He realized that he had made a terrible mistake and that he needed to return to his father’s house. This is often what it takes for a backslider to return to the path of righteousness: a realization that they have gone astray and that they need to turn back to God.
And finally, the prodigal son was welcomed back with open arms by his father. This is how God welcomes back.