HELPING BACKSLIDERS TO RETURN
Part 4: The consequences of backsliding
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1.
GOAL
For members to understand that even though God accepts and forgives
backsliders who want to return, there are consequences for falling away from
Him. Therefore, if we understand this truth, we will not be careless to the point
of falling way from God.
2.
CONTENT
2.1 Introduction
A. God loves sinners but He hates sin. He does not want His
children to walk in sin and desire to rescue them.
B. The Bible warns us that even though God forgives our sin, the
consequences of sin persist and we are responsible for our
actions.
C. Galatians 6:7 "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A
man reaps what he sows."
2.2 Question
What are the consequences of falling away from God?
A.
B.
C.
D.
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2.3 The Bible tells us the consequences of backsliding in many
places:
A. 2 Samuel 12:14
King David turned away from God's commands. He killed
Uriah and took Uriah's wife to be his own. He showed utter
contempt for the Lord. He lost his son.
Copyright © 2005 by New Hope International Church, Seattle
B. Genesis 16:4-5, 11-12
God promised Abram and Sarai that they would have a son
even though they were old. Sarai did not want to wait and
disobeyed God by asking her husband to sleep with Hagar (her
maid servant). Hagar became pregnant and began to despise her
mistress, Sarai. Hagar bore Abram a son, named Ishmael, whose
descendants became an enemy of the Israelites. Isaac was Sarai's
son and his descendants became the Israelites.
Falling away from God destroys His plan for our Christian lives.
God may want to use us for His kingdom but when we fall away
from Him, He cannot use us in His original plan for our lives.
C. Numbers 14:33-34
God promised to give the Israelites the land of Canaan after they
were released from Egypt. But the Israelites rebelled against God
and complained against Moses, their leader. They did not
believe God's promise. As a result, that generation suffered in
the desert for forty years and did not go into the promised land.
Falling away from God causes wasting of time in serving God
and a lose of the blessings God had promised us.
D. Hebrews 12:5-6, 11
God will discipline the backsliders. Discipline causes unpleasant
situations.
E. 1 Corinthians 12:26
Falling away from God causes suffering for other Christian
brothers and sisters.
F. 1 Corinthians 3:13-15
Backsliders will not receive a reward after this life.
2.4 Discussion questions
A. Have you ever had experiences of being disciplined by God?
How did you respond to them?
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B. Is it true that when we fall away from God, we are the only one
affected? Share an experience of how you were affected by the
consequences of your friend falling away from God.
3.
MEMORY VERSE
Hebrews 12:11 "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later
on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who
have been trained by it."
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