Signs Of A Backsliding Christian Series

SIGNS OF A BACKSLIDING CHRISTIAN

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Revelation 2:4-5

"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."

Supporting Texts:

Hebrews 10:38-39

1 Corinthians 10:12

Matthew 24:12

Proverbs 14:14

2 Peter 2:20-22

INTRODUCTION:

Backsliding is a condition where a believer, who was once fervent in their walk with God, begins to drift away from their faith, spiritual disciplines, and commitment to Christ. It is often a gradual process, unnoticed at first, but it eventually leads to spiritual decline and separation from God’s presence.

Jesus, in Revelation 2:4-5, rebuked the church in Ephesus for leaving their first love, warning them to remember, repent, and return to their initial devotion. When a Christian begins to lose their passion for God and starts compromising with sin, it is a clear sign of backsliding.

This sermon will highlight key signs of a backsliding Christian, helping us to examine our lives and return to God before it is too late.

1. LOSS OF FIRST LOVE FOR GOD

A backsliding Christian experiences a decline in their love and passion for God.

a) A Decrease in Passion for Prayer and Worship (Psalm 63:1)

A person who once found joy in prayer, worship, and fellowship with God begins to see these as burdensome.

b) Neglect of the Word of God (Joshua 1:8)

The Bible, which once brought encouragement and revelation, now seems uninteresting or irrelevant.

c) No Desire for the Things of God (Matthew 6:33)

A backsliding Christian prioritises worldly pleasures over their spiritual growth.

d) Loss of Reverence for God's Presence (Isaiah 29:13)

Church attendance and spiritual activities become routine rather than heartfelt expressions of love for God.

e) Biblical Example: The Church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:4-5)

Despite their works, Jesus rebuked them for forsaking their first love.

2. COMPROMISING WITH SIN

A backsliding Christian starts tolerating sin in their life instead of resisting it.

a) Making Excuses for Sinful Behaviour (James 4:17)

Sin is no longer seen as serious, and compromises are made in areas of holiness and righteousness.

b) Indifference to Conviction of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)

The voice of the Holy Spirit becomes faint as the conscience is gradually seared.

c) Engaging in Secret Sins (Numbers 32:23)

A person starts doing things in secret that they would never have done publicly before.

d) Justifying Sinful Lifestyles (Romans 6:1-2)

Instead of repenting, a backslider finds ways to justify sinful actions.

e) Biblical Example: Samson (Judges 16:1-21)

Samson kept compromising with Delilah until he lost his strength and God’s presence.

3. DECREASED INTEREST IN FELLOWSHIP WITH BELIEVERS

A backsliding Christian gradually withdraws from godly fellowship and spiritual accountability.

a) Skipping Church and Christian Meetings (Hebrews 10:25)

A person starts missing church services, Bible studies, and prayer meetings without a genuine reason.

b) Isolating from Fellow Believers (Proverbs 27:17)

Instead of seeking encouragement from other Christians, they prefer to be alone or around unbelievers.

c) Avoiding Godly Counsel and Correction (Proverbs 12:1)

A backslider rejects advice from spiritual leaders and fellow believers.

d) Developing a Critical Spirit Towards the Church (Jude 1:16)

They start criticising church leaders, sermons, and fellow believers rather than examining their own hearts.

e) Biblical Example: Demas (2 Timothy 4:10)

Demas abandoned Paul and the ministry because he loved the world more than God.

4. LOSS OF SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT AND GROWTH

A backsliding Christian becomes spiritually stagnant and unable to discern between right and wrong.

a) Diminished Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit (John 16:13)

What once grieved the person now seems normal, and there is no conviction.

b) Replacing Spiritual Priorities with Worldly Pursuits (1 John 2:15-16)

Materialism, entertainment, and personal ambitions become more important than spiritual growth.

c) Ignoring God’s Instructions and Rebuke (Proverbs 29:1)

They no longer take God’s Word seriously and continue in disobedience.

d) No Evidence of Spiritual Growth (2 Peter 3:18)

Instead of growing in faith, they remain spiritually stagnant or regress.

e) Biblical Example: King Saul (1 Samuel 15:22-23)

Saul repeatedly ignored God’s commands and lost his discernment, leading to his downfall.

5. VULNERABILITY TO SATANIC ATTACKS AND DEFEAT

A backsliding Christian opens the door to spiritual attacks and bondage.

a) Increased Temptations and Falling into Sin (Luke 11:24-26)

Since they are no longer spiritually alert, they become easy prey for the enemy.

b) Lack of Power in Spiritual Battles (Ephesians 6:11-13)

Without spiritual discipline, they struggle against the forces of darkness.

c) Anxiety, Fear, and Depression Take Over (Isaiah 59:2)

Instead of experiencing God’s peace, they are filled with worry, fear, and restlessness.

d) Physical and Emotional Fatigue from Spiritual Weakness (Nehemiah 8:10)