- This is a picture of a backslider and there are many elements here that are in many backsliding stories. I should note as we start that every spiritual journey is unique, so I’m not saying that every backsliding story has all these elements. But I do think there is a lot in this story that frequently shows up in backsliding stories and there is a lot we can learn here.
A PICTURE OF A BACKSLIDER:
1. ZEAL FOR GOD IS REWARDED.
- 2 Chronicles 14:1-15.
a. Seeking the Lord involves God drawing us but there is definitely a big piece of it that is our desire.
- v. 4.
b. They pursued God’s word.
- v. 4.
c. Notice it showed up in his actions.
- vv. 2-3.
d. He saw God’s response.
- vv. 6-7 (peace); 8, 11-12 (victory).
2. WE MORE DEEPLY UNDERSTAND THE SPIRITUAL BATTLEGROUND.
- 2 Chronicles 15:1-7.
a. He understood God’s reward and warning.
- v. 2.
b. He understood how much better things are with God.
- vv. 3-6.
3. WE GO EVEN DEEPER WITH GOD.
- 2 Chronicles 15:8-19.
a. He confronted questionable practices.
- vv. 8-9.
- The idols were largely the result of compromise with surrounding countries.
- Times when we will incorporate worldly things into our Christian worship. Ex.: money as the Bible understands it vs. money in the prosperity gospel.
b. He confronted sin in his family.
- v. 16.
- Often everyone is supportive when you start living for God, but they’re not so much when it begins to impact their lives. Ex.: spouse fine with you going to church but not thrilled when you want to start wanting to do nightly devotions with the kids.
c. He and his people had great joy.
- v. 15.
d. He was doing his best, even though it wasn’t everything.
- v. 17.
- Such an interesting verse about doing all you can given where you are spiritually.
4. WE SEEK TO HOLD THE BLESSINGS MORE THAN GOD'S HAND.
- 2 Chronicles 16:1-6.
a. He did what seemed smart to hold onto his blessings.
- vv. 1-3.
- Pragmatism and doing what works.
- Trusting our methods more than trusting the Lord.
- Ex.: trusting in the church’s bank balance or in the church’s traditions.
5. WE LOSE OUR TREASURES AND OUR CLOSENESS TO GOD.
- 2 Chronicles 16:7-14.
a. He’s no longer trusting in God’s power.
- vv. 7-9.
b. He is mad at God’s truth.
- v. 10.
c. He closed off from God enough that even trials did not bring him back.
- v. 12.
- Asa’s story unfolds over a long period of time. Sometimes the move from trust and triumph to doubt and depression is quick. Perhaps most poignantly is Elijah after Mt. Carmel.
