LESSONS FROM BIBLICAL BACKSLIDERS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Judges 16:20
Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 15:23, Proverbs 14:14, Jeremiah 3:22, Luke 22:31-32, Revelation 2:4-5
INTRODUCTION
Backsliding is a spiritual decline where an individual who once walked closely with God gradually drifts away from His presence. The Bible provides several examples of people who fell into backsliding, some of whom were restored, while others faced tragic consequences. Studying their lives gives us valuable lessons on how to remain steadfast in faith and avoid their mistakes.
In this message, we will examine biblical figures who backslid, the reasons behind their spiritual downfall, and the lessons we can learn to guard ourselves against the dangers of backsliding.
1. SAMSON – THE COST OF COMPROMISE
a) Misplaced Priorities (Judges 14:1-3)
Samson had a divine calling to deliver Israel from the Philistines, yet he pursued personal pleasures over God's purpose. His attraction to Philistine women, against God's will, showed his misplaced priorities.
b) Gradual Desensitisation to Sin (Judges 16:1,4-20)
Samson repeatedly engaged in relationships that weakened him spiritually. His association with Delilah led to his downfall, as he disregarded the warnings of God.
c) Losing the Presence of God (Judges 16:20)
One of the saddest statements in the Bible is that Samson "did not know that the Lord had departed from him." Backsliding often happens gradually, making it dangerous.
d) The Consequence of Backsliding (Judges 16:21)
Samson lost his strength, his sight, and his freedom. Sin blinds, binds, and grinds its victims, leading them into spiritual captivity.
e) Lesson From His Life: Samson’s story teaches that when we play with sin, we risk losing divine strength and purpose. However, repentance can bring restoration (Judges 16:28-30).
2. KING SAUL – THE DANGER OF DISOBEDIENCE
a) Partial Obedience is Disobedience (1 Samuel 15:1-3, 9-11)
Saul was commanded to completely destroy the Amalekites, yet he spared King Agag and the best livestock, thinking he could substitute sacrifice for obedience.
b) Pride Leads to Rebellion (1 Samuel 15:17-19)
Saul became more concerned with his reputation than with obedience to God. Spiritual pride leads to downfall.
c) Loss of God's Anointing (1 Samuel 16:14)
When Saul persisted in disobedience, God's Spirit left him, and an evil spirit tormented him. Disobedience disconnects us from divine covering.
d) Seeking Help Outside of God (1 Samuel 28:6-7)
Instead of repenting, Saul sought guidance from a witch. Turning to worldly solutions instead of God deepens backsliding.
e) Lesson From His Life: Saul's life shows that disobedience can lead to rejection by God. We must learn to walk in total obedience to His word.
3. DEMAS – LOVE FOR THE WORLD
a) Spiritual Distractions (2 Timothy 4:10)
Demas was once a co-labourer with Paul but abandoned the ministry because he loved the things of the world more than the things of God.
b) Prioritising Worldly Pleasures Over God (1 John 2:15-17)
Worldly desires and material possessions can cause people to drift away from their faith.
c) Gradual Departure (Hebrews 2:1)
Backsliding does not happen overnight; it starts with little compromises, such as neglecting prayer, Bible study, and fellowship.
d) Losing Kingdom Focus (Luke 9:62)
Anyone who starts the journey of faith but looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God.
e) Lesson From His Life: Demas' life teaches us that love for the world is a major cause of backsliding. We must remain focused on eternity.
4. JUDAS ISCARIOT – THE DANGER OF GREED
a) The Love of Money (John 12:4-6)
Judas was entrusted with money but was dishonest, stealing from the treasury. Greed blinded him to the true riches in Christ.
b) Betrayal for Personal Gain (Matthew 26:14-16)
Judas' desire for wealth led him to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, a small price compared to the value of his soul.
c) Remorse Without Repentance (Matthew 27:3-5)
Unlike Peter, who repented, Judas felt remorse but did not seek forgiveness. This led him to despair and suicide.
d) Wasted Opportunity (Acts 1:16-20)
Judas walked with Jesus for three years yet lost his place due to his love for money.
e) Lesson From His Life: Judas' life warns us that greed and unrepented sin can lead to destruction. We must guard our hearts against the deceitfulness of riches.
5. PETER – A BACKSLIDER RESTORED
a) Overconfidence in Self (Matthew 26:33-35)
Peter believed he would never deny Jesus, but he relied on his own strength rather than God's grace.
b) Fear and Denial (Luke 22:54-62)
In the face of danger, Peter denied Jesus three times. Fear of persecution can cause backsliding.
c) True Repentance Brings Restoration (John 21:15-17)
Unlike Judas, Peter repented and was restored. Jesus gave him another chance to serve Him.
d) Strengthening Others After Restoration (Luke 22:31-32)
Jesus prayed for Peter that his faith would not fail completely. When we repent, we can strengthen others.
e) Lesson From His Life: Peter’s life shows that failure is not final if we turn back to God in repentance.
CONCLUSION
The stories of these biblical backsliders teach us that backsliding can result from compromise, disobedience, worldliness, greed, or fear. However, there is hope for restoration through genuine repentance. God is always willing to forgive and restore those who return to Him.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to remain steadfast in my faith and never drift away from You.
2. Father, deliver me from every distraction that can lead me into backsliding.
3. Lord, fill me with the hunger and thirst for Your Word and Your presence.
4. Father, restore every spiritual virtue I have lost due to carelessness or sin.
5. Lord, give me the grace to finish my Christian race strong without falling away.
