Abiding in Christ Vs. Falling Away

Abiding In Christ

Yes, my dear children, live in him so that when Christ comes back, we can be without fear and not be ashamed in his presence. 1 John 2:28 (NCV)

Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:9

But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. 1 John 2:27

Backsliding

Have you ever temporarily lapsed into unbelief and sin after you became a Christian? The condition of backsliding results from spiritual apathy or disregard for the truth of God’s Word. It results in a departure from a winsome confession of faith and Biblical ethical standards. Actions are affected by our attitudes toward God and His Word.

Jesus said, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62).

Backsliding is different from apostasy, which spurns the grace of God by renouncing the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross

Examples of people from the Bible who have been backsliders.

Judas ... Matthew 26:14-16

Galatians ... Galatians 5:4-7

Hymenaeus & Alexander ... 1 Timothy 1:18-20

Demas ... 2 Timothy 4:10

Prodigal Son ... Luke 15:24

Simon the Sorcerer ... Acts 8:9-24

Beware Concerning Falling Away!

1 Timothy 4:1-3

2 Peter 2:20-22

1 Corinthians 10:12 "Take Heed lest you fall..."

Matthew 13:41

What Causes “Falling Away”?

World, lusts, pride of life … 1 John 2:15-17

Love of the world … 2 Timothy 4:10

Living for the flesh … Romans 8:13

Persecution and trials … Matthew 13:21

False teachers … Acts 20:29-30

Satan … Luke 22:31

Help to Avoid Falling:

God’s protection … Psalm 121:1-4

Christian fellowship … Hebrews 10:25

God’s Word to empower you … Acts 20:32

Armor of God … Ephesians 6:10-18

Results of Backsliding:

Leaving First Love … Revelation 2:4

Lose the joy of serving God … 2 Timothy 4:10

Worse state than before … 2 Peter 2:20-22

Solution to Falling Away:

Change of heart must happen … Acts 17:30

Prayer for forgiveness … Acts 8:22

Illustrations

Reflections on the Early Church

The Attitudes and Environment of the Church in the New Testament.

1. Attitude of "What Shall We Do?"
2. Environment of "Receiving the Word"
3. Attitude of Continual Devotion towards God and Worship.
4. Environment of Always Caring For One Another.
5. Attitude Wanting to Be Around One Another.

Cancer

Cancer is so limited:

     It can't cripple Love,
     It can't shatter Hope,
     It can't corrode Faith,
     It can't eat away peace,
     It can't destroy confidence,
     It can't kill friendship,
     It can't shut out memories,
     It can't silence courage,
     It can't invoke the soul,
     It can't reduce eternal life,
     It can't quench the spirit,
     It can't lesson the power of resurrection.

If a disease has invaded your life, refuse to let it touch your spirit.  Your body may have a great struggle, but keep trusting "GOD'S LOVE".  Your spirit will remain strong.

Romans 8:28-39,
Philippians 3:10-12,
John 14:1-2,27

"How Young People Gain Respect"

Kevin Rayner
Oak Tree Church of Christ - Rochester, MN

"How Young People Gain Respect"
Proverbs 20:11

"Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king." 1 Peter 2:17

I. Experiences of Young People.


II. Elevation of Young People. 1 Timothy 4:12
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young...."
   A. Speech
"...set an example for the believers in speech..."

   B. Life
"...set an example for the believers... in life..."

   C. Love
"...set an example for the believers... in love..."

   D. Faith
"...set an example for the believers... in faith..."

   E. Purity
"...set an example for the believers... in purity..."

III. Expectation of young people that are older.
   A. Demonstrate acceptance of young people as people.
   B. Recognize achievements and encourage young people.
   C. Give affection to young people.