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