TOPIC – It Ruins
MEMORISE: The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above.
READING: 2 Kings 5:25-27 (KJV)
Message
Today, I would like to use the analogy of a sculptor to explain why backsliding is dangerous. A sculptor may decide to carve a lion from a piece of wood, but if the sculptor finds it difficult to carve because it is constantly breaking, he or she can choose to use whatever is left of it to carve a cat. If the wood keeps breaking while carving a cat, the sculptor may choose to carve a rat with what’s left of it. If the wood breaks again and cannot be used for carving, it might be turned into firewood. This is what happens anytime a believer backslides: he or she alters and frustrates God’s original plan for his or her life.
The first time I read the story of Gehazi in the Bible, I thought within myself, “What a pity! He could have been the greatest prophet in the Old Testament. He could have had a double portion of Elisha’s anointing, but he inherited leprosy instead.” Each time a person sins, he or she is breaking off, and if it continues, there may be nothing left for God to use of the fellow.
My dear child, I implore you not to tamper with God’s plans for your destiny by toying with sin. If you are backslidden, run back to God now, don’t wait until tomorrow. Cry to Him wholeheartedly and ask Him to forgive your sins, and He will hear you.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, please have mercy on everyone who has backslidden from Your fold.
HYMNAL:
Hymn 10 – I’m pressing on the upward way
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:Mark 10:32-52, Numbers 33-35
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye