Signs of Backsliding

Intro: What is one sign that you wish you did not have to obey?


  1. Matt 16:3, Mt 17:6 The Bible tells us that the fruit that comes from our lives will indicate where we are spiritually, these can be seen as signs of backsliding.
    1. 2 pet 2:14, Mal 2:16 The process of backsliding is seen as spiritual adultery, and divorce from our personal commitment to Christ.
      1. Jer 4:1+2, Isaiah 30:18 While God is clear that he hates backsliding, he also makes it clear that he is a God of grace, and will forgive all who repent and turn from their ways.
      2. Psalms 103:12 Once we have truly repented from our sins, and turned from our backsliding, God forgets our sins, and will never remind us of our mistakes.
    2. 2 Kings 23:1-3 God will then use us to go and reach our generation, and help others turn back to God, but this will require us to boldly take a stand, and share Christ with them.
  2. Hebrews 10:25 One of the beginning signs of backsliding is a pulling away from meeting with other Christians, becoming isolated, and not wanting the advise of our spiritual authority.
    1. Rev 2:4 Another sign is when we as Christians are no longer interested in the things of God as we once were, and the things of the world become more exiting to us.
      1. Eph 6:18, Mt 4:4 When our times of prayer, reading the bible, fasting and worship begin to decrease, or disappear, these are major signs of backsliding.
      2. 2 Cor 6:17 Other signs of backsliding are compromise in areas of music, cursing, what we watch, where we go, and who are our closest of friends.
    2. Prov 8:13, 16:18 The greatest sign of backsliding is pride, this was the number one sign in the fall of satan, we all must examine our hearts, and repent of any pride


  1. What are some more signs of backsliding that we did not list above? Can you give an example of how a small compromise can grow and eventually turn someone away from God
  2. What actions should we take when we begin to see signs of backsliding in our friends, family, or other people in our lives?
  3. Does any one here feel that there are any signs of backsliding in your life now? if so would you like to share what they are?
  4. Can you give an example of a time when you have been used by God to reach out to someone you knew before you yourself were a Christian?

End: Pray for any who would admit that they are dealing with signs of backsliding? Then take requests.