Departing from the Living God

Compiled by M. Allen

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2000058

Subject: faithfulness; attitudes

Preached originally: 10/8/00 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.     Num 13:  Israelites decide to send 12 spies into Israel to look over the possession God was giving them. 

1.    13:28-29; 31-33 – unfaithful report given – over the objection of Caleb.

2.    reaction of people in 14:3-4. – no thought given to God’s power/ability/that He was with them.  Was a nation filled with unbelief. 

a)     willing to turn their back on God – go back to Egypt – despite all he had done for them.

3.    God’s reaction in 14:22-23

4.    Their punishment:  14:29; 37-38.

5.    40 years later we see this all came to pass: 26:64-65

B.    In 1 Cor. 10 – Paul recounts these happenings for the Corinthians in 10:1-5.  In v. 7-10 – he describes other cases of sinful behavior by the Israelites.

1.    Focus on 10:6; 11-12.  Paul reports that these things written for our instruction – so that we would not fall into the same trap and fall from grace.

2.    There is a danger that Christians might act as to bring God’s disfavor upon them.  (10:12)

C.    We can fall away!  We can depart from the living God as the Heb. Writer said. 

1.    to fall carries the idea of falling into moral ruin! 

a)     Heb. 6:4-6.

b)     But idea of falling short involves more than just having ungodly actions in our lives.

c)      We can put God to shame by our reluctance to serve Him.  (attitude)

d)     Apathetic/mundane/mediocre service.

2.    Ephesian brethren – Rev. 2:1-5.  (Left their first love.)

a)     keep in mind:  were doing some things.  But still told they were falling short.  Still in danger of losing soul.

b)     Probably going to church; children involved; sing; give – but in danger of falling short.

 

I.  It is a Tragedy to Turn Away from God.

A.    This fact is presented in both OT/NT.

1.    Lord pleaded through Jeremiah for Israel to return to him.

a)    Jer. 2:27 – had departed from God by serving idols.

b)    11:10 – ways of old

2.    Fell into state where God greatly displeased.  Ultimately they destroyed b/c of unfaithfulness.

B.    Heb. 2:1-3; 3:12 – Hebrew Christians in danger of falling.

1.    2:1-3 a key to understanding the entire book of Hebrews.

2.    they in danger of losing their soul – b/c they exhibited a spirit of unbelief.  They were not vigilant in their service to God.

C.   Js. 5:19 – a person can stray from the truth – wander away.

1.    get caught up in doctrine contrary to gospel.

2.    reject Biblical teaching; by neglecting spiritual responsibilities; neglect to exhibit proper attitude in God’s service.

D.   1 Cor. 9:27 – Paul disciplined his body in case he became disqualified.

1.    subjected his body to the requirements of the gospel.

2.    we b/c disqualified if we allow fleshly lusts to control us.

3.    Not easy.  Learned behavior.

 

II.  What Can One do to Fall Away?

A.    By failure to let God’s word permeate our life.  (soak in)

1.     Psa. 119:105 – the Lord’s word must b/c our primary guide – with which everything else must come into harmony!  His word must direct our lives!

a)    one thing to preach – but another to apply.  Still struggle to make His word as real to me as I can.

b)    Must continue w/lifelong diligence.

2.     Rom. 1:16 – gospel = God’s power to save.  Gospel will be of no use unless we allow our heart to be opened and change for the better! 

a)    we can be set free through the truth of God’s word.

b)    Still have to endure, work, etc – but know we can have freedom from sin, etc.

3.     Following God’s word – we cannot fail!

B.    Failing to have an active prayer life.

1.     Js. 5:16b – our prayers can/will strengthen our spiritual lives.

a)    are we using privilege we have been given as children of God.

b)    Work through barriers to prayer!

2.     Sometimes – communication b/t two persons can break down & favor can be lost.

a)    hus/wife

b)    employee/employer

c)    brethren

d)    God/Christian

3.     Must work to keep communication lines upon on our end – God is always ready to answer prayer!

C.   The desires of the flesh can bring us down.

1.     Fleshly desires create temptations for us to indulge in sin.

a)    1 Cor. 9:27 – disciplined his body – made it his slave.

b)    Inner struggle to do that which is right/wrong. (Rom. 7)

c)    Through Christ we can overcome.

2.     Js. 1:12-16 – blessed is the one who perseveres through temptation/trial.

a)    fall into lusts – note natural progression – away from God!

b)    One thing leads to another.

D.   Illegal love affairs

1.     1 Jhn. 2:15-17 – many love world too much to fully devote themselves to Christ.

a)    we to stand up/apart from the world.

b)    We’ve been sanctified – set apart for holy use.

2.     may be different from world in that we go to church every Sun.  BUT:

a)    attitude?  (murmur/complain/selfish behavior?)

b)    in speech?  (Lord’s name in vain, cursing?)

c)    in temper? (uncontrolled anger)

E.    Idleness

1.     how busy are we?  Been said idleness = devil’s workshop.  We can be idle – even if we regularly attend services, etc.

a)    busy helping others?  Getting to know brethren?

b)    Make a visit? Help when needed? Do stuff together?

2.     Busy w/telling others about Jesus? (Mt. 9:36-38)  Fields white for harvest!

3.     Are we exercising our spiritual bodies? Something not used/exercised – withers away.  (arm/leg in cast)

4.     many Christian lives are weaker/dying b/c not exercising.  Constantly idle.

F.    Cares of life will cause some to fall!

1.     Lk. 8:13 – parable of sower – note what Jesus had to say.

a)    cares of life demand we work.  Provide for family

b)    but:  what happens when we sacrifice service to God for a paycheck?

1)      spiritual life begins to suffer – attendance/fellowship, etc.

2)      relationships not what they need to be.

2.     we can put ourselves in vulnerable situation when we let cares of life overtake our getting spiritual sustenance.

 

III. What can be done if we fall away from God?

A.    As long as we can still be touched w/the gospel – there = hope!

1.      work to keep our heart open!  Be willing to consider making correction.

2.      If need of repentance – must repent – Acts 8:22

3.      1 Jhn. 1:8-10 – confess sin to those we wrong.

B.    Acts 8:22 – pray for forgiveness!

C.   Nothing short of this will suffice.  This = God’s plan for getting back to service.

 

Conclusion:

A.     danger of falling must be very great when we consider all the warnings which are given regarding it.

B.    1 Cor. 10:11-12.  Must learn from the example of Israel.

C.    Are you in danger of turning your back on the Lord?  Can we help you turn your life around?

D.    Are you outside of Christ?  Obey Him today!

E.    I N V I T A T I O N