“Embracing Change To Experience Life!” Genesis 13:1-13; Hosea 4:16

“For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer…..” “…. But Israel is stubborn like a young cow that runs away again and again…..” Hosea 4:16….

“Backsliding starts in such a subtle way that most of us are not aware of it, and many of us may be backslidden and may not realize it.”

Backsliding is turning away from God in one’s heart and loving forbidden things (1 Kings 11:9). Backsliding is turning away from God in one’s heart and loving forbidden things (1 Kings 11:9).

Backsliding is leaving one’s first love for Christ (Revelation 2:4). Backsliding is leaving one’s first love for Christ (Revelation 2:4).

Backsliding is failing to walk in the light in fellowship with God (1 John 1:5-9). Backsliding is failing to walk in the light in fellowship with God (1 John 1:5-9).

A backslidden Christian is one whose communion with Christ is waning and whose faith is weakening. A backslidden Christian is one whose communion with Christ is waning and whose faith is weakening.

Loss of heavenly values Loss of conviction of sin Lazy in service Putting people’s word ahead of God’s Word Loss of testimony Loss of heavenly values Loss of conviction of sin Lazy in service Putting people’s word ahead of God’s Word Loss of testimony

Observe the subtle steps in Lot’s backsliding… Observe the subtle steps in Lot’s backsliding… Genesis 13:1-13

“Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram also had flocks and herds and tents.” Genesis 13:5….

Lot had possessions, but there is no mention of an ALTAR. i)

ii) iii)

“Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt.” “Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt.” Genesis 13:10….

Spiritual desires only come when there is communion with God. Spiritual desires only come when there is communion with God.

i) Lot had a desire for PROFIT ii) Lot had a desire for PLEASURE iii) Lot had a desire for POSITION

“So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company.” Genesis 13:11….

i) Standards are gone ii) Seed is gone (Genesis 13:11) iii) Spouse is gone iv) Sway Is gone Integrity and influence are gone (Genesis 19:14)

 Examine your faith-life regularly.

 If you find yourself drifting away, turn back immediately.

 Come to God daily for forgiveness and cleansing.

 Continue daily seeking the Lord with your whole heart.

 Stay in the Word of God; keep studying and learning daily.

 Stay in fellowship often with other believers.

 Stand firm in your faith. Expect difficult times in your Christian life. All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:22)

 Persevere.

 Run the race to win.

 Remind yourself of what God has done for you in the past.

Any time a man tries to get along without God, he will become a loser! Any time a man tries to get along without God, he will become a loser!