Bible study: Backsliding, sin, and repentance

Bible study: Backsliding, sin, and repentance

Posted on February 2, 2009

 Memorise: “The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon” (Psalm 92:12)

Read: Psalm 92:12-15

 Pastor E. ADEBOYE

Job 14:7-10 says a tree can stage a comeback after a cut or fall. To show that a tree is alive, after a blow on its branch or stem, it immediately prepares for a come back. On the other hand, Ecclesiastes 11:3 talks of another type of tree which falls but never attempts to recover. This shows no sign of life as it remains wherever it falls. It is a log of wood.

How you handle a fall, or blow determines whether you are a tree or a log of wood. Proverbs 16:18 says refusing to rise after a fall attracts destruction.

“The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon” (Psalm 92:12).

 Believers are compared to a tree but if there are no signs of life in an individual, that fellow becomes a log of wood that would soon be used up as firewood. In those areas you have fallen, God wants you to rise up. If you are like the palm tree, no cut or hit can keep you down. You will surely rise.

 The Lord is very concerned about your return to your first love. Make fresh attempts at giving Him the same attention you use to. If you are now legitimately occupied, take the matter to Him, and ask Him to guide you on how to effectively make time for Him. Those who choose to remain a log of wood risk being separated from God permanently!

Your point of fall is a bus stop: never turn it into your final destination! If you failed in an exam, don’t die at failure bus stop. Success is your goal while Heaven is your ultimate destination.

Another lesson about a fall is that your greatest victory or breakthrough comes after recovery from a fall. In Judges 16:30, after Samson’s recovery from a fall, he killed more enemies than before his fall. If only you can pursue a recovery from where you have fallen, you can get your greatest breakthrough!

We also learn that if you turn your weakness to the Lord, He can turn your weak point into your strongest. Peter appeared bold and forward, but he was chicken hearted. He was a coward who could not even stand a house girl!

But when he left it for the Lord, he became so bold and courageous, that he could withstand any council or army, to defend his faith or belief. To come out of your fall, examine yourself and identify areas you have fallen.

Repent. Return to what you used to do that glorify God. Confess your fault to your prayer partner for support (James 5:16). Make fresh attempts where you failed before and the Lord will see you through.
Have you fallen in faith and feel so discouraged and disappointed? Be encouraged and return to God. Ask Him to carry you henceforth by His strength.