Return From Backsliding
Returning to the Lord with repentance and faith is the key to restoration and being built up.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of returning to God after experiencing the consequences of sin and backsliding. He highlights that sin can lead to spiritual ruin and that true restoration comes from sincere repentance and faith in the Almighty. Spurgeon reassures that God is willing and able to rebuild and restore those who turn back to Him, urging listeners not to delay in their return. He stresses that acknowledging one's folly and seeking God's mercy is both a duty and a wise choice, as the Lord's power to punish is matched by His ability to heal and restore. Ultimately, Spurgeon encourages a heartfelt confession and humble faith as the path to peace and restoration.
Text
If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up. (Job 22:23)
Eliphaz, in this utterance, spoke a great truth, which is the summary of many an inspired Scripture. Reader, has sin pulled you down? Have you become like a ruin? Has the hand of the Lord gone out against you so that in estate you are impoverished and in spirit you are broken down? Was it your own folly which brought upon you all this dilapidation? Then the first thing to be done is to return to the Lord. With deep repentance and sincere faith find your way back from your backsliding. It is you" duty, for you have turned away from Him whom you professed to serve. It is your wisdom, for you cannot strive against Him and prosper.
It is your immediate necessity, for what He has done is nothing compared to what He may do in the way of chastisement, since He is Almighty to punish.
See what a promise invites you! You shall be "built up." None but the Almighty can set up the fallen pillars and restore the tottering walls of your condition; but He can and He will do it if you return to Him. Do not delay. Your crushed mind may quite fail you if you go on to rebel; but hearty confession will ease you, and humble faith will console you. Do this, and all will be well.
Sermon Outline
- The Call to Return
- The Necessity of Return
- The Promise of Restoration
- You shall be built up
- The Almighty can restore your condition
- It is your immediate necessity
Key Quotes
“If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“None but the Almighty can set up the fallen pillars and restore the tottering walls of your condition;” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Recognize your backsliding and take immediate action to return to the Lord.
- Acknowledge your folly and humble yourself before God.
- Return to the Lord with deep repentance and sincere faith to experience restoration.