Deuteronomy 4:29
Chuck Smith teaches on the process of backsliding and how to find God again through seeking Him with all your heart and soul.
Chuck Smith addresses the theme of backsliding, emphasizing the gradual process of turning away from God, which often begins with self-corruption and the creation of idols in our lives. He warns that this path can lead to a loss of possession, power, and influence, ultimately resulting in a lonely existence devoid of true fulfillment. However, he reassures that no matter how far one has strayed, seeking the Lord with all one's heart will lead to finding Him and restoring what was lost. The sermon encourages believers to turn back to God, highlighting His constant presence and readiness to restore those who seek Him earnestly.
Text
BACKSLIDING
Intro: "Ye did run well, what did hinder you"? "Thou has left thy first love"
I. THE PROCESS OF BACKSLIDING vs. 25.
A. "When . . . thou shalt corrupt yourself."
1. Self corruption is devotion to anything lower than the highest.
2. The highest is that revelation of Jesus Christ given to us by the Spirit.
3. The first step of backsliding often takes place in a Summer Camp or in a
Bible Conference.
B. "When . . . ye shall make a graven image".
1. You say the figure of speech now breaks down men no longer make graven
images.
2. A graven image is a thing that a man creates for himself when he has
lost fellowship with the one true God.
a. It may be knowledge.
b. It may be wealth . . . subtly by which they creep in.
c. It may be pleasure.
3. How can I know if I have made an idol?
a. Whatever I am devoting my real thinking or real
energies.
b. A minister may make an idol of his church.
C. "When . . . ye shall do that which is evil in the sight of the Lord".
1. The path away from God though so slight to begin with,
given time will lead far away.
2. Definite, open, avowed sin.
D. What is the final issue? vs. 26,27.
1. . Loss of possession.
a. Judas did not spend one coin.
b. That which you have you do not truly possess.
2. Loss of power.
3. Loss of influence.
4. Serving gods that cannot see, hear, eat or smell.
a. We become slaves of the gods we have made.
b. When our hearts are lonely & we cry for help.
no voice to answer. no eye to pity. no ear to hear our cry
of distress.
c. Is there someone here that has arrived at this place of
loneliness?
listen.
II. "IF FROM THENCE THOU SHALT, SEEK THE LORD THY GOD, THOU SHALT FIND HIM."
A. No matter how far the distance may seem God is as near as your breath.
B. Notice what we are to seek. "The Lord thy God."
1. Not the lost possessions.
2. Not the lost power.
3. Not the lost influence.
4. Search for God turn back to Him.
C. If you have strayed far from God, the path back may not be an easy one.
1. Put blood & passion into it . "Seek Him with all your heart and soul".
III. "THOU SHALT FIND HIM."
A. This is certain because it is you who changed, not Him.
1. It is you who ran.
2. It is you who tried to hide.
3. Scripture always speaks of men being reconciled to God.
4. You say - I am in a strange country I am in a desert pIace.
B. Finding Him you will find all things restored.
1. The land will be repossessed.
a. Jimmy Renolds & a Nasturtium leaf.
2. Loss power and influence.
C. A God who lives, sees, breathes, lives and caresses.
Sermon Outline
- The Process of Backsliding vs. 25
- If From Thence Thou Shalt, Seek the Lord Thy God, Thou Shalt Find Him
- Thou Shalt Find Him
- A points: - This is certain because it is you who changed, not Him - Finding Him you will find all things restored
- B points: - The land will be repossessed - You will regain your power and influence
- C points: - Put blood & passion into it. Seek Him with all your heart and soul
- D points: - Loss of possession - Loss of power - Loss of influence
Key Quotes
“No matter how far the distance may seem God is as near as your breath.” — Chuck Smith
“You must seek the Lord thy God with all your heart and soul.” — Chuck Smith
“Finding Him you will find all things restored.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize the first step of backsliding and take action to prevent further drift away from God.
- Identify and break free from any idols that may be hindering your relationship with God.
- Seek the Lord thy God with all your heart and soul to find restoration and redemption.