The Anatomy of A Backslider
The Anatomy of A Backslider
The Anatomy of A Backslider
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1. In 2Pe 2:20-22, we read of the real possibility and serious consequences of backsliding
2. It is interesting that we find this passage coming from the inspired pen of Peter...
a) For if anyone knew “firsthand” the reality and dangers of backsliding, it was Peter!
b) As he discovered the night, he denied Jesus!
3. The process of backsliding is a gradual one, often overtaking a person by surprise; and lest we fall
from our own steadfastness...
a) We shall carefully examine the process that led to Peter’s denial of Christ
b) Followed by noticing how Peter’s own words in his epistles are designed to prevent the same from
happening to us!
1. In a boastful manner, Peter claims he will not fall away or deny Christ!
2. In doing so, Peter takes the first step in backsliding: “pride”! - cf. Pro 16:18
3. Why is this the “first” step?
a) Because the first step in entering the kingdom is humility - Mt 18:3-4
b) So, if we lose “humility”, we take that first step backward
4. Paul’s advice to the Corinthians is very apropos in this regard - cf. 1 Co 10:11
1. We now find Peter sitting with the servants of the High Priest and warming himself by the fire
2. Ashamed to be seen with Christ, it becomes easy to mingle with those of the world and enjoy their
comforts
3. But one cannot be “comforted by the fire” of the world, and not be “burned”!
a. Close contact with that which can harm has its effects! - cf. Pr 6:27-29
b. So, it is we cannot “flirt with the world” and walk away untouched! - 1 Co 15:33
4. By the time we become “friends with the world”, it is only a short time before we take the next and
final step of backsliding...
1. Away from Christ, at comfort with those in the world, Peter finds himself denying His Lord and
Savior!
2. In so doing, he has put himself in grave danger - cf. Mt 10:32-33
3. Though we may never actually deny Jesus in “words”, we can easily backslide to the point of denying
Him in “action” ...
a. We are called to worship Him . . . but make excuses why we cannot
b. We are called to serve Him . . . but render little or no service
c. We are called to stand by His side and suffer for His name...but stand afar off in the safety of the
world’s comfort
[When we deny the Lord, our backsliding is complete; unless we repent, the only thing left is to one day
face the Lord, where we will fully realize the error of our ways! For Peter, he fully realized his sin when
the Lord turned and looked at him there in the courtyard (cf. Lk 22:60-62). Imagine the feeling in Peter’s
heart as those eyes of His Savior pierced his soul! Like Judas, Peter wept bitterly over his sin. Unlike
Judas, Peter had “godly sorrow” that results in true repentance (cf. 2 Co 7:10-11). And years later, we
find Peter writing the sort of things that would prevent us from making the same mistake he did...]
CONCLUSION
1. From one who learned by the hard road of experience, let’s heed his advice lest we one day backslide
ourselves, and in so doing deny the Lord! - cf. 2Pe 3:17-18
2. Remember too that when Peter saw the eyes of his Lord, he realized the error of his way...
a. Fortunately for him, there was still time to repent
b. But for us, when we see Jesus “face to face”, the time to repent will be gone...it will be the time
for judgment!