Definition (Backsliding): “Going your way instead of God’s way.”

STAND: I Samuel 27:1, 2

· David flees to land of Philistines to escape Saul

· Family reunited (v.3)

· Saul gives up chase (v. 4)

· David given own town (v. 6)

· Looks good?

1. Position of Compromise with the World (28:1, 2)

· Philistines to invade Israel land

· David expected to fight with Philistines

· David expected to do something he doesn’t want to do

2. Position of Condemnation by the World (29:1-4)

· Philistines don’t want Hebrews to fight with them

· Even the world doesn’t trust backsliders

3. Position of Conviction through the World (vv. 6, 9)

· David invaded Philistine land, killed everyone, stole property (27:8-12)

· Lied when asked about it

· Must have been great conviction to be called “angel of God”

· God is not limited how He produces conviction

4. Position of Captivity in the World (30:1-6a)

· Two things lost in backsliding

· Family (v. 3)

· Leadership (v. 6)

It doesn’t end there!!

5. Position of Cleansing from the World (v. 6b)

Example: A squirrel jumps out in front of you but you miss it (darn, right?). The squirrel decides to go straight back to where it came from because it thinks something BAD will happen to it if it keeps on going. Sometimes animals have better sense than us Christians!

· Is there such thing as “Successful Backsliding?” No

· Which way are you going? Your way or God’s way?