Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. Only case in English Bible where the word "backslider" occurs. I. DESCRIBE WHAT BACKSLIDING IN HEART IS. To some the experience which we call "conversion " is more consciously definite than to others. Recall the experience. If the love then felt has not continued, there is backsliding in heart. The experience is compatible with great zeal and activity, with the maintenance of sound discipline, and with decided orthodoxy. The backslider in heart is thus described in the Word of God: he has lost his first love; he is lukewarm in spirit; mixed up with the world; double-minded and faint-hearted. II. SOME OF THE THINGS THAT CONDUCE TO BACKSLIDING OF HEART. 1. Neglect of the Word of God. Most, if not all, such backsliding may be traced to this neglect. 2. Neglect of private prayer. 3. Suffering sin to remain unconfessed. 4. Want of Christian activity. 5. Not making public profession of our love to Christ. III. HOW TO DEAL WITH THE BACKSLIDER IN HEART. "He is filled with his own ways." It is not easy to awaken his interest. It is always difficult to reach his conscience. Argument does not succeed. The only thing to do is to bring them back to their first experience. They must come to Jesus afresh. (W. P. Lockhart.) Parallel Verses KJV: The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.WEB: The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways; likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways. |
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