[2 Peter 2:20-22 KJV] “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. [21] For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. [22] But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again, and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire”.
The Bible teaches us that there are some who get entangled again after a while, and their latter end is worse than the former. These are dogs who return to their vomit, or pigs who return to wallow in the mire. The Bible also warns us to be careful about such people because their degeneration can be contagious. You could fall into the same trap if you don’t exercise caution. Very often people who degenerate don’t want to backslide alone so they lead other people astray as well.
Philippians 3:12-15 teaches that you can escape the pitfall of these dogs and pigs if you avoid their company and fellowship if you don’t become complacent and if you mind the same rules by which you have come this far.
The truth is that many of these dogs and backsliders never saw when they were backsliding. They drifted so gradually and smoothly from the truth that they did not recognise when and how it happened. Backsliding is always a gradual process. It is gradual, slow and dangerous.
If you really want to escape the pitfalls of these dogs and escape degeneration, then you must do the following;
- Forget the things which are behind,
- Reach forth towards the things which are before,
- Press on towards the mark
- Avoid the company of backsliders
- Mind the same rules and the same things
It will take a lot of energy to press onto the future. No man will hand over the future to you. You must press into the glorious future. Yesterday is gone and we must “work out our own salvation” today. All we have is today. We don’t have or own tomorrow. We must strive to get better daily. We must strive to press on daily.
Many backslide because they get contaminated by the influence and venom of other backsliders. You can escape if you take heed. The Bible says, if you “think you are standing, take heed, lest you fall.” You can escape if you listen. You should never get to that place in your walk with God that you feel so strong. In your weakness, He is strong. I pray that you listen and be guided. Don’t allow the devil to trap you.
Stay safe, I love you!
Pastor Simpe
