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The bell-buoy must ring out over the rock all the time because the rock is there all the time. The reason the Bible warns so much about backsliding is because we are always in danger of backsliding. A disease may be eating our life away; our ship in the fog may be drifting upon a rocky coast. We are only in the greater danger if not aware of it. Backsliding begins unexpectedly: like a dangerous disease, it steals into our system so secretly that the utmost vigilance is necessary lest we be taken unawares.

I. Let us know, first, THAT BACKSLIDING BEGINS IN THE HEART. The leaves of a fruit-tree begin to fade, curl up, and wither; no fulness of life, no fruit. You suspect a worm — something gnawing at the seat of life — the heart. Men fall as trees do — after gradual decay at the heart (Proverbs 4:23; Hosea 10:2).

II. Well to remember, also, THAT A BACKSLIDER IN HEART IS NOT ALWAYS A BACKSLIDER IN LIFE. Indeed, he is often a zealous worker in external things; shows honest pride in all Church success. Also keeps up the forms of personal and public Christian duty faithfully, etc. But the form without the power (2 Timothy 3:5). Rich — poor (Revelation 3:17).

III. Note, also, SOME OF THE SIGNS OR INDICATIONS OF HAVING BACKSLIDDEN.

1. Loss of relish for private devotions. He may keep them up, but does not enjoy them as formerly (John 15:9).

2. Loss of interest in God's Word. He may continue to read, but not to love as before (Psalm 119:11, 97).

3. Thinking lightly of sin (Song of Solomon 2:5; Genesis 19:20).

4. Loss of zeal in spiritual work. He does no soul-winning work (2 Timothy 4:2).

IV. Again, consider WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CAUSES OF BACKSLIDING.

1. Getting off guard. Unwatched avenues of approach (Mark 14:38).

2. Love of the world. When the world is in, Christ is out (1 John 2:15).

3. The habitual neglect of a single known duty (Jonah 1:1-3).

4. The habitual indulgence of a single known sin. Compromising; sparing the little one, etc. (2 Samuel 12:7).

V. Lastly, bear in mind SOME OF THE RESULTS OF BACKSLIDING IN HEART. "Shall be filled with his own ways." Not God's ways for His followers.

1. With ways of doubt. Backsliding in heart, how often doubt begins! (Psalm 73:11). 2, Ways of fault-finding. Everything looks weary because the heart is wrong (Exodus 16:2, 3).

3. Ways of alienation. Forsaking the Saviour and His service (Malachi 3:13-15).

4. Ways of despair. Saddest human condition (1 Samuel 28:6, 15). Are you conscious of having backslidden even the least?

(Evangelist.)

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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.