We can fall from grace 5/27/12
a) In the physical realm as well as the spiritual realm, people collapse day after day.
b) Some falls are gradual and others are immediate.
c) As we think about our topic, let’s bear in mind some basic truths about falling in the spiritual realm.
d) It is possible to fall, falling is frequently a process, and some do not fall as far or as hard as others.
2) Individuals can fall – we probably already know this – but so can congregations.
3) Rev. 1:13 – READ
4) Jesus is described as “walking” among the “candlesticks” (some translations might say “lampstands”).
5) At the end of Rev. 1:20 we are told what the “candlesticks” (lampstands) in verse 13 represent.
6) In Rev. 1:20 John said the candlesticks represent the local congregations of Christ’s church.
a) By combining Rev. 1:13, 20 we learn that Jesus is “walking” among the congregations of His people.
b) The Lord knows exactly what is going in the place where worship.
7) Rev. 2:5 is the first verse to look at from this chapter – READ
8) Can a congregation of Christ’s church fall? Yes!
9) After saying this congregation had fallen Jesus issued a command: “Repent.”
10) If we – individually or congregationally – fall, can we be restored? Yes.
a) The Bible says God does not want anyone (individually) to perish (2 Pet. 3:9).
11) Gal. 1:6 – READ
12) Gal. 5:4 – READ
WHY PEOPLE AND CONGREGATIONS FALL.
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2) Rev. 2:4 – READ
3) Rev. 2:14 was written to another congregation and it gives us another reason why some fall – READ
4) False doctrine causes people and congregations to fall.
5) Another path to falling from a right relationship with God is found in Rev. 2:20 – READ
6) Rev. 3:1 – READ
7) Rev. 3:15 -16– READ
HOW DO WE PREVENT FALLING IN OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE AND IN THE PLACE WHERE WE WORSHIP?
1) Rev. 3:19 – READ
2) Rev. 3:13 tells us we need to “hear” what the Spirit says through His word (all 7 churches were told to hear).
3) Rev. 3:12 tells us to be an “overcomer” (this word is associated with each congregation described in Rev. 2-3).
4) Rev. 3:2-3 tells us to “watch” – this is another way we avoid falling.
5) We need to “keep God’s works to the end” (Rev. 2:26). Verse 25 says “hold fast” what is right.
6) If we avoid the “deep things of Satan” (Rev. 2:24) we take another step against falling.
7) We repeatedly work at avoiding immorality (sin), Rev. 2:20 and false teaching (2:14).
8) If we do not want to fall, we refuse to “Deny the faith” (Rev. 2:13).
9) If we are faithful to death – even to the point of being killed for Christianity (Rev. 2:10) – we avoid another type of fall.
10) We must “cling” to Christ and our first love (Rev. 2:4) if we want to avoid falling.
11) Falling physically is a terrible, terrible thing.
12) Falling spiritually can have eternal consequences.
