THE CONSEQUENCES OF STRAYING FROM GOD By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Hebrews 10:26-27 – "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."
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Introduction
The world is full of distractions that pull people away from God. Many who once walked faithfully with Him have allowed the lure of sin to deceive them into believing that worldly pleasures can satisfy their souls. However, the truth remains: straying from God comes with dire consequences. Those who abandon His ways to indulge in temporary pleasures risk not only losing their peace but also their eternal destiny. In these perilous times, God's wrath is being revealed against all ungodliness, and those who have hardened their hearts against Him will face judgment. This article delves into the dangers of turning away from God, the consequences of such decisions, and the call to remain faithful.
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The Deception of Sin and Its Consequences
Hebrews 3:12 – "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God."
One of the greatest deceptions people fall into is believing they can enjoy sin for a season and then return to God without consequences. Many who once walked with Him have been ensnared by worldly desires and, in the process, lost their way. The devil and his demons seek to keep them in captivity, making it increasingly difficult for them to return to the path of righteousness. Those who abandon their faith often find themselves in deep misery, realizing too late that the world's pleasures are empty and destructive.
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The Tragic Fate of Those Who Stray
Proverbs 14:12 – "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
Throughout history, many have turned away from God, believing they could find greater fulfillment elsewhere. However, their choices only led to desolation and destruction. Those who stray from God do not find lasting happiness; rather, they find themselves trapped in darkness, bound by sin, and subject to judgment. The reality is that multitudes who stray from the path never return—they perish in their rebellion.
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The Danger of Unfaithfulness to God
James 4:4 – "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
God calls His people to faithfulness. When believers turn to the world, they commit spiritual adultery. Unfaithfulness to God leads to separation from His presence, and those who persist in such rebellion become useless for His purposes. Instead of walking in divine wisdom, they walk in confusion and are ultimately overtaken by the same darkness they pursued.
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The Rule of Wicked Leaders and Its Consequences
Proverbs 29:2 – "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn."
Many nations today are ruled by leaders who are under the influence of demonic forces. These leaders deceive the people into following wicked and destructive paths. They claim to have the people’s best interests at heart, yet they impose policies that lead to moral decay and suffering. Those who place their trust in such leaders are often led astray, believing false promises of security and prosperity. However, God's judgment will be upon these rulers, and their wickedness will be exposed for all to see.
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The Judgment of the Wicked
Romans 1:18 – "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness."
The judgment of God is inevitable. Those who persist in wickedness and rebellion will face His wrath. The leaders who have promoted deception and wickedness will be exposed and will suffer the consequences of their evil deeds. Their so-called power is temporary, and their downfall is certain. God will not allow wickedness to prevail indefinitely.
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A Call to Faithfulness and Dedication
Revelation 3:11 – "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."
In these dark times, believers must remain steadfast in their faith. The world offers fleeting pleasures, but true satisfaction is found only in God. He calls His people to remain dedicated, to stand firm in righteousness, and to resist the temptations of sin. Those who stay faithful will be kept by His power and will inherit His promises.
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Summary
Straying from God leads to destruction. Many who have abandoned their faith find themselves lost in sin, trapped by demonic influences, and facing inevitable judgment. Wicked rulers lead nations into darkness, and those who trust in them will suffer the consequences. However, God remains faithful to those who seek Him. He calls His people to stand firm, remain dedicated, and resist the deception of the world.
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Conclusion
The world is full of deception, and those who turn away from God are in grave danger. Sin promises pleasure but delivers pain and destruction. God desires faithfulness from His people and calls them to stay on the path of righteousness. Those who remain steadfast will be rewarded, but those who persist in rebellion will face judgment.
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Call to Action
Examine your heart today. Are you walking faithfully with God, or have you allowed the world to pull you away? If you have strayed, return to Him now before it is too late. Stay committed to righteousness, resist the devil, and remain steadfast in the faith.
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Final Word of Encouragement
God’s mercy is still available. No matter how far you may have strayed, He is willing to forgive those who sincerely repent. Do not delay—turn back to Him today, and He will restore you.
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You in repentance. I acknowledge that I have sinned and strayed from Your ways. I ask for Your forgiveness and mercy. Wash me clean with the blood of Jesus and restore me to Your path of righteousness. I confess Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, and I surrender my life to You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in Your truth. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
