The Consequences of Turning Away from God By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: “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.” (Hebrews 10:26-27, KJV)
Introduction
In a world steeped in deception and sin, the divine message delivered through inspiration calls believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God. The warning is clear: those who turn away from God, the fountain of living waters, to indulge in the filthy waters of sin face dire consequences. This lesson delves into the sobering reality of spiritual adultery, where individuals who once knew God’s truth choose to forsake it for the fleeting pleasures of the world. The message highlights the folly of such choices, the wrath that follows, and the urgent need for God’s people to stay faithful. Through a detailed exploration of the inspired words, this teaching will examine the dangers of straying from God, the deceptive nature of sin, and the call to live in contentment and devotion to the One True God. By anchoring ourselves in His truth, we can avoid the despair and destruction that await those who go a whoring from Him.
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The Folly of Spiritual Adultery
The message begins with a stark depiction of those who have chosen to go a whoring from God, turning away from Him as the source of living waters. These individuals, once claiming to be God’s people, have indulged in sin, worshipping other gods and proving themselves to be spiritual adulterers. Their actions estrange them from God, leading to despair and destruction. The imagery of forsaking living waters for filthy ones underscores the foolishness of choosing sin over righteousness.
“For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.” (Jeremiah 2:13, KJV)
This scripture vividly illustrates the error of abandoning God for worthless substitutes. The pursuit of sin offers no lasting satisfaction, only leading to spiritual drought and death.
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The Consequences of Sin After Knowing the Truth
Those who have known Jesus Christ and then turn to sin are described as fools who choose death over life. Their deliberate rejection of God’s way places them under His wrath, as they have spurned the truth they once embraced. The message emphasizes that such actions are not trivial in God’s sight; they are “more than bad” because they reflect a purposeful turning away from His righteousness. These individuals, deceived by the world’s lies, are double transgressors, twice dead in their sins.
“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.” (2 Peter 2:21, KJV)
This verse highlights the gravity of turning away from the truth after receiving it. The knowledge of Christ carries a responsibility to remain faithful, and rejecting it invites severe judgment.
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The Deceptive Nature of Sin
The message warns against the enemy’s lies that some sins are “not that bad.” This deception leads people down a destructive path, where sin’s allure blinds them to its consequences. The world, ruled by the father of lies, is full of deceptions that entice individuals to forsake God’s truth. Those who believe these lies find themselves on a downward road, traveling at high speed toward their own destruction. The message underscores that sin’s pleasures are fleeting, leading only to despair and the open mouth of hell.
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12, KJV)
This scripture serves as a sobering reminder that the path of sin, though appealing, leads to death. Believers must guard against the deceptive promises of the world and remain rooted in God’s truth.
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The Epidemic of Sin and Its Spread
The sins of those who turn from God are not isolated; they spread like an epidemic, influencing others and even future generations. The message describes how the folly of spiritual adultery affects not only the individual but also those around them, perpetuating a cycle of destruction. This contagious nature of sin underscores the importance of remaining faithful to God, as our choices impact others beyond ourselves.
“Behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23, KJV)
This verse reminds us that sin has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the sinner but also those within their sphere of influence. Believers are called to live as examples of righteousness to counter this epidemic.
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The False Hope of Returning Later
Some who stray from God believe they can return to Him later, but the message warns that few do. Hardened by pride and sin, they continue down the path to destruction, unwilling to humble themselves. The voracious nature of hell is highlighted, eagerly awaiting those who persist in their rebellion. This serves as a call to immediate repentance, as delaying can lead to a hardened heart that cannot return.
“Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” (Isaiah 55:6, KJV)
This scripture urges immediate action, emphasizing the urgency of returning to God before it is too late. The window of opportunity for repentance is not guaranteed to remain open indefinitely.
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The Call to Faithfulness and Fruitfulness
God’s people are called to remain true and faithful, avoiding the worship of other gods and the ways of the world. The message encourages believers to desire to please God and bear fruit for His kingdom. Through the shed blood of Jesus, they have the privilege of salvation, a priceless gift that secures their place in eternal life. This call to faithfulness is a reminder of the purpose and joy found in living for God.
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:7-8, KJV)
Abiding in Christ leads to a fruitful life that glorifies God. Believers are called to remain steadfast, producing fruit that reflects their devotion to Him.
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The Deceit of Riches and Worldly Lusts
The message warns against the pursuit of riches and worldly pleasures, which are deceitful and lead to death. Those who sell their souls for wealth or luxury fall into the arms of death, as the world’s trinkets cannot provide true security. God is the safety of His people, and contentment in Him is a treasure that brings peace and clarity.
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36, KJV)
This scripture challenges believers to prioritize their souls over worldly gains, recognizing that true security is found only in God.
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Contentment and Gratitude as Treasures
Living in contentment and gratitude is a powerful antidote to the greed and lust of the world. The message highlights that those who abide in God find peace and clarity, free from the vexation of worldly desires. By serving God with an attitude of gratitude, believers gain a deeper understanding of His will and purpose for their lives.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6, KJV)
Contentment in God is a source of great gain, freeing believers from the bondage of worldly desires and aligning them with His perfect plan.
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God’s Wrath and the Need for Warning
The message emphasizes God’s wrath against the wicked, revealed through plagues and natural disasters. These are not acts of pleasure for God but necessary responses to humanity’s rebellion. The example of the great flood serves as a warning that sin has consequences, and believers are called to warn others of the dangers of unrepentant sin.
“The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.” (Nahum 1:3, KJV)
This verse underscores God’s justice, reminding believers to warn others of the consequences of sin while pointing them to the hope of repentance.
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Summary
The message is a powerful call to remain faithful to God in a world filled with deception and sin. Those who turn away from Him face His wrath, falling into despair and destruction. The folly of spiritual adultery, the deceptive nature of sin, and the epidemic spread of iniquity highlight the urgency of staying true to God. Believers are called to reject worldly lusts, live in contentment, and warn others of sin’s consequences. Through Jesus, they have the privilege of salvation and the promise of eternal life, a gift that demands faithfulness and fruitfulness.
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Conclusion
The consequences of turning away from God are severe, leading to spiritual death and eternal separation. Yet, for those who remain faithful, God offers security, contentment, and the joy of abiding in Him. The call to reject the world’s deceptions and embrace God’s truth is urgent, as His wrath is revealed against the wicked. By staying true to Jesus, believers can live in peace and bear fruit for His glory.
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The Call to Action
Remain steadfast in your devotion to God, rejecting the lies of the world and the temptation to stray. Live in gratitude and contentment, trusting in God’s provision. Warn others of the consequences of sin, pointing them to the hope found in Jesus. Seek to bear fruit for God’s kingdom, glorifying Him in all you do.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Take courage, for God is your safety and strength. In a world of deception, His truth remains your anchor. Stay faithful, abide in Christ, and let His love guide you into a life of purpose and peace. You are called to shine as a light in the darkness, reflecting His glory to a lost world.
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A Prayer for Salvation
Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging my sin and need for Your grace. I believe that Jesus Christ, Your Son, died for my sins and rose again to give me eternal life. I repent of my sins and ask You to cleanse me, making me a new creation. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and guide me in Your truth. I surrender my life to You, trusting in Your mercy and love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
