What to do when you’ve back slid

KingFisher97

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I am at a loss for words... God delivered me from a inappropriate content habit nearly two years ago and I find myself back in inappropriate content for the first time in two years... does this show that I’m not truly saved? Why have I back slid?
 

LoveGodsWord

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Change your mind and return to God like the prodigal son. JESUS is waiting with opened arms to receive you. There is more joy in heaven for one sinner that repents and returns to God then the 99 that have never strayed. If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us from our sins and if we ask him to cleanse us from them *1 John 1:9. If we continue in our sins however he will not hear us. For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again...
 
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KingFisher97

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Change your mind and return to God like the prodigal son. JESUS is waiting with opened arms to receive you. There is more joy in heaven for one sinner that repents and returns to God then the 99 that have never strayed. If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us from our sins and if we ask him to cleanse us from them *1 John 1:9. If we continue in our sins however he will not hear us.
I know that by repenting we turn from our sin but this has been a backsliding that has become recurrent (3 times in the past two weeks). I want to turn away from it with all my heart and return back to God but I’m afraid He has given me up to a debased mind because things going on in my life recently.
 
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LoveGodsWord

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I know that by repenting we turn from our sin but this has been a backsliding that has become recurrent (3 times in the past two weeks). I want to turn away from it with all my heart and return back to God but I’m afraid He has given me up to a debased mind because things going on in my life recently.

God never leaves us or forsakes us. We are the ones that leave and forsake God. We do this be forsaking his Word and prayer. Look at the example of the prodigal son. We cannot save ourselves from our sins but if we have faith in God's Word it is God who gives us power to walk in newness of life. Seek him through his Word and his promises and prayer and claim his promises. You cannot save yourself it is faith in God's Word which is his power that saves all those who believe and follow him. God has not left you dear friend. He love you and is waiting with outstretched arms for you to return to him *Isaiah 44:22; John 8:31-36.
 
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Aussie Pete

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I am at a loss for words... God delivered me from a inappropriate content habit nearly two years ago and I find myself back in inappropriate content for the first time in two years... does this show that I’m not truly saved? Why have I back slid?
Usually it's because we take our deliverance for granted. We get complacent, forget to thank our Deliverer and Satan sneaks in under our guard. Salvation depends on what Jesus has done, not our behaviour. No, it's not good that you've fallen back into sin. Confess and thank God for forgiving you. Command the evil spirit to get off your life and resist every temptation that comes your way. Easy? No. Impossible? Not at all. God's grace is sufficient.
 
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Kenny'sID

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I know that by repenting we turn from our sin but this has been a backsliding that has become recurrent (3 times in the past two weeks). I want to turn away from it with all my heart and return back to God but I’m afraid He has given me up to a debased mind because things going on in my life recently.

No, if you are this concerned about it, that in itself makes it clear he has not given you up to reprobate mind. If he had, you would be unremorsful.

Remember if we are to forgive 7x70, or a lot, how much more will God forgive. Godknows you are his sheep, as you are clearly remorseful and just by being here shows you are trying, so for people like you, he is slow to anger. You are fine, just repent as many times as necessary, as you try, and try again. I assure you, it can be done.

The key is, as soon as it enters your mind, and you realize it, stop thinking about it. But if you have gone sometime without, you probably know that already.

Don't give up on yourself.
 
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St_Worm2

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I am at a loss for words... God delivered me from a inappropriate content habit nearly two years ago and I find myself back in inappropriate content for the first time in two years... does this show that I’m not truly saved? Why have I back slid?
Hello KingFisher97, as Christians, we have been given a new self/new nature, but our old self/old nature remains in the background (on this side of the grave), and it rears its ugly head whenever it can/whenever we allow it to (so in a very real sense, our new nature is in a constant battle against our old nature). That's why we need to keep our eyes turned towards the Lord .. cf Psalms 37:4, renew our minds in His word, and to do our best to allow ourselves to become conformed to this world and its lusts again (and we must do so everyday/moment by moment by moment when necessary, in fact) .. e.g. Joshua 1:8; Psalms 1:1-3, 119:105; John 17:17; Romans 12:2; 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Ephesians 4
22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds;
24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

The good news is found here .. 1 John 1:9, so ask God to forgive you and restore you to full fellowship with Him and He will do so (because He promised us that He would), and turn away from the inappropriate content.

If you are tempted to look again, take that thought "captive" .. 2 Corinthians 10:5 and give it over to the Lord to deal with before it turns from temptation into sin, again and again and again, if necessary (I believe that this is also the principle way that we obey the command from James 4:7, to "resist the devil", and the way that we receive the promise from God that comes along with that command, "and he will flee from you" :oldthumbsup:).

And if you sin again, just ask Him to forgive you again and He will :) (God is interested in our being free from sin, but that's not possible for us on our own, apart from a living/growing relationship with Him, so our relationship with Him is the most important thing, first and foremost)

God bless you!

--David

Psalms 119:9,11
How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. Thy word I have ~treasured~ in my heart, that I may not sin against Thee.

.
 
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Josephus

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It just means you have a higher mountain to climb. Keep climbing. Never stop. Even if you fall back all the way to the bottom. Just keep climbing. It's in the constant climbing, the constant refusal to stay down, that you will get stronger and stronger. Keep working on yourself, and address the issues that bring you to depression, and loneliness, and dissatisfaction. Never stop climbing. Never give up and stay down. G-d bless. It is possible to climb out of it with His help. Always ask for His help to guard your eyes, and heart, and emotions, and thoughts, and actions. Daily. Every hour at first. But certainly every day and night. And He will help as you make an effort to ask for His help. We can't ever do it 100% alone. Sure a couple battles here and there, but our evil inclination likes to trick us so we can fall even harder. The moment we think we can do it alone, we start to slip. Always ask for His help. Set up barriers and guards. He will show you.
 
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WDSobieski

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I feel the same but the last few weeks might be the pull factors bringing me back to God. I had a really horrible breakdown and then hospitalised for a week, also after moving I was overwhelmed with lots of procedures, such as changing info at the town hall, bank, mobile carrier, health insurance, university and also TV broadcast, bureaucracy is unfortunately a huge thing in Germany. When things started to go back to the right track, I realised that God never gives up on me despite how horrible I am even by secular standards. While never killed a person or hurt somebody consciously, I admit I am sometimes unconsciously condescending towards people outside my "white list" and also judge people quickly by their traits (their religion, beliefs, appearance, social class, origin...).

Sometimes I list out something which I thank God for, even for something mundane which could help myself looking beyond my blindspots, I admit I become jealous extremely easy and put my anger not only on random people, but also God. I feel extremely bad about this afterwards.
 
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KingFisher97

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No, if you are this concerned about it, that in itself makes it clear he has not given you up to reprobate mind. If he had, you would be unremorsful.

Remember if we are to forgive 7x70, or a lot, how much more will God forgive. Godknows you are his sheep, as you are clearly remorseful and just by being here shows you are trying, so for people like you, he is slow to anger. You are fine, just repent as many times as necessary, as you try, and try again. I assure you, it can be done.

The key is, as soon as it enters your mind, and you realize it, stop thinking about it. But if you have gone sometime without, you probably know that already.

Don't give up on yourself.
I think a huge issue is that I didn’t find my satisfaction in God like John Piper says. It hurts me that I obeyed my flesh and turned my back to God because He was not satisfaction enough. I’m
 
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Kenny'sID

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I think a huge issue is that I didn’t find my satisfaction in God like John Piper says. It hurts me that I obeyed my flesh and turned my back to God because He was not satisfaction enough. I’m

In a way, it was good that it hurt you...it shows you care.

You'll be fine.
 
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I am at a loss for words... God delivered me from a inappropriate content habit nearly two years ago and I find myself back in inappropriate content for the first time in two years... does this show that I’m not truly saved? Why have I back slid?
Looks like todays scripture message is for you!
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
As Christians we continually repent "renew the mind" as we are still in our flesh. We have an advocate with The Father so rest in this truth. Be blessed.
 
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NBB

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I think a huge issue is that I didn’t find my satisfaction in God like John Piper says. It hurts me that I obeyed my flesh and turned my back to God because He was not satisfaction enough. I’m

After i started praying every day, i didn't need being in my knees i would just be doing something and praying, i got more satisfaction from God, and its something that fills me, and is better than the worldy things, and gives better satisfaction even if you are passing a hard time, we need to stay in contact with God trhough prayer, and the problem you have, the solution is prayer also, so ask ask ask, insist insist, if you don't know what to say, just ask for help, ask that you want more, ask again.

A pastor the other day said, what is the secret this or that minister have? there is no secret, its just praying.

God bless
 
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1watchman

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I am at a loss for words... God delivered me from a inappropriate content habit nearly two years ago and I find myself back in inappropriate content for the first time in two years... does this show that I’m not truly saved? Why have I back slid?

Indulging the flesh is the problem! You need to "slide" forward rather than back, if you have already received the Lord Jesus into your heart as Savior and Lord of your life.
 
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NerdGirl

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I am at a loss for words... God delivered me from a inappropriate content habit nearly two years ago and I find myself back in inappropriate content for the first time in two years... does this show that I’m not truly saved? Why have I back slid?

Because you're still a human living in a fallen world full of sinful temptations.

Confess it and repent of it immediately. Do whatever you have to do to get away from the sinful material. If you have a trusted male pastor or strong Christian brother who can hold you accountable, talk to them so you have someone beside you to keep you on track. Don't suffer through it alone, please.

God is patient and long-suffering. He knows that we're weak and made of dust and so easily beset by sin. But don't take advantage of His grace. Please seek help and get back on track!
 
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NerdGirl

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I know that by repenting we turn from our sin but this has been a backsliding that has become recurrent (3 times in the past two weeks). I want to turn away from it with all my heart and return back to God but I’m afraid He has given me up to a debased mind because things going on in my life recently.

The fact that you're still trying to claw your way back to Him through these temptations and failures is proof that He hasn't given up on you. Don't YOU give up, either. Fight!
 
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