July 31

Luke 22:31‑32
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold Satan hash desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” ―Luke 22:31, 3231And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Luke 22:31‑32).
BACKSLIDING is never a sudden descent from intense spirituality to open sin. Declension is a gradual process, even as growth in grace is that which goes on day by day as one walks with God. The word “backslider” occurs but once in the Bible, and that in Proverbs 14:14,14The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. (Proverbs 14:14) but we frequently find the term “backsliding,” though only in the books of Jeremiah and Hosea. However, although these words are not found in the New Testament, we have many warnings against drifting from experiences once attained, and Peter’s case is a solemn example of backsliding, and shows us how one wrong state or attitude leads to another, until at last one may fall into grave evil-doing and so bring great dishonor upon the name of the Lord whom we profess to love. Peter’s backsliding seems to have begun when he ventured to rebuke Jesus, who had just declared the necessity of going to the cross (Matt. 16:21-2321From that time forth began Jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savorest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (Matthew 16:21‑23)). It was evidently the result of spiritual pride following the Saviour’s commendation because of Peter’s great declaration as to the true nature of His glorious Person. Though so sternly rebuked, we do not read of any confession on Peter’s part, and sin unjudged leads inevitably to something worse as time goes on.
“Thou lovest me! And yet Thy child
Is wayward, foolish, oft defiled;
Is slow to learn and dull to hold,
Quick to forget what Thou hast told;
In service feeble, seeking ease
Ofttimes, instead of Thee to please;
Thus poor my record e’er will be,
And yet, O God, Thou lovest me!”