I. The Warning (v. 10)-not to despise the little ones!
II. The Reality (v. 12)
The reality of believers going astray — wandering from the path.
• FIVE THINGS: 1. Be honest — call a spade a spade — say, "Mark, you are slipping; cooling down – being led astray." 2. Repent and confess. Say, "Lord, I've have been playing a deadly game — please have mercy on me. Don't let me live this soul killing life. I turn to you and confess my sins. Forgive me; have mercy Lord — I come to you in faith with all my heart." 3. Double down on setting aside time to read, meditate, and pray. Carve out time each day — you would rather skip all meals, let sleep flee from you, cast off any and all entertainment — Go to God through His Word and Prayer! 4. Cut off all stumbling blocks. You know what is holding you back, you know what environment, people, circumstances, things, objects are leading you astray. For some its friends, for others it's a particular environment, etc. 5. Do it today, in the car, at home, as you drive. Cry out to him! DO NOT procrastinate.
III. The Joy (vv. 12-14)
God delights in and rejoices in seeing His own return. Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit and His sovereign providential dealings — He brings them back and rejoices to see them once again acknowledge his God, his Lord and Savior. |
