Joshua 1:7-9

1

• Joshua 17-9
• We often talk about spiritual success
• But sadly, some fail spiritually and leave God
• The consequences are devastating Heb. 1026-31,
  2 Pet. 220-22

2

• ACTIONS THAT CAUSE SPIRITUAL FAILURE

3
Procrastination

• To willfully put something off until later or to
  hesitate in doing what needs to be done

4
Procrastination

• Acts 2425 Felix
• Matt. 252-13 the foolish virgins
• Gen. 1916 Lot lingered in Sodom. Spared by
  the mercy of God!

5
Procrastination

• Often deals with one who will not deal with the
  unpleasant
• Laziness Prov. 2613-16
• Often ones priorities wrong
• Often indecision Jas. 17-8, 48

6
Procrastination

• As Christians we are to be industrious
• Redeem the time Eph. 515-16
• Prov. 66-8, 1224, 189
• NOW is the time Rom. 1311, 2 Cor. 62

7
Procrastination

• When we procrastinate, we might lose
  opportunities that we will never see again.
• Also, it might lead to hardened hearts Heb.
  312-13

8
Blaming others

• Very popular in our society. It is always
  somebody elses fault! Or is it???
• Gen. 310-13, Adam and Eve blamed others
• 1 Sam. 1515, 21, Saul blamed the people

9
Blaming others

• We have to take responsibility for our own
  actions.
• 2 Cor. 510, we will be judged!
• Gal. 65, bear your own load
• Matt. 73-5, remove the plank for your eye first
• Blaming others fails to identify your shortcomings

10
Making excuses

• Similar to blaming others, but more inclusive.
• An excuse is a supposed reason for doing or not
  doing something. An excuse is supposed to make
  your actions acceptable!
• But is it?

11
Making excuses

• Gen. 310-13, where did excuses get Adam and Eve?
• Luke 1415-20, a dinner feast with excuses
• Luke 957-62, Jesus calls for followers
• Matt. 2524-25 one talent

12
Making excuses

• Excuses may buy you time in this life
• But God doesnt accept them
• And when all is said and done, that which has
  been neglected still needs to be addressed.
• If not FAILURE!

13
Refusing to Change

• We need stability
• Eph. 414, Col. 123
• BUT, we should not be so stubborn we refuse to
  change when proven wrong.
• Christians are to be growing, Heb. 512-61

14
Refusing to Change

• Stubbornness is dangerous
• Exodus 335 stiff-necked
• Prov. 2814
• Rom. 24-6 hardness of heart treasures wrath!
  Cf. Heb. 47
• Rom. 122

15
Failure to pray

• To deal with spiritual failure you need to appeal
  to a Spiritual source God!
• Prayer is that avenue
• James 516-18
• Luke 181
• Phil. 46-7

16
Failure to pray

• We need to turn to God!
• Heb. 414-16
• 1 Pet. 57

17
Seeking Worldly Ways

• Loving the world WILL lead to failure!
• Cf. 1 Sam. 1219-25, give us a king
• Matt. 624
• James 44
• Eph. 420-24

18

• What are you doing to avoid spiritualfailure?
• 1 Pet. 38-12