TEXTS: Exodus 32:1-2, 7-8, I Kings 11:4

INTRODUCTION
There is no smoke without a fire, so also there is on backsliding without causes. What causes backsliding is our focus today.

Evil association. Evil   communication corrupts good  manners- ICor.15:33, Icings  11:4

Comfort .this is one of the greatest causes of backsliding. When you are comfortable, you may be in danger e.g. David – 2S am.11:15, 14-15.

Wrong spiritual leadership. This has to do with where you fellowship. If the person you are looking up to as a leader is a backslider, what then will happen to you?
Your leaders   cannot give you more than he or she has.

Disappointment by Christian leaders. When your model in the falls, it may affect you and lead to backsliding. Do not look unto man but unto Jesus Christ – Heb.12:2.

Satanic deceit- Gen. 3:4-5 .Satan can deceive you if you allow him. He can show you a quicker way of getting to Heaven. He can show you another gospel that is different from the true one. He can lead you to a church where you will not be told about holiness.

Severe trials. Occasionally, great trials will come and if you do not have a strong determination, you will fall Many times, God wants to find out how much you really believe in Him by allowing a trial to come- 1Pet.4:12-16, 19.

CONCLUSION
if you take heed to these things, they will help you to remain steadfast in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.