Not Going Back To Your Vomit
2 Peter 2:22
For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.
For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire."(2 Peter 2:20-22 )
Tragically, some Christians, despite experiencing divine healing and liberation, succumb to the insidious grip of sin. Overwhelmed by the devil's relentless accusations of guilt and self-condemnation, they retreat into a hardened state, rejecting repentance and reconciliation with God. They defiantly forge their own path, devoid of remorse, their conscience seared to the point of spiritual numbness. This disregard for God's sacred precepts (1 John 3:23) leads to a devastating spiritual decline; their final condition is far more wretched than their initial state. They become mired in deeper sin and greater affliction, mirroring the pathetic image of a dog returning to its vomit or a pig wallowing back in the mire after being cleansed (Proverbs 26:11-12). The folly of such a relapse is profound; a person stubbornly convinced of their own wisdom is less redeemable than the most foolish (Proverbs 26:12). As Jesus compassionately declared, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11); and later, “See, you are well. Do not sin anymore, so that something worse doesn't happen to you” (John 5:14). This solemn warning from our Savior serves as a poignant reminder to all who have received forgiveness and healing: show gratitude for God's boundless mercy by embracing a life that truly reflects the transformative power of His grace. To maintain your liberation, a fundamental shift in lifestyle is paramount.
Spiritual transformation demands a fundamental shift in perspective, belief, and values. Growth in Christ necessitates the eradication of harmful influences – the noxious weeds of ungodly behavior, wicked thoughts, and sinful actions. Replace these with virtuous alternatives to cultivate holiness. This transformative process may involve severing ties with relationships that exert negative pressure, tempting you toward transgression. As the scripture powerfully proclaims (1 Peter 1:15-16), embrace the sacred calling to live a life of unwavering righteousness, mirroring the holiness of God. Shed your old self, that decaying husk of corrupt desires, and be reborn, renewed in the spirit, clothed in the radiant garment of a new life created in God's image – a life characterized by integrity and genuine sanctity.
Spiritual warfare is a relentless struggle. When malevolent entities attempt to infiltrate your thoughts, actively resist their intrusion. Confront these insidious forces, forcefully rebuking them and their wicked machinations in the name of Jesus. Such opposition demands unwavering strength, derived from the Lord and the immensity of His power.
True resilience stems from complete surrender to God. Yield every facet of your being, making your life fully obedient to Jesus. This profound submission empowers you to withstand spiritual assault. As James 4:7-8 powerfully states: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Draw close to God, and He will reciprocate, drawing near to you. Purify your hearts and cleanse your minds from duplicity.
The scripture in Matthew 12:43-45 provides a sobering illustration: an expelled evil spirit, finding no solace elsewhere, seeks a familiar haven. If the individual remains unchanged, dwelling in sin, the spirit finds ready access, resulting in a condition far worse than before. The "seven other spirits more wicked than himself" symbolize the escalating consequences of unrepentant transgression. Leviticus 26 repeatedly underscores this principle: repeated disobedience invites a sevenfold increase in divine retribution. Similarly, Daniel 4:16 depicts a spiritual declension, symbolized by a sevenfold period of diminished capacity. The implication is clear: persistent resistance to God's will intensifies the spiritual repercussions, compounding the initial transgression. Therefore, constant vigilance, unwavering faith, and complete surrender are essential weapons in this ongoing battle for spiritual dominion.
Christians who fall back into sin after deliverance or healing, and are overcome by sin. The devil furnishes them with so much guilt and shame that they never want to repent and make things right with God. They decided to go their own way without remorse. There is no more conviction for their sin. They turn from God and his holy commandments, (1 John 3:23).
"Their latter state becomes worse than their beginning state." They end up being a worse sinner and having more problems than before, it is like a dog returning and eating its vomit or a pig going back into the mud after being washed
Proverbs 26:11-12 A dog that returns to its vomit is like a fool who reverts to his folly. Do you see a man who is wise in his own opinion? There’s more hope for a fool than for him.
John 8:11
But she said, “Not even one, LORD GOD” and Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on, sin no more.”
John 5:14
After this, Jesus found him in the temple complex and said to him, "See, you are well. Do not sin anymore, so that something worse doesn't happen to you."
Go, and sin no more.
For the redeemed, for those whose transgressions Jesus has forgiven, a profound obligation arises: to express heartfelt appreciation for the boundless mercy received. This necessitates a life reflecting the transformative power of grace, a life consecrated to the privileges bestowed.
What To Do To Keep Your Deliverance
Transform your existence. Revolutionize your mindset, revise your convictions, and re-evaluate your values and aspirations.