Study Guide for “The Backslider’s Way Hedged Up”

Introduction

In this powerful sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon addresses the theme of backsliding among believers, drawing from the biblical text in Hosea 2:5-7. He highlights the dangers of turning away from God, the consequences of such actions, and the loving interventions God employs to bring His wandering children back to Him. Spurgeon emphasizes that despite our failures, God’s grace remains steadfast, inviting us to return to our first love and experience the fullness of His mercy.

Discussion Questions

  1. Understanding Backsliding: What does backsliding mean in the context of your faith journey? Have you experienced moments of spiritual wandering? How did you respond?

  2. God’s Interventions: Spurgeon speaks of God hedging up the way of backsliders with thorns. Can you identify times in your life when God used difficult circumstances to redirect you back to Him? How did those experiences shape your faith?

  3. The Nature of Repentance: Reflect on the concept of repentance as described in the sermon. What does it mean to actively seek to return to God? How can you cultivate a heart of repentance in your daily life?

  4. The Illusion of Prosperity: Spurgeon warns against the dangers of attributing our blessings to our own efforts rather than God’s grace. How can we guard against this mindset in our own lives? What practical steps can we take to remain humble and grateful?

  5. The Role of Community: How can the church community support those who may be struggling with backsliding? What role do accountability and encouragement play in helping one another stay faithful?

  6. God’s Unchanging Love: Spurgeon emphasizes that God remains committed to His people despite their failures. How does understanding God’s unwavering love impact your view of your own shortcomings and failures?

  7. Personal Application: In light of this sermon, what specific actions can you take this week to strengthen your relationship with God? Are there any areas in your life where you feel you need to return to your “first husband”?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You with a humble heart, acknowledging my tendency to stray from Your path. Thank You for Your unwavering love and mercy that calls me back to You. Help me to recognize the thorns You place in my life as signs of Your grace, guiding me away from sin and back to Your embrace. May I cultivate a spirit of repentance and actively seek to return to my first love, Jesus Christ. Strengthen my faith and help me to support others in their journeys. I trust in Your promise that though my sins may be many, Your grace is greater. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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