THE DESTRUCTION OF ONE'S FAITH I. Introduction. A. All of you know people who were once faithful to the Lord but gave up their faith. B. There are multiple causes that will lead one away from a life of faithfulness. C. If we could identify some of these causes, it would: 1. Enable us to assist in restoring people to the faith. 2. Strengthen us so that we do not follow their examples and falter in our faith. D. Note and comment: I Corinthians 16:13. II. Body. Some of the causes that destroy a person's faith include... A. Personal characteristics of the individual. 1. Pride. a. One sins and is unwilling to repent(change). b. Given too much responsibility for ability/experience: I Timothy 3:6. c. Note: Proverbs 11:2. 2. Stubbornness. a. Tied to pride. b. Illustrate: Judges 2:19. c. All of us have a dose: some have the whole bottle. 3. Ambition. a. Being a simple Christian conflicts with one's desires and goals. b. Among the disciples: Luke 22:24. c. Crowds out spiritual activities and concerns. 4. Greed. a. Ananias and Sapphira. b. Judas. c. Elder quality: I Timothy 3:3. B. Personal Experiences. 1. Tragedy. a. While occurs in every life, some cannot deal with tragedy. b. Lose loved one, health, etc.--blame God. c. Note and comment: Ecclesiastes 9:11. d. Also--II Corinthians 11:27. 2. Relationships with others. a. Some Christians are trying, aggravating, etc.--but all are human. b. Become incensed at what people said or did: will not be as Paul taught: I Corinthians 6:7. c. Jesus taught: Matthew 5:43-48. d. Note: Psalm 15:3. C. Influences of one's life. 1. Brethren. a. Can make positive or negative(explain). b. If brethren mistreat you--does not mean God does(or agrees). c. Paul could have succumbed: II Timothy 4:16. d. Further: II Corinthians 11:26. 2. Family. a. Should be influential--for righteousness: Ephesians 6:4. b. Can be one of the most determining factors in keeping one faithful or one giving up faith. c. Note and comment: Colossians 3:21. d. A proper atmosphere, teaching and reverence helps one to remain faithful and encouraged to do right. e. Unrighteous and sinful behavior can lead one away from the faith. D. Religious/moral confusion. 1. False teachers. a. Influential and powerful with some. b. Become fascinated with "unusual" theory. c. When false teacher is exposed: so discouraged, some give up faith(example from past). d. Can be "church bosses": III John 9. e. Keep in mind: I Timothy 4:1. 2. Worldliness. a. Classic example: II Timothy 4:10. b. Worldliness appears in many different packages. c. Can range from attraction to materialism to the vilest of sins. d. When the desires for the world outweigh the desires to please God--the person will self-destruct spiritually. e. Remember: I John 2:15. 3. Unbelief. a. Perhaps tied to most of previous. b. The strength of one's faith is determined by what one will endure for Christ's sake. c. Paul said: Galatians 2:20. d. A warning: Hebrews 3:12. III. Conclusion. A. People destroy their faith for various reasons(though lacking in proper reasoning). B. The consequence of the destruction of faith is the destruction of the soul. -James L. Yopp