BIBLE STUDIES

: SITUATIONS THAT CALL FOR THE HEALING OF THE LAND

TOPIC:  Spiritual Decline 

TEXTS:  Lev.18: 21-25; Hosea 14:1-7.
AIMS: To realize the

1. Rotten spiritual state ofsome churches today; 
2. Grave implications of spiritual decline and
3. Remedy neededto avoid disaster.

INTRODUCTION: Spiritual deterioration or decline of any nation may lead toa total departure from God and His ways if it is not detected and repented of in time. Some other related words are backsliding, spiritual coldness, apathy and apostasy. We will realize in this study that sins lead to spiritual decline and a drift from the living God (Hosea 7:8-16) and also that God hates spiritual decline (Heb. 10:38). But it is better not to know God at all in the first place (Luke 12:47, 48)? We will notice the vicious circle of spiritual decline manifesting in many sins,and sins leading to spiritual deterioration. This continues until Christ intervenes to stop it. This study offers some help and cure.

STUDY GUIDE
1. What does it mean to deteriorate spiritually as a people/person?
2. In the light of Lev.18: 21-25; Hosea 10:1-4; 14:1-8,
a. How will you rate the spiritual state of our nation?
b. Examine the spiritual state of the Church today, especially that of your congregation.
3. What are the implications and consequences of a spiritually bankrupt state? Lev.18:24, 25, 28; Hosea 7:8-16; I Cor.5:6.
4. What is the hope and remedy for spiritual deterioration? I Cor. 5:2, 4-5, 7, 9 & 11; Hosea 14:1-9.

CONCLUSION:Both theChurch, and individual members, are on the path of spiritual deterioration. This poor spiritual state has greatly and adversely affected the well-being of Nigeria. We need to be awake to this reality and not continue in our spiritual slumber and blindness. Let’s follow the Bible’s guidance for recovery/restoration.Let’s stop tolerating sin in our midst, especially sexual immorality and perversion as the consequences are too severe to ignore.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:Christian sincerely and undisciplined bring disgrace to theirchurch (Prov. 29:15) and help to pull it down gradually.

MEMORY VERSE: Hosea 14:2..