Conquering the Giant of Degeneration

Webster defines degeneration as a passing from a higher to lower type or condition. More specifically, the lowering of effective power.

It holds the same meaning as backsliding, reverting to a worse condition.

This does not mean that the individual returns to a lost condition, but instead, they have reverted to self-reliance.

The terminology used by Paul was to become a castaway.

1 Corinthians 9:24–27

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

The term convert means to change from one belief to another. For example, many believers have turned away from faith in God and a humanistic view.

Although it would never be admitted, many Christians have declined in their passion for the things of God.

New Christians are often passionate about the things of God but, over time, lose that zeal.

Why? Because our flesh is powerful and overtakes Spiritual matters.

Therefore, Paul warns that we must beat our bodies into subjection.

Therefore, a battle must occur, and the Giant of degeneration must be defeated.

There are two things that must be considered.

First, what are the causes of degeneration?

Secondly, how do we defeat this Giant?

I. What are the causes of degeneration?

The first cause is the flesh.

Paul said that he had learned to keep his flesh under subjection.

Your fleshly desires are the first thing that will lead you to a degeneration of your walk with God.

Three ways that your flesh will degenerate your walk with God are; sin, confidence in, and health.

Any of these reasons can serve as weapons to conquer you and me.

2. The second cause is a loss of passion.

This loss may be to the Giant named Distraction, or it may be to overconfidence.

Your faith and walk with God should increase as you grow. However, many Christians often begin to think that the longer they are saved, the less need they have for learning.

Often this is because they have never moved from the milk of the word.

Once you get hooked on the steak of God’s Word, you can’t get enough.

However, milk will begin to sour.

Has God’s Word soured on you? Maybe you need to switch to meat.

What is the meat of the bIble? It is doctrine, apologetics, discipleship, and application.

3. The church has failed in discipleship.

If the church has not adequately trained believers, the new Christians will quickly become stagnant.

This is where every believer is commissioned with discipleship.

Are you actively disciplining someone?

That does not mean in the class you teach.

That does not mean showing up on Wednesday.

This does not mean participating in the ministry of the church.

Nor does this even mean being involved in leadership or serving as a deacon.

Are you personally interacting with an individual to help them grow?

Are you acting as a coach to teach and train someone to grow in Christ?

II. How do we conquer the Giant of Degeneration?

1. Humility.

James 4:10

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Humility will bring you and me to a place where we will recognize our need for both God and His Word.

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.

2. Vigilance.

1 Peter 5:8–9

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that your brotherhood in the world experiences the same sufferings.

The word vigilant means to be aware, aware that there is an ever-present danger of degeneration, and aware of the tendencies of our flesh.

Furthermore, the Bible says that we should also be sober.

This is not physical sobriety; although that is also needed, it is spiritual sobriety.

The definition of sober is to be well balanced or self-controlled.

Are you in control of your flesh, or is your flesh in control of you.

Many marriages have been ruined because the flesh was in control, not the mind.

Many lives have been taken by those who allowed the desires of the flesh to rule their heart.

3. Discipleship

Continual growth is the greatest to conquer degeneration.

I know this seems simple but let me elaborate.

Although discipleship involves personal growth, it is more about the discipler than the disciplee.

Therefore, the best tool to prevent degeneration is to properly disciple. And as we actively disciple others, we grow.