The Bible’s warnings of apostasy are widely ignored. n What is apostasy? (2 Thess 2:3) – “falling away”

The Bible’s warnings of apostasy are widely The Bible’s warnings of apostasy are widely

ignored.ignored. The Bible’s warnings of apostasy are widely The Bible’s warnings of apostasy are widely

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What is apostasy? What is apostasy? (2 Thess 2:3) – “(2 Thess 2:3) – “falling falling awayaway””



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apostasy – apostasy – a falling away, defection, a falling away, defection, apostasyapostasy; in the Bible namely, from the ; in the Bible namely, from the true religion: Acts 21:21; 2 Thess. 2:3; true religion: Acts 21:21; 2 Thess. 2:3; (Josh. 22:22; 2 Chr. 29:19; 33:19); Jer. (Josh. 22:22; 2 Chr. 29:19; 33:19); Jer. 2:19 - Thayer’s Lexicon2:19 - Thayer’s Lexicon



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apostasy – apostasy – as a condition resulting from as a condition resulting from changing loyalties changing loyalties revolt, desertionrevolt, desertion; as a ; as a religious technical term; (1) religious technical term; (1) apostasy, apostasy, rebellion rebellion (2TH 2.3); (2) (2TH 2.3); (2) defection, defection, abandonment abandonment (AC 21.21) - Freiberg (AC 21.21) - Freiberg LexiconLexicon



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A “Changing of loyalties” is a good A “Changing of loyalties” is a good description of the term. description of the term. (Jer 2:19)(Jer 2:19)



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Jeremiah 2:19 (NKJV) Jeremiah 2:19 (NKJV) - Your own - Your own wickedness will correct you, And your wickedness will correct you, And your backslidings will rebuke you. Know backslidings will rebuke you. Know therefore and see that therefore and see that it isit is an evil and bitter an evil and bitter thing thing That you have forsaken the Lord your That you have forsaken the Lord your God, And the fear of Me God, And the fear of Me isis not in you,” not in you,” Says the Lord GOD of hosts.Says the Lord GOD of hosts.



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This is a falling away from God and a This is a falling away from God and a rejection of His character. rejection of His character. (Jer 2:11-13)(Jer 2:11-13)



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Jeremiah 2:11-13 (NKJV) Jeremiah 2:11-13 (NKJV) - Has a nation - Has a nation changed changed itsits gods, Which gods, Which areare not gods? But My not gods? But My people have changed their Glory For people have changed their Glory For whatwhat does does not profit. 12 Be astonished, O heavens, at this, not profit. 12 Be astonished, O heavens, at this, And be horribly afraid; Be very desolate,” says And be horribly afraid; Be very desolate,” says the Lord. 13 “For My people have committed the Lord. 13 “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, of living waters, AndAnd hewn themselves cisterns hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.—broken cisterns that can hold no water.

God’s Prophets gave great emphasis to warn God’s Prophets gave great emphasis to warn of apostasyof apostasy


From the very beginning of the nation From the very beginning of the nation Moses spoke plainly Moses spoke plainly (Deut 28)(Deut 28)



From the very beginning of the nation From the very beginning of the nation Moses spoke plainly Moses spoke plainly (Deut 28)(Deut 28)

Moses repeatedly and with great detail Moses repeatedly and with great detail spoke of the consequences of disobedience. spoke of the consequences of disobedience. (Deut 28:15-24)(Deut 28:15-24)



Deuteronomy 28:15-24 (NKJV) Deuteronomy 28:15-24 (NKJV) - “But it - “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: 16 “Cursed overtake you: 16 “Cursed shallshall you you bebe in the in the city, and cursed city, and cursed shallshall you you bebe in the country. in the country.



17 “Cursed 17 “Cursed shall beshall be your basket and your your basket and your kneading bowl. 18 “Cursed kneading bowl. 18 “Cursed shall beshall be the the fruit of your body and the produce of your fruit of your body and the produce of your land, the increase of your cattle and the land, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. 19 “Cursed offspring of your flocks. 19 “Cursed shallshall you you bebe when you come in, and cursed when you come in, and cursed shallshall you you bebe when you go out. when you go out.



20 “The Lord will send on you cursing, 20 “The Lord will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke in all that you set your confusion, and rebuke in all that you set your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings in which you have forsaken of your doings in which you have forsaken Me. 21 The Lord will make the plague cling Me. 21 The Lord will make the plague cling to you until He has consumed you from the to you until He has consumed you from the land which you are going to possess. land which you are going to possess.



22 The Lord will strike you with 22 The Lord will strike you with consumption, with fever, with consumption, with fever, with inflammation, with severe burning fever, inflammation, with severe burning fever, with the sword, with scorching, and with with the sword, with scorching, and with mildew; they shall pursue you until you mildew; they shall pursue you until you perish. 23 And your heavens which perish. 23 And your heavens which areare over your head shall be bronze, and the over your head shall be bronze, and the earth which is under you earth which is under you shall beshall be iron. iron.



24 The Lord will change the rain of your 24 The Lord will change the rain of your land to powder and dust; from the heaven it land to powder and dust; from the heaven it shall come down on you until you are shall come down on you until you are destroyed.destroyed.



Even before they had a king Moses spoke Even before they had a king Moses spoke of a future captivity of God’s people and of a future captivity of God’s people and their king. their king. (Deut 28:36-37)(Deut 28:36-37)



Deuteronomy 28:36-37 (NKJV) Deuteronomy 28:36-37 (NKJV) - “The - “The Lord will bring you and the king whom you Lord will bring you and the king whom you set over you to a nation which neither you set over you to a nation which neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you nor your fathers have known, and there you shall serve other gods—wood and stone. 37 shall serve other gods—wood and stone. 37 And you shall become an astonishment, a And you shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all nations proverb, and a byword among all nations where the Lord will drive you.where the Lord will drive you.



God wanted the nations to know and for us God wanted the nations to know and for us in the New Testament era to know. in the New Testament era to know. (Deut 29:20-28; 1 Cor 10:11)(Deut 29:20-28; 1 Cor 10:11)



Deuteronomy 29:20-28 (NKJV) Deuteronomy 29:20-28 (NKJV) - “The - “The Lord would not spare him; for then the Lord would not spare him; for then the anger of the Lord and His jealousy would anger of the Lord and His jealousy would burn against that man, and every curse that burn against that man, and every curse that is written in this book would settle on him, is written in this book would settle on him, and the Lord would blot out his name from and the Lord would blot out his name from under heaven. under heaven.



21 And the Lord would separate him from all 21 And the Lord would separate him from all the tribes of Israel for adversity, according to the tribes of Israel for adversity, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in all the curses of the covenant that are written in this Book of the Law, 22 so that the coming this Book of the Law, 22 so that the coming generation of your children who rise up after generation of your children who rise up after you, and the foreigner who comes from a far you, and the foreigner who comes from a far land, would say, when they see the plagues of land, would say, when they see the plagues of that land and the sicknesses which the Lord has that land and the sicknesses which the Lord has laid on it:laid on it:



23 ‘The whole land 23 ‘The whole land isis brimstone, salt, and brimstone, salt, and burning; it is not sown, nor does it bear, nor burning; it is not sown, nor does it bear, nor does any grass grow there, like the overthrow does any grass grow there, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in His Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in His anger and His wrath.’ 24 All nations would anger and His wrath.’ 24 All nations would say, ‘Why has the Lord done so to this land? say, ‘Why has the Lord done so to this land? What does the heat of this great anger mean?’ What does the heat of this great anger mean?’



25 Then 25 Then peoplepeople would say: ‘Because they would say: ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord God have forsaken the covenant of the Lord God of their fathers, which He made with them of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them out of the land of when He brought them out of the land of Egypt; 26 for they went and served other Egypt; 26 for they went and served other gods and worshiped them, gods that they gods and worshiped them, gods that they did not know and that He had not given to did not know and that He had not given to them. them.



27 Then the anger of the Lord was aroused 27 Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against this land, to bring on it every curse against this land, to bring on it every curse that is written in this book. 28 And the Lord that is written in this book. 28 And the Lord uprooted them from their land in anger, in uprooted them from their land in anger, in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as them into another land, as it isit is this day.’ this day.’



1 Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV) - Now £all - Now £all these things happened to them as examples, these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.upon whom the ends of the ages have come.



God warned Israel through Solomon when God warned Israel through Solomon when the temple was built. the temple was built. (2 Chron 6:36-40)(2 Chron 6:36-40)



2 Chronicles 6:36-40 (NKJV) 2 Chronicles 6:36-40 (NKJV) - “When they sin - “When they sin against You (for against You (for there isthere is no one who does not sin), no one who does not sin), and You become angry with them and deliver them and You become angry with them and deliver them to the enemy, and they take them captive to a land to the enemy, and they take them captive to a land far or near; 37far or near; 37yetyet when they come to themselves in when they come to themselves in the land where they were carried captive, and the land where they were carried captive, and repent, and make supplication to You in the land of repent, and make supplication to You in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned, we have done wrong, and have committed wickedness’; done wrong, and have committed wickedness’;



38 and 38 and whenwhen they return to You with all they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have been of their captivity, where they have been carried captive, and pray toward their land carried captive, and pray toward their land which You gave to their fathers, the city which You gave to their fathers, the city which You have chosen, and toward the which You have chosen, and toward the temple which I have built for Your name:temple which I have built for Your name:



39 then hear from heaven Your dwelling 39 then hear from heaven Your dwelling place their prayer and their supplications, place their prayer and their supplications, and maintain their cause, and forgive Your and maintain their cause, and forgive Your people who have sinned against You. 40 people who have sinned against You. 40 Now, my God, I pray, let Your eyes be Now, my God, I pray, let Your eyes be open and open and letlet Your ears Your ears bebe attentive to the attentive to the prayer prayer mademade in this place. in this place.



Note the simplicity of how to avoid Note the simplicity of how to avoid apostasy. Be humble, repent and pray and apostasy. Be humble, repent and pray and

listen! listen!



God wanted all their heart and soul if they God wanted all their heart and soul if they wanted to be His people.wanted to be His people.



God wanted all their heart and soul if they God wanted all their heart and soul if they wanted to be His people.wanted to be His people.

This involved a relationship with God This involved a relationship with God where people knew His nature and sought where people knew His nature and sought His fellowship. Pray was a good barometer His fellowship. Pray was a good barometer of where their hearts were at. of where their hearts were at.

Israel was influenced by the nations Israel was influenced by the nations around themaround them


Social pressure may be Satan’s most Social pressure may be Satan’s most effective tool. effective tool. (Lk 9:26)(Lk 9:26)



Luke 9:26 (NKJV) Luke 9:26 (NKJV) - For whoever is - For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His comes in His ownown glory, and glory, and in Hisin His Father’s, and of the holy angels.Father’s, and of the holy angels.



By serving God they were very different By serving God they were very different than the nations around them.than the nations around them.



God gave Israel what they needed and not God gave Israel what they needed and not what they wanted.what they wanted.



God gave Israel what they needed and not God gave Israel what they needed and not what they wanted.what they wanted.

Because of this Israel often was overtaken Because of this Israel often was overtaken militarily by a better organized and better militarily by a better organized and better equipped foe from a worldly stand point. equipped foe from a worldly stand point.



God gave Israel what they needed and not what God gave Israel what they needed and not what they wanted.they wanted.

Because of this Israel often was overtaken Because of this Israel often was overtaken militarily by a better organized and better militarily by a better organized and better equipped foe from a worldly stand point. equipped foe from a worldly stand point.

These times of suffering were actually for their These times of suffering were actually for their good so that they might have the one thing that good so that they might have the one thing that the other nations did not have - a relationship the other nations did not have - a relationship with God!with God!



During the time of the Judges we see that During the time of the Judges we see that very thing happening. very thing happening. (Judges 2:7-23)(Judges 2:7-23)



Judges 2:7-23 (NKJV) Judges 2:7-23 (NKJV) - So the people - So the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord which He had done for Israel. the Lord which He had done for Israel. 8Now Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of 8Now Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died the Lord, died when he waswhen he was one hundred one hundred and ten years old. and ten years old.



9 And they buried him within the border of 9 And they buried him within the border of his inheritance at Timnath Heres, in the his inheritance at Timnath Heres, in the mountains of Ephraim, on the north side of mountains of Ephraim, on the north side of Mount Gaash. 10 When all that generation Mount Gaash. 10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. done for Israel.



11 Then the children of Israel did evil in the 11 Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; 12 sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; 12 and they forsook the Lord God of their and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from of Egypt; and they followed other gods from amongamong the gods of the people who the gods of the people who werewere all all around them, and they bowed down to them; around them, and they bowed down to them; and they provoked the Lord to anger. and they provoked the Lord to anger.



13 They forsook the Lord and served Baal 13 They forsook the Lord and served Baal and the £Ashtoreths. 14 And the anger of and the £Ashtoreths. 14 And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel. So He the Lord was hot against Israel. So He delivered them into the hands of plunderers delivered them into the hands of plunderers who despoiled them; and He sold them into who despoiled them; and He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, so the hands of their enemies all around, so that they could no longer stand before their that they could no longer stand before their enemies. enemies.



15 Wherever they went out, the hand of the 15 Wherever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for calamity, as the Lord was against them for calamity, as the Lord had said, and as the Lord had sworn to Lord had said, and as the Lord had sworn to them. And they were greatly distressed. 16 them. And they were greatly distressed. 16 Nevertheless, the Lord raised up judges Nevertheless, the Lord raised up judges who delivered them out of the hand of those who delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them. who plundered them.



17Yet they would not listen to their judges, 17Yet they would not listen to their judges, but they played the harlot with other gods, but they played the harlot with other gods, and bowed down to them. They turned and bowed down to them. They turned quickly from the way in which their fathers quickly from the way in which their fathers walked, in obeying the commandments of walked, in obeying the commandments of the Lord; they did not do so. the Lord; they did not do so.



18 And when the Lord raised up judges for 18 And when the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge and them, the Lord was with the judge and delivered them out of the hand of their delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge; for the enemies all the days of the judge; for the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who oppressed them and because of those who oppressed them and harassed them. harassed them.



19 And it came to pass, when the judge was 19 And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they reverted and behaved more dead, that they reverted and behaved more corruptly than their fathers, by following corruptly than their fathers, by following other gods, to serve them and bow down to other gods, to serve them and bow down to them. They did not cease from their own them. They did not cease from their own doings nor from their stubborn way. doings nor from their stubborn way.



20 Then the anger of the Lord was hot 20 Then the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel; and He said, “Because this against Israel; and He said, “Because this nation has transgressed My covenant which nation has transgressed My covenant which I commanded their fathers, and has not I commanded their fathers, and has not heeded My voice, 21 I also will no longer heeded My voice, 21 I also will no longer drive out before them any of the nations drive out before them any of the nations which Joshua left when he died, which Joshua left when he died,



22 so that through them I may test Israel, 22 so that through them I may test Israel, whether they will keep the ways of the whether they will keep the ways of the Lord, to walk in them as their fathers kept Lord, to walk in them as their fathers kept them,them, or not.” 23 Therefore the Lord left or not.” 23 Therefore the Lord left those nations, without driving them out those nations, without driving them out immediately; nor did He deliver them into immediately; nor did He deliver them into the hand of Joshua.the hand of Joshua.



Even when they were faithful they did not Even when they were faithful they did not establish a genuine faith in their children.establish a genuine faith in their children.(Judges 2:10)(Judges 2:10)



Judges 2:10 (NKJV) Judges 2:10 (NKJV) - When all that - When all that generation had been gathered to their generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.which He had done for Israel.



Historians have commented on the 3rd Historians have commented on the 3rd generation effect upon the church.generation effect upon the church.



Historians have commented on the 3rd Historians have commented on the 3rd generation effect upon the church.generation effect upon the church.

One of the great weapons we have against One of the great weapons we have against apostasy is our homes!apostasy is our homes!



The day came where Israel rejected God’s The day came where Israel rejected God’s wisdom for centralized power in a king.wisdom for centralized power in a king.



The day came where Israel rejected God’s The day came where Israel rejected God’s wisdom for centralized power in a king.wisdom for centralized power in a king.

Samuel’s own failure in his home provided Samuel’s own failure in his home provided opportunity for Israel to request a king. opportunity for Israel to request a king. (1 Sam 8:4-5)(1 Sam 8:4-5)



1 Samuel 8:4-5 (NKJV) 1 Samuel 8:4-5 (NKJV) - Then all the - Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, 5 and said to him, to Samuel at Ramah, 5 and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”judge us like all the nations.”



God explained that it was a rejection of God God explained that it was a rejection of God Himself. Himself. (1 Sam 8:7)(1 Sam 8:7)



1 Samuel 8:7 (NKJV) 1 Samuel 8:7 (NKJV) - And the Lord said - And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.that I should not reign over them.



Centralization and a trust in human wisdom Centralization and a trust in human wisdom and power is a prime element in all and power is a prime element in all apostasy. God’s ways will not work to apostasy. God’s ways will not work to them! them! (Isa 55:10-11)(Isa 55:10-11)



Isaiah 55:10-11 (NKJV) Isaiah 55:10-11 (NKJV) - “For as the rain - “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, 11 So seed to the sower And bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper prosper in the thingin the thing for which I sent it. for which I sent it.



The problem with centralization is that the The problem with centralization is that the nation will go in the direction of the choices nation will go in the direction of the choices of one man or a few men.of one man or a few men.

How the kings led Israel into ApostasyHow the kings led Israel into ApostasyHow the kings led Israel into ApostasyHow the kings led Israel into Apostasy

There were mostly bad kings in the history There were mostly bad kings in the history of God’s people.of God’s people.



Bad kings would set examples for the Bad kings would set examples for the people. people.



Bad kings would set examples for the Bad kings would set examples for the people. people.

Saul needed to show the people how to trust Saul needed to show the people how to trust God and not for Saul to bend to the whims God and not for Saul to bend to the whims of the people. of the people. (1 Sam 15:20-23)(1 Sam 15:20-23)


1 Samuel 15:20-23 (NKJV) 1 Samuel 15:20-23 (NKJV) - And Saul said - And Saul said to Samuel, “But I have obeyed the voice of the to Samuel, “But I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and gone on the mission on which the Lord, and gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me, and brought back Agag king of Lord sent me, and brought back Agag king of Amalek; I have utterly destroyed the Amalek; I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the Amalekites. 21 But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”


22 So Samuel said: “Has the Lord 22 So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as greatas great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, is better than sacrifice, AndAnd to heed than the fat to heed than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion of rams. 23 For rebellion is asis as the sin of the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness witchcraft, And stubbornness is asis as iniquity and iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from of the Lord, He also has rejected you from beingbeing king.” king.”


Even king David did things that weakened Even king David did things that weakened the people of God. the people of God. (2 Sam 12:14)(2 Sam 12:14)


2 Samuel 12:14 (NKJV) 2 Samuel 12:14 (NKJV) - However, - However, because by this deed you have given great because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also blaspheme, the child also who iswho is born to born to you shall surely die.”you shall surely die.”


Solomon’s sin led to a divided nation.Solomon’s sin led to a divided nation.


All of the “reasoning” about strength in All of the “reasoning” about strength in centralization was shown empty.centralization was shown empty.


All of the “reasoning” about strength in All of the “reasoning” about strength in centralization was shown empty.centralization was shown empty.

Still, Jeroboam gave shallow reasoning to Still, Jeroboam gave shallow reasoning to follow idols and the people followed follow idols and the people followed without questions. without questions. (1 Kings 12:28-30)(1 Kings 12:28-30)


1 Kings 12:28-30 (NKJV) 1 Kings 12:28-30 (NKJV) - Therefore the - Therefore the king asked advice, made two calves of gold, king asked advice, made two calves of gold, and said to the people, “It is too much for you and said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, which brought you up from the land of Israel, which brought you up from the land of Egypt!” 29 And he set up one in Bethel, and Egypt!” 29 And he set up one in Bethel, and the other he put in Dan. 30 Now this thing the other he put in Dan. 30 Now this thing became a sin, for the people went became a sin, for the people went to worshipto worship before the one as far as Dan.before the one as far as Dan.


Jeroboam was like all of Israel’s kings Jeroboam was like all of Israel’s kings (Northern Kingdom) in that they hid their (Northern Kingdom) in that they hid their

real agenda and motives from the real agenda and motives from the people. people. (1 Kings 12:25-27)(1 Kings 12:25-27)


1 Kings 12:25-27 (NKJV) 1 Kings 12:25-27 (NKJV) - Then - Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the mountains Jeroboam built Shechem in the mountains of Ephraim, and dwelt there. Also he went of Ephraim, and dwelt there. Also he went out from there and built Penuel. 26 And out from there and built Penuel. 26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom may return to the house of David:kingdom may return to the house of David:


27 If these people go up to offer sacrifices 27 If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will turn back to the heart of this people will turn back to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah, and they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam they will kill me and go back to Rehoboam king of Judah.”king of Judah.”


Jeroboam attached God’s name to an idol Jeroboam attached God’s name to an idol and the people followed!and the people followed!


Jeroboam attached God’s name to an idol Jeroboam attached God’s name to an idol and the people followed!and the people followed!

The actions and steps that the kings took The actions and steps that the kings took had a cumulative effect.had a cumulative effect.


Apostasy is likened to drifting. It takes time Apostasy is likened to drifting. It takes time but small steps will cover a lot of space but small steps will cover a lot of space given time!given time!


Apostasy is likened to drifting. It takes time Apostasy is likened to drifting. It takes time but small steps will cover a lot of space but small steps will cover a lot of space given time!given time!

This is why God has given a written This is why God has given a written revelation and on occasions prophets to revelation and on occasions prophets to Israel. The reception of the message Israel. The reception of the message depended on the hearts of the hearers.depended on the hearts of the hearers.


The people had learned to defer guilt and The people had learned to defer guilt and responsibility to their leaders. responsibility to their leaders. (Jer 5:30-31, Mt 15:13)(Jer 5:30-31, Mt 15:13)


Jeremiah 5:30-31 (NKJV) Jeremiah 5:30-31 (NKJV) - “An - “An astonishing and horrible thing Has been astonishing and horrible thing Has been committed in the land: 31 The prophets committed in the land: 31 The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule by prophesy falsely, And the priests rule by their their ownown power; power; And My people love And My people love to have itto have it so. But what will you do in the so. But what will you do in the end?end?


Matthew 15:13 (NKJV) Matthew 15:13 (NKJV) - But He - But He answered and said, “Every plant which My answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.uprooted.


Manasseh took Israel past the tipping point. Manasseh took Israel past the tipping point. (2 Kgs 21:1-6, 9, 16)(2 Kgs 21:1-6, 9, 16)


2 Kings 21:1-6 (NKJV) 2 Kings 21:1-6 (NKJV) - Manasseh - Manasseh was was twelve years old when he became king, and twelve years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name mother’s name waswas Hephzibah. 2 And he Hephzibah. 2 And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. Israel.


3 For he rebuilt the high places which 3 For he rebuilt the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; he raised Hezekiah his father had destroyed; he raised up altars for Baal, and made a £wooden up altars for Baal, and made a £wooden image, as Ahab king of Israel had done; and image, as Ahab king of Israel had done; and he worshiped all £the host of heaven and he worshiped all £the host of heaven and served them. 4 He also built altars in the served them. 4 He also built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, “In Jerusalem I will put My name.” said, “In Jerusalem I will put My name.”


5 And he built altars for all the host of 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. 6 Also he made his son pass through Lord. 6 Also he made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, used the fire, practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft, and consulted spiritists and witchcraft, and consulted spiritists and mediums. He did much evil in the sight of mediums. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke the Lord, to provoke HimHim to anger. to anger.


2 Kings 21:9 (NKJV) 2 Kings 21:9 (NKJV) - But they paid no - But they paid no attention, and Manasseh seduced them to do attention, and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord more evil than the nations whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel.had destroyed before the children of Israel.


2 Kings 21:16 (NKJV) 2 Kings 21:16 (NKJV) - Moreover - Moreover Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, besides his sin by which he made another, besides his sin by which he made Judah sin, in doing evil in the sight of the Judah sin, in doing evil in the sight of the Lord.Lord.


He set up idols in the temple! Where was He set up idols in the temple! Where was the protest from the people?the protest from the people?



He killed his own children in the worship of He killed his own children in the worship of Idols.Idols.



He killed his own children in the worship of He killed his own children in the worship of Idols.Idols.

Isaiah was likely killed by Manasseh.Isaiah was likely killed by Manasseh.


He set up idols in the temple! Where was the He set up idols in the temple! Where was the protest from the people?protest from the people?

He killed his own children in the worship of Idols.He killed his own children in the worship of Idols. Isaiah was likely killed by Manasseh.Isaiah was likely killed by Manasseh. Even though Manasseh later repented, he had Even though Manasseh later repented, he had

established things in the heart of Israel that established things in the heart of Israel that would continue to be handed down through would continue to be handed down through generations. generations.


Years after Manasseh’s death his evil Years after Manasseh’s death his evil influence resulted in Israel’s captivity. influence resulted in Israel’s captivity. (Jer 15:1-4)(Jer 15:1-4)


Jeremiah 15:1-4 (NKJV) Jeremiah 15:1-4 (NKJV) - Then the Lord - Then the Lord said to me, “said to me, “EvenEven if Moses and Samuel if Moses and Samuel stood before Me, My mind stood before Me, My mind wouldwould not not bebe favorable toward this people. Cast favorable toward this people. Cast themthem out out of My sight, and let them go forth. of My sight, and let them go forth.


2 And it shall be, if they say to you, ‘Where 2 And it shall be, if they say to you, ‘Where should we go?’ then you shall tell them, should we go?’ then you shall tell them, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Such as ‘Thus says the Lord: “Such as areare for death, for death, to death; And such as to death; And such as areare for the sword, to for the sword, to the sword; And such as the sword; And such as areare for the famine, for the famine, to the famine; to the famine; And such as And such as areare for the for the captivity, to the captivity.”’captivity, to the captivity.”’


3 “And I will appoint over them four forms 3 “And I will appoint over them four forms of destruction,of destruction,” says the Lord: “the sword ” says the Lord: “the sword to slay, the dogs to drag, the birds of the to slay, the dogs to drag, the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the earth to heavens and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy. 4 I will hand them over devour and destroy. 4 I will hand them over to trouble, to all kingdoms of the earth, to trouble, to all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem.king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem.


Questions to consider:Questions to consider:


Questions to consider:Questions to consider: 1. Are we being constantly warned of 1. Are we being constantly warned of

apostasy? Why or why not? apostasy? Why or why not? (Acts 20:29-31)(Acts 20:29-31)




2. How can we be guilty of giving our 2. How can we be guilty of giving our responsibility to others (centralization)?responsibility to others (centralization)?




2. How can we be guilty of giving our 2. How can we be guilty of giving our responsibility to others (centralization)?responsibility to others (centralization)?

3. How can you tell when people are 3. How can you tell when people are following religious leaders rather than God?following religious leaders rather than God?


4. How can we build a faith in our children 4. How can we build a faith in our children where they can stand in a day of apostasy?where they can stand in a day of apostasy?


4. How can we build a faith in our children 4. How can we build a faith in our children where they can stand in a day of apostasy?where they can stand in a day of apostasy?

5. Make a list of trends leading to an 5. Make a list of trends leading to an apostasy.apostasy.

Documents

The Bible’s warnings of apostasy are widely ignored. n What is apostasy? (2 Thess 2:3) – “falling away”