Seven Red Flag Signals Of Possible Apostasy
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles Tags: Bible Lessons on ApostasyJust as important as the early detection and immediate treatment of cancer, is the detection and treatment of any spiritual decline, for the prevention of possible apostasy. Like cancer, apostasy gives warning signals.
In this brief article (content borrowed from an article by Rubel Shelly, Firm Foundation, 5 October 1982, pp., 627, 635, “The Danger Signals of Apostasy”), let us look at seven red flag signals of possible apostasy:
1) Loss of Appetite For God’s Word — Just is physical food is necessary to preserve our bodies, the Bible is the spiritual food that is necessary for the survival of our spirit (Matthew 4:4; cf. John 6:35,47-48,58-NKJV; Deuteronomy 8:1-3). God expects us to become skilled in reading and making application of the spiritual principles and truths contained in the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15 ASV; cf. Acts 17:11; Hebrews 5:12-14). As loss of spiritual appetite for God’s word, is a definite indicator of possible apostasy from the faith.
2) Neglecting the Power of Prayer — Just like a daily regimen of Bible study, we need a daily regimen of prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17; cf. Acts 12:5; Romans 12:12), for it is the medium by which we communicate our needs, making petition to God (1 John 3:22; 1 John 5:14-15; cf. Matthew 7:7-11). It is also the medium through which we receive strength and wisdom from the Lord (Colossians 1:9-11; cf. James 1:5-7; Proverbs 2:1-6).
We need daily communication with our heavenly Father in order to remain strong in the faith. Without it, we will get spiritually sick and eventually die (Hebrews 3:5-12; Hebrews 6:1-6; Hebrews 10:23-31). Neglecting to pray, is another red flag indicator of possible apostasy.
3) Failure to Assemble with the Saints — The first century Christians, gave priority to coming together as the Lord’s people to commune with one another (Acts 2:42; Acts 2:46; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 10:15-17; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Hebrews 10:23-25). Having a mindset of not wanting to assemble with the saints, is a sure sign [a red flag], signaling possible apostasy.
4) Non-involvement in the Work of the Church — Every member’s participation in the Lord‘s work, is vital and necessary, in keeping the spiritual body [the church] strong and vibrant (Ephesians 4:11-16; cf. 1 Corinthians 12). Not wanting to be involved in the work of the church, is another red flag, signaling possible apostasy.
5) A Critical Spirit — As members of the Lord’s body, we should never exhibit a critical spirit toward others. We should always examine our own spiritual deficiencies in the light of God’s word, instead of judging the motives of others (2 Corinthians 13:5-6; Matthew 7:1-3). We cannot make light of the sincerity and integrity of others, in order to appear “holier than thou” (cf. Luke 18:9-14).
The story is told of a young man who “quit the church,” because all he ever heard at home, was his parents’ continual criticism of the preacher and the elders’ incompetence. A critical eye always discloses an impure heart — a heart that will cause people to apostatize from Christ and His church (1 Thessalonians 4:7 AMP) — another red flag of possible apostasy.
6) Lack of Regard for the Truth — This mindset must never be present in faithful followers of Christ. We must be confident and uncompromising in matters of faith and righteousness (Gal. 2:11-21). We must uphold God’s truth at all costs (Gal. 1:6-10; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13; 1 Timothy 1:1-11; 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:7-14; Titus 1:7-16; Jude 1:3-4). If there are ever signs of members lacking a regard for God’s truth, it’s another red flag indicating possible apostasy.
7) Lack of Spiritual Concern for Others — The hallmark of Christianity is the displaying of agape love toward others (1 Corinthians 13:1-7; Philippians 2:4). Christians are to deeply care about the spiritual well-being of people around them (Romans 10:1; Gal. 6:2). We need to care about the needs of the poor, the imprisoned, and the sick (Matthew 25:31-40; cf. James 1:27; James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:17-19).
To be looking outside one’s own narrow interests for the sake of helping and saving another, is the nature of agape love. If we discover that we are beginning to judge every situation selfishly, with a view to personal fulfillment or aggrandizement, a red flag should immediately go up, as apostasy could be in the offing (1 Corinthians 13:3; cf. Matthew 6:1-7).
Conclusion:
Brethren, let it be known that an isolated or short-term appearance of one of the above red flag signals, does not necessarily mean that an individual has apostatized from the Lord or His church.
However, if any one of the above red flag items persist over an extended period of time, there should be cause for serious alarm and concern. As members of the Lord’s body, let us be concerned about the spiritual well-being of one another, so that if we see one of the above red flags, we can immediately render spiritual aid (Gal. 6:1-2; cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:14).
As the Great Physician, our Lord will get us back on the road to spiritual health and wholeness. His compassion and power never fails to bring about total spiritual healing (Matthew 4:23-NKJV; Matthew 9:10-13; Luke 4:18-19; Luke 5:29-32; cf. Isaiah 61:1-2).
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