This is a compilation of various verses that I have highlighted as I have observed failings in mine own life, and in the lives of others. Many times we look at once-great Christians and wonder, “Where did they go wrong?” We should always take it as a warning to ourselves that we take heed to the sins and habits in our life that could one day destroy our testimony and effectiveness for God. This is by far not a complete list; the Bible has it all. These are just a few highlights and major areas where people start to slide, where they make major errors, and where they ruin their testimony.

FIRSTLY, perhaps the quickest way is to not read God’s Word. He gave us His Word for our instruction in life. Many people stumble around trying to determine what God wants them to do, when He has already told us plenty in His Word. God’s Word is not just an accessory to assembling as the church on Sunday. It is for every day, and every hour. Joshua 1:8 reminds us that, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” God has given us His Word so that we might read it every day, and think on it every day, and act according to it every day.

Our spiritual sustenance comes from His Word, and it should be eagerly sought after. Psalm 1:2 exclaims, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” What do you think about every day? What crosses your mind when you observe people, events, and things, or just sit alone? Do you think on what God told you today from His Word? Do you mull over and ponder a passage that you wrote down on an index card for memorization? Psalm 119:15 says, “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.” When we read God’s Word, our attitude needs to be one with a readiness to obey and heed what He says. If you come to God’s Word only out of duty, you will get very little out of it. If you come with the mindset and heart for God to open your eyes to behold wondrous things out of His Law, then God speak to your heart out of His Word.

Our duty in God’s Word comes from our using God’s Word as the plumb and ruler to check where we are, what we believe, what we teach, and what we listen to. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Act 17:11

SECONDLY, if we harbor iniquity, we are destroying our prayer life.  Psalm 66:18 warns us that, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Isaiah 59:2 again reminds us, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” When we want to hold onto our sin, and coddle it and protect it, our prayers bounce off of the ceiling. Again, Proverbs 28:9 warns, “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” For many of us, this can also come in the form of rebuke from another brother in Christ. If another Christian points out to us an area that we are not heeding to, and we act in spite of knowledge, our prayer is cast aside as well.

THIRDLY, avoid Christ-centered fellowship. Hebrews 10:25 commands: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Many people assume this verse means going to the church’s building every service. It might mean that, but it goes beyond that. Christ has told us that, as Christians, we should frequently be in contact and fellowship with other believers. We should pray with them, read the Bible with them, learn together, sing hymns, and basically any gathering around the purpose of exhorting one another to love and to good works. Sadly, one can go to these big buildings called churches every week and have no or little true fellowship with other believers. True fellowship is not ‘socialship’: asking about the top three: work, sports, and health. True fellowship knits our hearts together about our Saviour Jesus Christ.

FOURTHLY, if you want to make a fine mess of your life really quick: Refuse Instruction. “But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” Matthew 18:16-17. Iron sharpens iron. We need to have a heart ready to hear, and feet ready to obey.

FIFTHLY, call your friends your enemies. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Proverbs 27:6. I have seen it enough to say it can happen and does happen. When we proudly presume we are above reproach either through a hardened heart, or because we are harboring iniquity, it is so easy to see everyone as a critic and an enemy. I have been called jealous, Job’s friends, and other blows when I have gone to someone and meekly pointed out a direction they were going. Even if your friends are wrong on a doctrinal issue, and are sincerely acting in good faith, the least you can do is still treat them as a brother and a compassionate friend.

SIXTHLY, if you love the world, you will become God’s enemy. 1 John 2:15 warns, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” If you love the world’s activities, pursuits, humour, language, music, and revelings, then you do not love God. Style is the same thing. The same style music as the world, but with ‘Christian’ words, do not make it Christian. The same style clothing and fashions as the world’s harlots and pimps is the same thing as the world, regardless of whether it has some ‘Christian’ ditty printed on it in grungy type. James 4:4 “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” If we act like an adulteress with our heart toward the world, we should then not be surprised if we are treated as an adulterer.

SEVENTH: Be A Proud Fool
In both James 4:6 and I Peter 5:5, we are warned, “…God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” Many times we read over these admonitions, and think to ourselves, “I would recognize if I ever got to that point.” Hogwash. The only ways that we avoid such destruction is staying in God’s Word, humbling ourselves in serve to Him, and having a heart to listen to rebuke and exhortation.

EIGHTH: Think Yourself Wise. “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him.” Proverbs 26:12. This is a very dangerous step to reach. Again, I have seen it in individuals who go around proclaiming that they used to do what the Bible says in command and principle, but they are now ‘smarter’. They are not smarter, they are spoiled and deceived. “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” I Corinthians 3:18-19. Many a Christian is turned aside from doing right because they take in the world’s wisdom that sounds good and correct, but is corrupt and evil. Many Christians repeat Satan’s lies to themselves often enough that they start to believe them instead of God’s Word. “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness…” I Timothy 6:3-5

NINTH: Twist Scripture and Read Selectively.
II Timothy 2:14-16 exhorts us to, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman than needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” It is so easy to twist Scripture out of often plain readings to fit a false teacher’s intent. By selectively reading, especially out of context, or omitting related passages, false teachers craft a teaching that sounds Biblical. As Christians, we should endeavor to make sure of what is taught to us that it is in accordance with God’s Word. II Corinthians 4:2 points out various ways Scripture is missued: “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.” Beware and avoid teachers that selectively omit plain passages that contradict their thesis. Beware of teachers that use craft to concoct a point. For example, many modern ‘Christian’ writers like to use a sampling from a variety of ‘Bible translations’ because they cannot find what they are looking for in one. If you are considering a book, open to the front pages, and find out what Bible (or Bible imitation(s)) they are using. If they quote from two or more ‘versions’, it most likely is not worth your time or risk. Stick with the King James Version books for the most meat with the fewest bones. Remember though, just because they quote from the KJV does not guarantee no errors. God’s Word clearly warns: “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.” I Timothy 1:8

TENTH: Diminish Sin, Lie About God’s Holiness
“Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them…” Mal 2:17

ELEVENTH: Mock the God of Judgment
“…Or [when ye say], Where is the God of judgment?” Mal 2:17

TWELVETH: Think God Is Your ‘Buddy’
Psalm 50:21 “…thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.” If someone starts a defense of their position or teaching with “I think God…”, start tuning them out, take notes to reference against with Scripture, or go somewhere else. God has already told us that He is not like us, so we cannot concoct our own similitude to reason how God thinks. We should stick with the Word He has given us to point out His attitude and stand on various topics and subjects.

THIRTEENTH: Encourage Others To Not Serve God So Much (Or At All) Or Mock Those That Strive To Serve God
Malachi 2:8-9 “But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.” I have seen various times where people who are caught up in the lie of anarchistic ‘Christian’ liberty belittle, smirk, and mock those who try to live separated lives in the fear of God. God takes it extremely seriously when a Christian (or anyone) causes someone to stumble in serving God. Modern day Christians often label such people as Pharisees trying to earn righteousness with God. You are treading on dangerous ground if you make fun of or ridicule (even jokingly) someone who tries to serve God.

Malachi 3:13-15 “Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?” I have heard several contemporary speakers belittle those that try to keep God’s ordinances and who serve Him with reverence and fear. They do not realize the absolute danger and wrath that they are bringing upon themselves by the God they claim to be ‘buddies’ with. The ramifications from such actions are one of the few that we know have specific fallouts in eternity. Matthew 5:19 warns, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

FOURTEENTH: Deceive Yourself About Sin
Malachi 3:13-1 “[Ye have said]…And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.” Again, I have heard it said several times by people who want to serve God their way instead of His way, that they are now “happier”. Baloney. Of course a watchman thinks himself ‘happier’ if he shirks his responsibilities and takes a nap. Of course a steward is going to think himself ‘happier’ if he neglects his responsibilities. Another thing I have heard these same individuals say is that they expect God to deliver them from their circumstances that they are in. God has already told us thousands of years ago that no matter how many times we lie to ourselves, it is still a lie.

FIFTEENTH: Believe The Lie Of Unnecessary Doctrines
Hebrews 2:1 “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” So many church and Christians today think that the Bible is full of suggestions instead of commandments. They are viewed as very important, unless, of course, they do interfere with what you want to do – then they are viewed as optional. All of God’s Word was given because He expects us to read all of it, and to take heed to it. Paul exhorts us that we should given attention to making sure that we are following God’s Word, and not just picking and choosing what we want to obey.

SIXTEENTH: Twist ‘Grace’ To As An Excuse For ‘Liberty’ To Enjoy The World. This is another major area in which Christians get deceived. It is ironic that a plain reading of Scripture does not bring one to this faulty conclusion. Instead, those already leaving the faith use it to justify their actions. So many times I hear Christians try to redefine ‘grace’ to mean ‘liberty’. Grace means grace – it is unmerited favor. The gift of salvation was extended to us by grace. The opportunity to spend eternity in Heaven with God was also extended by grace. The opportunity that God gives us here on earth to serve Him is given by grace. The power we have through the Holy Ghost to do what is right instead of being slaves to sin is another gift given by grace. Knowledge and insight into God’s Word is another grace afforded to Christians. The very ability I have to breathe is, in a sense, given by grace. I do not deserve to live. I am a sinner; but because of God’s grace that was extended to me, I have now accepted His gift and am clothed in robes of righteousness in His sight. Just because we get puffed up and think that our wretched and worthless selves are somebody special does not give us excuse or ‘permission’ to now act like spoiled brats. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:1-2. If you want an excellent understanding of grace, read the book of Hebrews through in one sitting. One of its major subjects is grace. Hebrews 10:29-30 states, “Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people.” Grace is not a carte blanche that allows us to do whatever we want because we now have a ‘Get Out of Hell Free’ card. The spirit of grace constrains us to do what is right because we remember what favor was extended to us who did not deserve it. “…let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:28-29

“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.” 2 Peter 2:19. So many false teachers use sweet words to get Christians to believe that grace means liberty, and that God ‘gave’ us liberty to serve Him in whatever way we want. Hogwash. “…only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13. As Christians, what liberty we have is not liberty to do wrong and obey the flesh; our liberty is that now we are no longer slaves to sin, and we have an Help and Comforter who helps us to do right. “And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.” Psalm 119:45. Another aspect of liberty is that as we serve God and do what is right, we have a largeness of conscience toward our God. We are not downcast and confined by our sin and guilt if we keep our relationship with Him clear. Serving God and obeying His will *in* the liberty He has given us also *brings* liberty of conscience. Unfortunately, if you do despite unto the spirit of grace, it is possible to sear your conscience and to live in a false sense of liberty of conscience.

“So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” James 2:12. Liberty describes our empowerment to now do what is right. If liberty meant in any way the ability to serve God any way we want and live any way we want, then it would not be called the *law* of liberty. Laws are rules given to encourage what is right and punish what is wrong. It therefore follows that the law of liberty is not spiritual anarchy, but is a result of doing what is right, and what God requires.

SEVENTEENTH: Hang Around Spiritual Suiciders. This final point can destroy any Christian. I have seen good Christian young people turned aside from following God because of their wrong ‘friends’. In college, I saw many nominal Christians turn cold because of the crowd they ran with. Now, I have seen others of different maturities become a shell of what they were in service to God – all because of whom they associated with. “…companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20. Many times some of them thought that they would have had the greater influence on their friends. However, Scripture warns, “…evil communications corrupt good manners.” I Corinthians 15:33.

While the Old Testament warns about the dangers of fools and angry people, the New Testament gives several pointed warnings to quickly separate from those who teach wrong doctrine. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Romans 16:17. Too many Christian ministries and churches are caused to stumble because of whom they associate with. In ‘christian’ circles, we should be known for whom we do not hang around with. “…Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” I Timothy 6:3-5. Again, I have seen God-fearing young men go off to a ‘Bible school’ that teaches wrong doctrine and wrong spirit, and they very quickly change for the worse.

Perhaps you are in a ministry, church, or Christian organization that has major areas where they are going astray from God’s Word. “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:6-7. Before you think that you are exempt if you recognize the fallacies ahead of time, remember that the admonition is also in regards to partaking with them. “…neither be partakers of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.” I Timothy 5:22. As long as you work with them, associate with them, hang around them, etc. you are counted with them. Sometimes people justify their staying in a corrupt ministry or church because they want to be a salt and a light to ‘help’ the wayward ministry. God commands us that we should “keep thyself pure”.

CONCLUSION: While there are many ways that Christians swerve aside from serving God (some large, some small), these are some of the most regular means by which I have seen individuals and ministries fall. I also have seen that they are common tools in Satan’s arsenal in his attacks in my own life. One of Paul’s greatest concerns was that even after all that he did for Christ, it was always possible for him to fall in serving God. “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.” 1 Corinthians 9:27. Let us endeavor to serve God with our whole heart, constantly on guard against Satan’s inroads, always mindful that until we reach Heaven, Satan will try every day to make us a castaway.

Dear Lord, please forgive me of my sins and how I have not always wanted to serve you, but myself. Help me to read your Word even more, and show me every day instruction from your Word. Dear Lord, help me to be watchful for Satan’s devices, and to constantly try teachings according to your Word. Give me discernment, and remembrance of the things I have read in your Word. Give me strength to do what is right, and to reject what my flesh wants to do. Please bring into my life the right and godly friends who can exhort and encourage me to do what is right in serving you. Dear Lord, help me to be the proper Christian friend to those around me, always encouraging them to do what is right. Do not let me be the wrong kind of friend. Dear Lord, I do not want to be a castaway or failure in my Christian life. Thank you for your grace to serve you with, and for dying in my place for my sin. Help me to serve you only. In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.