The Giant of Retreat: Part 4 by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

In PART FOUR of this message on the Battle with the Giant of Retreat, we address the issue of the importance of drawing nigh to God. James said, “James 4:8—Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” What does it mean to “draw nigh”? We spend some time looking at the Greek word and its great truths. We look at another principle that will help a Christian to regain his or her first love for Christ. It is the matter of giving your heart to the Lord. Another principle reason that causes Christians to retreat from God is they stand still in their service to Christ. We address the problem and several solutions in this message. Another reason why Christians retreat from the Lord is they cease to shun temptations. There are 915 verses in the Book of Proverbs. Solomon did not waste any time getting to the sin issue in the tenth verse. It is an issue we must all deal with because what we decide about dealing with our sins is going to have a ripple effect in our lives. It will affect what happens now as well as what happens in our future. Choices about sin affect our relationship with God and with other people. When it comes to sin, we are to retreat from temptation and the path of wicked people. This is a good kind of retreat. * Proverbs 1:10- My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. * Proverbs 1:15- My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: Playing around with temptation and sin will eventually burn and scar your life spiritually. If you are doing this now, cease to do it immediately. Understand clearly that sinful choices will cool you off spiritually and put you into retreat mode. Major spiritual catastrophes begin with little sinful compromises. Samson's life was destroyed because of his compromises with sin. He became weaker and weaker until the day when he discovered he had lost his strength and God's blessing. This message was preached on Sunday morning, November 30, 2025, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.