31/05/2026
TOPIC: YOU CAN’T GO BACK NOW
TEXT: Luke 9:62; Philippians 3:13–14; Hebrews 10:38–39; 2 Peter 2:20–22
Luke 9:62 - 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Philippians 3:13–14 - 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Hebrews 10:38–39 - 38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.
2 Peter 2:20–22 - 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Definition of “You can’t go back now”:
You can’t go back now means a believer who has encountered Christ, left the old life, and begun walking with God must remain steadfast and continue forward regardless of challenges, temptations, persecutions, or pressures.
Definition of backsliding or going back:
Going back means returning to sinful lifestyles, worldly associations, ungodly habits, unbelief, spiritual compromise, or abandoning one’s commitment to Christ after receiving salvation and knowing the truth.
Definition of the topic:
You Can’t Go Back Now is a call to believers to remain faithful, steadfast, and committed to Christ despite trials, discouragement, opposition, temptation, or hardship because the life ahead in Christ is greater than the life left behind.
Introduction:
Following Jesus is a journey of faith, sacrifice, transformation, and perseverance. Many believers have left sinful lifestyles, ungodly relationships, worldly pleasures, corrupt practices, and destructive habits to follow Christ. The enemy often attacks believers with discouragement, hardship, delay, temptation, and pressure in order to make them return to their former life. But after all God has done, after all the prayers, deliverances, growth, tears, and sacrifices, going back is not an option.
The world you left will no longer fit you. The old life cannot satisfy you anymore. God is calling believers to stand firm, remain faithful, and continue the race until the end.
What to understand:
1. Why People Want to Go Back.
a. Because of Difficulties and Trials.
John 16:33 - 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Some believers become discouraged when Christianity becomes difficult.
b. Because of Delayed Expectations.
Proverbs 13:12 - 12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.
Waiting seasons sometimes weaken people spiritually.
c. Because of Pressure From Old Friends and Environment.
1 Corinthians 15:33 - 33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Negative associations can pull believers backward.
d. Because of Temptation and Sinful Desires.
Galatians 5:17 - 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
The flesh constantly fights spiritual growth.
e. Because of Discouragement and Spiritual Weariness
Galatians 6:9 - 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Weariness can make believers consider quitting.
2. Why you must not go back now.
a. Because Jesus Has Saved and Changed Your Life.
2 Corinthians 5:17 - 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
You are no longer the same person.
b. Because Your Future in Christ Is Greater Than Your Past.
Jeremiah 29:11 - 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
God has a greater future ahead.
c. Because Going Back Leads to Greater Bo***ge.
2 Peter 2:20 - 20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
Returning to sin brings deeper captivity.
d. Because God Rewards Faithfulness.
Revelation 2:10 - 10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
There is reward for endurance.
e. Because Heaven Is the Goal.
Philippians 3:14 - 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
The Christian race is eternal.
f. Because Many People Are Watching Your Life.
Matthew 5:16 - 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Your life is influencing others.
g. Because God Will Give You Strength to Finish Well.
Isaiah 40:31 - 31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
God never abandons His people.
Conclusion:
No matter what you are facing spiritually, physically, financially, emotionally, or materially, you cannot go back now. You have prayed too much to go back. You have grown too much to go back. You have seen God’s hand too much to go back. The enemy wants believers to become discouraged and quit, but God is calling His people to stand firm and continue the race.
The road may be rough, but the destination is glorious. Keep moving forward. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep standing. Heaven is ahead of you, not behind you.
Prayer points:
1. Father, give me grace to stand firm until the end.
Matthew 24:13 - 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
2. Every power pulling me backward spiritually, lose your hold over my life.
Philippians 3:13 - 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
3. Lord, remove every desire to return to the world.
Galatians 5:1 – 1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bo***ge.
4. Every old habit and sinful appetite calling me back, die by fire.
Romans 6:14 - 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
5. Father, strengthen me in every season of discouragement.
Isaiah 41:10 - 10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
6. Every evil association assigned to pull me away from God, scatter now.
1 Corinthians 15:33 - 33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
7. Lord, renew my spiritual fire and passion for You.
Romans 12:11 - 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
8. Every spirit of weariness and spiritual weakness, leave my life now.
Galatians 6:9 - 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
9. Father, help me to finish my Christian race successfully.
2 Timothy 4:7 - 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
10. Holy Spirit, keep me standing in times of temptation and trial.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
11. Father, let nothing separate me from Your love and presence.
Romans 8:38–39 - 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rev. Dr. A. A. Obe
