This outline is not an original. It came from an outline book, but I don't remember where I saw it. The material is very good and much needed.

FOUR STEPS TO APOSTASY

Introduction:
A. Many people in the religious community would be opposed to
   the title of this lesson, because they contend that it is 
   impossible to apostatize, or fall from grace. Their 
   argument is simply the Calvinist position of "once saved,
   always saved."
B. It is unfortunate, but we see many church members live as 
   if they believe that it is impossible to "fall from grace."
   However the verses of our text show beyond a shadow of a 
   doubt that one can, and will, fall if he is not constantly 
   on guard.
C. In studying this lesson let's first notice that:

I. One Must Have Reached A Position From  Which To Fall.
   A. Rom. 1:17 - One becomes a child of God through faith in
      Christ Jesus, which leads to obedience.
   B. Rom. 10:17 - The Bible is our only source of faith.
   C. 2 Cor. 5:7 - To please God we must walk by faith.
   D. Those who continue to walk by faith remain free from 
      the guilt of sin. Those who don't fall from grace.

II. There Are Four Steps To Apostasy.
   A. The first step is wrong attitude.  This is the beginning
      of apostasy.
      1. A compromising attitude toward the preaching of the 
         gospel will lead to unfaithfulness.
         a. This is brought on because the people failed to 
            receive a love for the truth - 2 Thess. 2:10
         b. Yet Prov. 23:23 tells us to "Buy the truth, and do
            not sell it,"
      2. Some say "preach the Bible and leave everybody else
         alone."  This is impossible.
      3. Others say, "Don't preach a negative gospel.  Don't
         tell us what not to do. Preach a positive gospel."
         a. To do this would be to neglect to preach the 
            "whole council of God."
         b. Also, any postive sermon would be considered 
            negetive by one who might not agree.
      4. Many today will not endure sound doctrine. They will
         even become angry at it. That leads to the second 
         step in apostasy.
   B. The second step on the road to apostasy is false 
      teachers and it quickly follows step one.
      1. When preaching the truth angers church members they
         often run off the gospel preacher and bring in some-
         one who will "tickle" their ears - Isa. 30:10.
      2. During the days of the inspired prophets, those 
         claiming to be children of God heaped to themselves
         false teachers.  In every age false teachers have 
         been in great demand - Jer. 5:31.
      3. Many congregations have been led into apostasy 
         because the preacher tried to please the people 
         instead of save the people - Titus 1:11; Matt. 7:15.
   C. The next step in apostasy is to turn from the truth.
      1. When the understanding and heart have no desire for 
         the truth, they are not going to listen to it - 
         Heb. 10:26.
      2. To turn from the truth is to turn away from God's 
         power to save us from sin - Jn. 8:32.
   D. The final step to apostasy is the acceptance of every 
      false doctrine.
      1. When men do not find the truth agreeable, they often
         accept the wildest fancies or the most childish 
         beliefs imaginable for doctrines.
         a. 2 Thess. 2:11-12
         b. Gal. 5:4
      2. What a waste of a soul!  Profitless fables taken in 
         exchange for soul-saving truth! - Jn. 12:48

Conclusion:
A. The end result of these steps is always the same. Complete
   apostasy.
B. The Bible warns in numerous places of apostasy coming in 
   the "last days" and the difficulty of restoring those who 
   fall away.
   1. 1 Tim. 4:1 - "Now the Spirit expressly says that in 
      latter times some will depart from the faith, giving 
      heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,"
   2. 2 Pet. 3:17 - "You therefore, beloved, since you know 
      this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your 
      own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the
      wicked;"
C. Let us remain faithful to God and His Word.