Disappointments New Christians Face

Introduction:
There’s a whole new crop of young Christians around here! Isn’t it great? There is great joy in this. See 2 Jhn. 4; 3 Jhn. 3-4. We want to see all Christians grow & prosper in their spiritual life. Unfortunately, not all Christians grow as they should. See Lk. 8:13-14. Some become overwhelmed by problems and disappointments. Some go as far as to give up completely! Older, more mature Christians need to be reminded of their responsibilities to help young Christians. See Gal. 6:1-2; Rom. 15:1-2. We need to be aware that new Christians often experience:

I. Same ______________________ as before conversion.
    A. Acts 8—Ethiopian Eunuch obeyed the gospel. See his excitement? But….
    B. _________________ still come! Jesus warned! Lk. 8:13
    C. Mature Christians need to help by ____________ new converts!
        1. About being ________________ - Rom. 12:1-2; Col. 3:5-11
        2. About ________________ - 1 Jhn. 1:9; 2:1; Phil. 2:12-13

II. _________________ seen in older Christians.
    A. Rom. 2:21-24—are we inconsistent?
    B. They could be subject to _____ ________________ by brethren. 3 Jhn. 9
        1. Must guard against being _______________. Be genuine!
    C. We need to follow Paul’s admonition in 1 Tim. 4:12.
        1. Stand up & take ________________ when we sin—Js. 5:16
        2. Help others see that Christians must constantly ______ and be transformed! See also Phil. 3:12-14

III. ____________ & _________________.
    A. We still live in the world and are exposed to __________ & temptation.
        1. Jhn. 17:11-16—prayer of Jesus.
        2. Sometimes these things choke new Christians to death.
    B. Experience discouragement from former friends. 1 Cor. 15:33
    C. What can be done?
        1. Set an _____________. Mt. 6:33
        2. Demonstrate your ________ for God! 1 Jhn. 2:15-17
        3. Be their __________ - Js. 4:4 Get to know them!

IV. False conceptions about __________________.
A. 1 Pet. 1:6-9—need to understand that all problems will not just go away!
B. Encourage others to be prepared for ________. See 2 Tim. 3:12; Acts 14:21-22.

V. ______________ preaching.
    A. I’m OK; You’re OK has permeated ALL aspects of society! But Acts 20:27 says….
    B. We must realize our responsibility to preach the ______ _________ of God!
        1. No cutting corners; smoothing things over...We CANNOT & WILL NOT!
    C. However, needs to be some ___________ with our teaching/preaching.

Conclusion:
    A. 4 Stages of Christian Growth:
        1. ____ ____ _______ - immediately after conversion.
        2. _________ - as trials; temptations; disappointments come.
        3. ______ and _________ - as they determine their zeal.
        4. ___________________ - 1 Cor. 15:58; Phil. 4:18
    B. How does one get to stage 4?
        1. Having ________________ expectations!
        2. Being ________________ to Christ!
    C. Have you been converted?



Disappointments New Christians Face Introduction: There’s a whole new crop of young Christians around here! Isn’t it great? There is great joy in this. See 2 Jhn. 4; 3 Jhn. 3-4. We want to see all Christians grow & prosper in their spiritual life. Unfortunately, not all Christians grow as they should. See Lk. 8:13-14. Some become overwhelmed by problems and disappointments. Some go as far as to give up completely! Older, more mature Christians need to be reminded of their responsibilities to help young Christians. See Gal. 6:1-2; Rom. 15:1-2. We need to be aware that new Christians often experience: I. Same ______________________ as before conversion. A. Acts 8—Ethiopian Eunuch obeyed the gospel. See his excitement? But…. B. _________________ still come! Jesus warned! Lk. 8:13 C. Mature Christians need to help by ____________ new converts! 1. About being ________________ - Rom. 12:1-2; Col. 3:5-11 2. About ________________ - 1 Jhn. 1:9; 2:1; Phil. 2:12-13 II. _________________ seen in older Christians. A. Rom. 2:21-24—are we inconsistent? B. They could be subject to _____ ________________ by brethren. 3 Jhn. 9 1. Must guard against being _______________. Be genuine! C. We need to follow Paul’s admonition in 1 Tim. 4:12. 1. Stand up & take ________________ when we sin—Js. 5:16 2. Help others see that Christians must constantly ______ and be transformed! See also Phil. 3:12-14 III. ____________ & _________________. A. We still live in the world and are exposed to __________ & temptation. 1. Jhn. 17:11-16—prayer of Jesus. 2. Sometimes these things choke new Christians to death. B. Experience discouragement from former friends. 1 Cor. 15:33 C. What can be done? 1. Set an _____________. Mt. 6:33 2. Demonstrate your ________ for God! 1 Jhn. 2:15-17 3. Be their __________ - Js. 4:4 Get to know them! IV. False conceptions about __________________. A. 1 Pet. 1:6-9—need to understand that all problems will not just go away! B. Encourage others to be prepared for ________. See 2 Tim. 3:12; Acts 14:21-22. V. ______________ preaching. A. I’m OK; You’re OK has permeated ALL aspects of society! But Acts 20:27 says…. B. We must realize our responsibility to preach the ______ _________ of God! 1. No cutting corners; smoothing things over...We CANNOT & WILL NOT! C. However, needs to be some ___________ with our teaching/preaching. Conclusion: A. 4 Stages of Christian Growth: 1. ____ ____ _______ - immediately after conversion. 2. _________ - as trials; temptations; disappointments come. 3. ______ and _________ - as they determine their zeal. 4. ___________________ - 1 Cor. 15:58; Phil. 4:18 B. How does one get to stage 4? 1. Having ________________ expectations! 2. Being ________________ to Christ! C. Have you been converted?