Disappointments New Christians Face 1.Same Weaknesses As Before (Disappointed with themselves) Many begin with great joy Ac 8:39 Then discouraged by temptations Lk 8:13 We can help by reminding them: Growth is progressive Ro 12:1-2; Co 3:5-11 God is willing to forgive 1Jn 1:9; 2:1 God will provide strength Ph 2:12-13; 4:13
2.Imperfect Christians (Disappointed by their brethren) Inconsistency in others Ga 2:11-14 Ill treatment by brethren 2Ti 1:15; 4:10,16 We can help by: Setting better examples 1Ti 4:12 Confessing wrong when it occurs Reminding them that older Christians are also growing Ph 3:12-14 Disappointments New Christians Face
3.Trials And Temptations (Disappointed by the world) Pleasures and responsibilities Lk 8:14 Discouragement by ‘ friends ’ 1Co 15:33-34 We can help by: Setting an example Mt 6:33 Showing ‘ love of the Father ’ 1Jn 2:15-17 Developing relationships that are ‘ in the Lord ’, not just social interests Disappointments New Christians Face
4.False Conceptions About Prosperity (Disappointed by lack of success) Thinking that all problems will go away Such is not always true 1Pe 1:6-9; Ja 1:2-4 We can help by: Preparing them for possible adversity As Paul did Ac 14:21-22; 2Ti 3:12 Reminding them that Satan often strikes hardest when new in the faith 1Pe 5:8 Disappointments New Christians Face
5.Too Much Negative Preaching (Disappointed by their preachers) Too much creates carnal Christians 1Co 3:3 Error must be opposed 2Ti 4:1-4; Ju 3 It should be done in love Ep 4:15 With prayer for their souls Ro 10:1 With recognition for their good Ro 10:2-3 With gentleness, patience, humility, and understanding 2Ti 2:24-26 Disappointments New Christians Face
1.Same Weaknesses As Before 2.Imperfect Christians 3.Trials And Temptations 4.False Conceptions About Prosperity 5.Too Much Negative Preaching “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” ~ Galatians 6:1 Disappointments New Christians Face