1. What it means to be a
Christian

2. Hindrances to becoming a Christian
This morning we addressed:
Unbelief in many forms
Faulty reasoning
Unwilling to give up sin
Unwilling to address consequences
Hypocrisy
Ignorance
That “one thing”
What it means to be a
Christian?

3. Addressing Hindrances to Becoming a
Christian

4. Dealing with hindrances
Don’t take it personally
Maybe we have something to answer for
But, in general, we will stand before God for ourselves
You are not alone – 2 Timothy 3:12 John 15:18
Dealing with hindrances
to becoming a
Christian?

5. Dealing with hindrances
Most hindrances cannot be overcome for them
You cannot force obedience – Luke 8:5, 12
Even Jesus didn’t win them all
One must make up their own mind Romans 14:12
Dealing with hindrances
to becoming a
Christian?

6. Dealing with hindrances
Most hindrances cannot be overcome for them
Excuses will not change one’s destiny, so do what you can – 2 Corinthians 5:10-11
Do not let their rejection keep you from doing anything – Matthew 10:5-16, Acts 13:51, 18:6, etc.
Someone IS looking!
Dealing with hindrances
to becoming a
Christian?

7. Dealing with hindrances
Keep letting your light shine
With some this is the best we can do – Philippians 2:15
Don’t be a hypocrite!
Show them the importance of putting God first; Give them reason to believe, etc. 1 Peter 1:7, cf. James 5:12
Even among our enemies – Matthew 5:44-48, cf. 1 Peter 2:11-12
Dealing with hindrances
to becoming a
Christian?

8. Dealing with hindrances
Help them overcome ignorance and faulty thinking with the truth
1 Peter 3:15 – How much effort do we put to learn to answer?
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 – our weapons are mighty in casting down arguments
If they let you, keep studying with them Sometimes an objection is simply hesitation
Dealing with hindrances
to becoming a
Christian?

9. Dealing with hindrances
Help them overcome ignorance and faulty thinking with the truth
Check your attitude! Patience, kindness, etc. Matthew 10:16
Listen – cf. James 1:19
Handle the word accurately – 2 Timothy 2:15
Consider indirect teaching – articles, tracts, keep being an example, etc. Cf. Deuteronomy 6:7-9
Dealing with hindrances
to becoming a
Christian?

10. Dealing with hindrances
We may need to back off for awhile! Try later!
Don’t be one that they dread to see coming! Be seasoning, don’t pour salt in their wounds – Matt. 5:13, Colossians 4:6
Don’t force a false response
Give them an open invitation
But don’t forget about them – cf. Galatians 6:9
Hindrances to
Becoming a
Christian?

11. Dealing with hindrances
Do NOT let them drag you down spiritually!
Yes we are in the world, but not of the world
Be cautious – Galatians 5:9, 1 Corinthians 15:33
Do not put yourself at a disadvantage with them 2 Corinthians 6:14, 17-18
Hindrances to
Becoming a
Christian?

12. Dealing with hindrances
Pray for them
Something we can always do! The lost desperately need our prayers
Opportunity, be specific – Matthew 9:38, Colossians 4:3
Wisdom - James 1:5
Boldness – Ephesians 6:17-19
That we may lead a quiet life – 1 Timothy 2:2
Hindrances to
Becoming a
Christian?

13. Dealing with hindrances
Put it in God’s hands
You can only do so much! Let Him do His part 1 Peter 5:7
Plant and water, but let God give the increase – 1 Corinthians 3:6
But do what you can!
Hindrances to
Becoming a
Christian?

14. Many of these things require judgment.
Learn as we try. We may stumble, but learn and do better.
We need to care enough to keep trying!

15. Don’t let hindrances keep you out of heaven!