Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Mark A. Copeland
3. Help the new Christian realize that older Christians are also going through the process of
“transformation” - cf. Ph 3:12-14
[Then there is the problem of...]
III. TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS (Disappointed by the world)
A. SUCH AS PLEASURES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE WORLD...
1. Often drawing the new Christian away (e.g., job, family, hobbies)
2. Choking them to the point of unfruitfulness - Lk 8:14
B. AND DISCOURAGEMENT BY UNCONVERTED FRIENDS...
1. Who want them to come back to the things of the world
2. As Paul warned in 1 Co 15:33-34
C. WHAT CAN WE DO...?
1. Demonstrate what it means to “seek first the kingdom of God” - Mt 6:33
2. Make it clear by our own example who it is we love the most (i.e., not our jobs, hobbies)
- 1 Jn 2:15-17
3. Develop close friendships with new Christians in the Lord
a. Friendships centered around Christ and His work
b. Not just social interests
[Due to much misinformation about the Christian life, a problem some new Christians have is...]
IV. FALSE CONCEPTIONS ABOUT PROSPERITY (Disappointed by lack of success)
A. THINKING THAT NOW ALL OUR PROBLEMS WILL GO AWAY...
1. An idea propagated by the “gospel of health and wealth” teachers
2. But such is not always the case, even as it was in the days of the first century - 1 Pe 1:6-9;
Ja 1:2-4
B. WE NEED TO PREPARE NEW CHRISTIANS FOR POSSIBLE ADVERSITY...
1. Even as Paul did - Ac 14:21-22; 2 Ti 3:12
2. This need is especially great because Satan often strikes hardest when one is new in the
faith
[Finally, there is often the problem of...]
V. TOO MUCH NEGATIVE TEACHING (Disappointed by their preachers)
A. SUCH AS CONSTANTLY EXPOSING DENOMINATIONAL ERRORS...
1. Certainly there is a place for learning about those in error - 2 Ti 4:1-2; Ac 20:27
2. But there can be dangers involved in doing so...
a. If it is done in an arrogant, self-righteous spirit
b. If it is done to make us feel good or superior
c. If it is done to the exclusion of learning what we need to do
3. If we are not careful, it can create carnal Christians, given to strife and envy
Topical Sermons 102