Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

INTRODUCTION
Follow-up: Definition & Importance
Mark A. Copeland
1. In the Great Commission, Jesus did not simply tell His apostles to baptize... - cf. Mt 28:19-20
a. He said “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you”
b. He wanted them to ‘follow-up’ those who were baptized
2. Too often, once people are baptized they are left to simply drift...
a. In many cases, drifting back into the world
b. Or they drift into a state of apathy regarding their devotion and service to the Lord
3. This greatly hinders the growth of the Lord’s church...
a. Not only are the souls who drift or become apathetic in danger of falling away
b. Think of the potential souls they could have brought to the Lord if they had been faithful!
[Proper ‘follow-up’ should be of primary importance to any congregation. But exactly what is meant by
this meant by the term ‘follow-up’...?]
I. DEFINITION OF FOLLOW-UP
A. THE WORK OF GROUNDING A NEW BELIEVER...
1. Such was the goal of Paul’s labors - Co 1:28-29
2. Therefore it was an important part of his ministry - Ac 14:21-22
B. INVOLVING SEVERAL AREAS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH...
1. Having the assurance of salvation and acceptance with God - 1 Jn 5:13; 2:3
2. Developing a consistent devotional life - 1 Pe 2:2; Co 4:2
3. Understanding the basics of abundant Christian living - Co 3:12-17; 2 Pe 1:5-11
4. Integrating into the family life of the local church - He 10:24-25
5. Grounded in the basics of Bible doctrine - He 5:12; 6:1-3
6. Involved in sharing the gospel with others - 1 Pe 2:9-10
C. UTILIZING A THREEFOLD APPROACH...
1. Group follow-up: nurturing the believer through the local church - He 10:25
2. Personal study: activities in which the new Christian engages on his own - 1 Ti 4:13-16
3. Personal follow-up: one-to-one relationship with a mature believer to aid and inspire
the new Christian’s growth - e.g., Barnabas and Mark, Paul and Timothy
a. This work is best done by members serving as mentors and role models
b. It should also be done with discretion (e.g., women following up with women)
[With this understanding of ‘follow-up’, consider some reasons regarding the...]
II. IMPORTANCE OF FOLLOW-UP
A. VULNERABILITY OF A NEW CHRISTIAN...
1. Satan seeks to destroy those in the faith - 1 Pe 5:8-9
2. A Christian is most vulnerable when they are not grounded in the faith - Lk 8:13
Topical Sermons 128