Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

. Babes in Christ often require special attention and nurturing
1) New converts often bring with them many personal problems
2) They need the concern and care of interested, mature Christians - Ro 15:1-3
3) Otherwise they may soon wither away
Mark A. Copeland
[What does it take for a congregation to provide such things? It begins with what we are willing to do
individually, for a congregation is no stronger or ready to grow than its members are willing to be. Let
me therefore suggest...]
II. WHAT WE MUST DO AS INDIVIDUALS
A. STRENGTHEN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD...
1. Why is this so important?
a. Others must see in us the blessings of walking with God - not simply the pride of
knowing about the Lord!
b. We cannot share what we do not have!
2. No matter how strong our relationship with God, we can always improve
a. Paul recognized this in his own life - Ph 3:12-15
b. Peter wrote that our spiritual growth must always be increasing - 2 Pe 1:5-8
3. Therefore we must continue to add to our faith virtue, to virtue knowledge...
a. Much of this is accomplished through personal and daily devotions - Psa 1:1-3
b. But personal efforts must be accompanied by frequent assembling - He 10:24-25
B. STRENGTHEN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER...
1. Why is this important?
a. Our love and unity is a powerful witness for Christ - Jn 13:34-35; 17:20-21
b. A strong network of Christians is essential to assimilate and nurture new Christians
2. No matter how strong our relationship with one another, we can always improve
a. As Paul exhorted the Thessalonians - 1 Th 4:9-10
b. As Peter wrote to Christians in general - 1 Pe 1:22
3. Therefore we must seek out opportunities to strengthen our bond in Christ...
a. Regular attendance is certainly a great help - He 10:24-25
b. And so is simple hospitality (both offered, and accepted) - 1 Pe 4:8-9
C. DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE LOST...
1. Why is this important?
a. Light must shine in darkness to be of much value - Mt 5:14-16
b. If people are sick, those with the cure must be willing to be among them - cf. Mt 9:
10-13
c. The right example can prepare people to receive the Word - cf. 1 Pe 3:1-2
d. Relationships with the lost can serve as the basis for continued relationships with
them after they are saved
2. Developing relationships with the lost is an ongoing process
a. If an effort to share the gospel is not well-received, we may need to move on - Mt 7:6
b. Just as Jesus could not stay in one place, we cannot limit our outreach to just a few
friends, relatives, and neighbors - cf. Lk 4:42-44
3. Therefore we must always be on the lookout for new relationships with the lost...
a. Simple hospitality will go a long way (both offered and accepted) - cf. Mt 9:9-13
1) Matthew extended hospitality to his friends soon after Jesus called him
Topical Sermons 135