Service Privilege with Newbies

A new believer can have many challenges. First, he needs to grow to understand sound doctrine. Ideally, a stronger believer will walk beside this new saint to help. Many new believers believe that since they’re forgiven and saved from the wrath by the blood of Christ, that they’ve arrived and then, just kick their feet up to relax until the Rapture. This tragic, fleshly response prevents growth. Newbies primarily think as a natural, unsaved man; uneducated in the basics of who they are in Christ, not knowing the flesh is still strong, nor how to live under grace.

A member of the Body can use this as an opportunity to serve, regularly walking along side of them to teach and mentor him. This is a critical stage of the faith journey, so guidance is often crucial to help navigate this new, spiritual realm. Satan loves to intervene and derail babes in Christ, and it is so easy at this point. When stronger brethren see and respond in faith to this great service privilege, it will have a grand spiritual impact, with eternal glory!

What exactly is needed? Newbies have many questions! Answer them clearly, using the Word, but keep them focused on the basics, according to the doctrine Paul lays out. “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.” (I Cor. 3:1-2) Slowly teach them to read the Word daily with prayer and to prove all things for themselves. Direct them to Romans as this will establish them. Fill in their gaps of understanding, providing the groundwork in their Justification: chapters 1-5. This takes a while, so be as patient as needed. Proceed slowly. Next is Sanctification: chapters 6-8, Where we fit in God’s plan: chapters 9-11, and Worship and Service: chapters 12-16.

Capturing a new saint’s very zealous energy for service is tempting. However, this can become their new focus to do work for the Lord. It can displace the new and challenging priority to develop a reading habit, regularly reflect, explore fellowship opportunities, and get critical questions resolved. If left unanswered, a believer will eventually become infected with doubt and frustration and can be moved away from their hope in Christ, and led astray i.e. enveloped in ‘doing things,’ not resting in grace to grow. Encouragement is needed to make regular time to listen to God and develop this relationship. Attending services to experience love relationships in the Body and the oneness in Christ strengthens newbies. What’s God calling you to do?

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