problematic new believers issues to be aware of

New believer issues

Not exhaustive list, but to be understood. 

Problem new believers have is....

Self ignorance. 

Over assessing their own ability. 

They lack solid biblical knowledge, so they need to spend a long time reading and studying the Word. They need discipleship from leaders in the church. It will likely take 3 years go grasp.

They want to go into the world and preach. But they have zeal without knowledge. Until they know the Bible very well, they cannot answer others questions. They dont have basics down, their theology set and apologetic training, and can articulate. Scripture says we need to know the Word and the gospel, and be able to give an answer 

They try to do it all alone. You need to have brethren with you both physically and in prayer for the encounters, protection, outing, gospel and right mindframe/behavior/speech. 

They have passion to share, but lack the proper behavior. Without having accountability to your elders/deacons and pastor, if you go out you can end up in sin, be a bad witness, and fall. They dont know how to nor taught to be gentle, kind, forgiving, gracious and understand what that looks like. They might get angry, frustrated, snippy, dismissive, yelling, argumentative, always seek to be right, and self righteous. Posdibly attention seeker. All that keeps people from God. They dont want to be like you. Without accountability, guidance and obeying the church leaders

They lack a church home. 

Not a member who is accountable and open to discipline. They ran off to "do their own thing" selfishly and puffed up with pride, because they didnt want to listen to godly counsel or obey the elders, didnt want to be accountable. So theyre a lone wolf. 

We need to be under the church authority, obeying the leaders, who are looking out for your soul, shepherding you, helping the unsaved you engage with, ensuring you share truth not self views, and are learned in sharing the Biblical Gospel. Plus if you are doing all these things you can serve other believers in your congregation by helping them witness in public too. 

Biblical example. 

Peter, was all gung ho and problematic. He is a good example (warning) of why we need a local shepherd.

He was convinced in his own mind. He claimed he was willing to all kinds of things, even "die" but we know the truth...Peter denied Jesus in separate locations, multiple times. 

Luke pointed out, Peter boasted too much, prayed too little, acted too fast, followed too far and ended up denying the Lord. And when he messed up he agonized, grieved, was depressed, was fearful, frightened and guilty. The Shepherd came to him and strengthened him, and encouraged him. You cant have that if you try to be solo "ride or die'r" attitude. And are unteachable, unleadable and pushing for your way. Obedient love is the way. 

It can all come crashing down and ruin the believers faith and life, because they ignored all the above, and ran head first. 

More on Peter   

@44:24 - end

If you would like to study more from this pastor, go thru the Gospel of John series here. Save playlist 😊