CHRISTIAN LIVING

I. Introduction

After receiving the joy of receiving Christ, many new believers are left feeling
overwhelmed and confused. Discipleship is the key, but how does one know where to begin.
Let us consider new born babies. Babies need their parents or any of the significant others
to sustain them in their basic requisites, thus, the need for discipleship.

II. Objectives

a. Identify activities to facilitate spiritual growth to help new believers live powerful and
godly lives
b. Discuss barriers to spiritual growth
c. Draw new believers to Christlikeness

III. Contents

What are the 5 things to know and 5 things to do which newly baptized Christians
must learn?
5 Things to Know 5 Things to Do

 They are newborn babes in Christ.
( I Peter 2:2)
 In Christ, they have been
regenerated. (Romans 6:4)
 They are in a critical condition. (I
Peter 5:8)
 They face the possibilities of
falling. (1 Cor. 10:12)
 They are to be a good example.
(1 Tim. 4:12)
 Put God first. (Matt. 6:33)
 Study the word of God. (Acts
17:11-12)
 Continue in prayer. (1 Thess. 5:17)
 Be diligent in attending Church
meetings. (Heb. 10:25)
 Help save others.
(Matt. 28:19-20)

A. The following are the basics of Christian Life:

1. Praying/Talking to God (Preferably praying in tongues)

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To the born again soul, prayer is as essential as breathing and neglecting it will
result in weakness and defeat. It is not only important that Christians should pray, but
it is of supreme importance.
The Christian life is a new life –- His life, the life of the risen Lord Jesus implanted
in us by the Holy Spirit. This new life can only be sustained by prayer, and only by prayer
can we develop into robust, healthy Christians. Without prayer we shall be anemic,
lifeless and ineffective. This means that we should pray privately (Matthew 6:6),
frequently (Psalm 55:17), regularly (Daniel 6:10); in times of trouble (Psalm 50:15) –- in
fact, without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Here’s the simple way to familiarize the meaning of prayer; it is an act of…
P – raising and Pleasing God (Matt. 6:9, Heb. 11:6, Luke 24:53, Acts 16:25)
R – epentance (Acts 8:22, Daniel 9:3-5, 1:9, Luke 18:13)
A – sking (Luke 11:9, Matt. 21:22, Mark 11:24, Phil. 4:6)
(It answers: Yes – 1 John 5:14; No – James 4:3; Wait – Jeremiah29:11)
Y – ielding /Submit (Job 22:21)
E – nduring /Continuous (1 Thessalonians 5:17, 1 Thessalonians 1:2)
R – eliance /Dependence (Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Chro. 14:11, Psalm 37:5, 55:22)
Note: 30 minutes of prayer and reading the Word upon waking up and another 30
minutes before sleeping are essential in the life of a new believer.
Some Reasons Why Prayer is Important

 It is the Lord’s commandment. (Luke 18:1, Eph. 6:18, Col.4:2,1 Thes. 5:17)
 Prayer helps us keep the faith. (Luke 18:1,8)
 Praying always is a way to acknowledge who is really in control of our lives. (1
Chronicles 29:11)
 Praying always will help us overcome temptations (the flesh). (Matthew 26:41)
 It deepens our relationship with God. (Colossians 4:2)
 It helps us grow spiritually. (Ephesians 3:14-21)
 It is the way to intercede. (1 Timothy 2:1-2,Ephesians 6:18)
 Closed doors can only be opened through prayers. (Colossians 4:3)
Some Benefits of Prayer

 For forgiveness (1 John 1:9)

 To have peace from God. It keeps us away from worries and anxieties of life. (Phil.
4:6-7)

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 To get strength from God (Ephesians 3:14-16,20)

 It brings opportunity. (Col. 4:3)
 To have boldness in preaching the Gospel (Ephesians 6:19-20)
 For healing (James 5:14-16)
 To gain wisdom from God (James 1:5-6)
 For tranquility (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Biblical Attitudes toward Prayer

 Sincere (Matt. 6:5-6)

 Humble (Luke 18:10-14; James 4:6, 10)
 Fervent (James 5:17)
 Persistent (Luke 18:1)
 Watchful (Matt. 26:40-43)
 Faithful (Hebrews 11:6)
 Unselfish (Matt. 6:9-10)
 Thoughtful (Matt. 6:7-8)
Some Reasons Why Christians Struggle Praying

 Lack of knowledge (Luke 11:1-2)

 Because of flesh (Romans 8:5-9)
 Full of diversions (idols in our hearts) – (Luke 21:34-36,Ezekiel 14:3)
 Unconfessed sins (Psalm 66:18)
 Lack of faith (Matthew 17:20)
 Unforgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15)
 Wrong motives (James 4:3)
 Disregard for others (1 Peter 3:7b)

2. Reading the Word

Why read your Bible? As a new believer, we are commanded by the Bible to desire
pure spiritual milk, which refers to the Scripture (1 Peter 2:2). It transforms lives. Many
Christians have laid down their lives just to preserve it. It connects the past, present and
future.
Some Reasons Why We Must Read and Study Our Bible

 Meditating on God’s Word serves to be your spiritual guide. (Joshua 1:8)

 God’s Word reveals God’s truth, thought and purpose and it serves as our
spiritual handbook or manual.
 God’s Word is profitable for teaching or truth, reproof of false doctrine,
correction of misleading and deceptive information and instructions for

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righteousness’ sake which is all for the purpose of equipping and

perfecting God’s people. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
 God’s Word provides answers and purposes for everything we need for
spiritual life and development and also provides solution to all life
problems or issues. (2 Peter 1:3-4; 1 Peter 1:25)
 To avoid biblical illiteracy. (Hosea 4:6)
Some Benefits of Reading the Bible (Meditating it)

 Helps you overcome temptation (Matthew 4:3-10)

 Helps you mature in the things of God (Hebrews 5:13-14)
 Your faith will grow (Romans 10:17)
 You will be filled with hope (Romans 15:4)
 Helps you obtain freedom from areas of bondage to sin in your life and start
walking in holiness (John 8:32)
 You will know the will of God for your life (Romans 12:2,1, John 5:14)
 You will become prosperous and successful in all you do because you will learn
the principles of God as He has taught them in His Word
(Psalms 1:1-3, Joshua 1:8)
 You will receive power to overcome sin (Psalms 119:9,11)
 You will find wisdom and direction concerning difficult decisions in all areas of
your life (Psalms 119:105)
 You will receive God's prescribed way of life for men to live on earth
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)
 You will be filled with joy (Jeremiah 15:16)
 Your mind will be washed from worldly patterns of thinking and moved into the
divine mindset (Ephesians 5:26)
 Helps you become powerful and formidable in spiritual warfare
(Ephesians 6:17)
 Keeps you from backsliding (Hebrews 2:1)
 Lastly, You will learn to fear the Lord (Deuteronomy 17:19)

3. Testimony and Witnessing

What is your testimony as a Christian?
 Testimony is what Christ has done for you.
 The most powerful testimony you have is Christ working in your life to make
you into a new person (Matthew 5: 14-16).
 When somebody sees your life changing, they will either be annoyed, be
curious or be threatened. It may manifest in three steps:
a. Your lifestyle is undergoing visible transformation. It speaks for itself.

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b. Your words point to Christ, so people can understand the reason for your
transformation. Your explanation is your powerful testimony that points
directly to Christ.
c. Your love demonstrates Christ’s love for the people you are witnessing.
What is witnessing?

 Sharing the Gospel or witnessing is explaining what Christ has done for the
person to whom you are witnessing. Jesus has commissioned each of us to
share the good news and seek the lost. (Matthew 28:19-20; John 14:6).
 Witnessing stimulates spiritual growth and encourages dependence on Christ
and at the same time lets you experience the privilege and honor of
representing Christ to the world.

Reasons Why We Need to Preach the Gospel

 Because the harvest is so plenteous. ( John 4:35)
 Because the laborers are few. (Luke 10:2)
 Because Jesus commanded us to preach the Gospel. (Mark 16:15-16)
 Because the eternal destiny of every person rests upon the Gospel. (Mark
16:16; Acts 4:8-12)
 Preaching the Gospel will save people from false prophets and their false
doctrines. (2 Timothy 4:2-5)
 Because God’s power is seen and manifests every time Christians preach
the Gospel. (Mark 16:20; Romans 1:16)
 Lastly you are telling God’s unconditional love to humanity every time you
preach the Gospel. (John 3:16)

4. Attending Meetings/Fellowship
Things to Consider:
 Fellowship is an integral part of our faith. Coming together to support one
another is an experience that allows us to learn, gain strength and show
the world exactly who God is.
 Christians sharpen one another’s faith and stir one another to exercise
that faith in love and good works, all for God’s glory (Proverbs 27:17).
 Attending meeting is a commandment (Hebrews 10:25).
 Habitually forsaking church meeting is a sin.

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Some Reasons Why Every Christian Ought To Attend Every Church Meeting

 Church meetings are design to help us grow and develop spiritually. (Hebrews
5:12-14, Matt. 4:4)
 To help the church function properly. (Ephesians 4:15-16; 1 Cor. 12:12-27)
 To provide a good example and influence. (1 Tim. 4:12)
 To encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25)
Why Christians Neglect Church Meetings?

 Ignorance
 Sign of not putting God first
 Undeveloped relationship with God
 Persecution
 They are walking after the dictate of the flesh
 They don’t want to follow or obey God
 Lack of love for brethren
 Hope of the Lord’s eminent return is not alive in their hearts

5. Communion
Why Participate the Communion?
 Jesus instituted a significant new fellowship through communion. It is an
integral part of Christian worship where we remember the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Luke 22:17-20; Acts 2:42)
 Communion helps us to look forward to Christ’s return. (1 Cor. 11:23-26)
 It’s a commandment. (1 Cor. 11:25)
 It reminds the value of one’s salvation.
 To claim healing.

B. Barriers to Spiritual Growth

1. Christian Persecution
As the bible say, persecution will come upon those who follow Him. (John 15:20;
2 Timothy 3:12; Matthew 10:36; Luke 21:17; 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4)
Christian persecution may not be avoidable but we can endure it by turning to
God’s view about persecution.
If you are facing persecution, consider that:
•You are blessed. (Matthew 5:10)
•You need to continue to rejoice and be glad. (Matthew 5:11-12)

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•You need not be ashamed but praise God. (1 Peter 4:16)

•You have to pray for those who persecute you. (Matthew 5:44)
•You have to bless those who persecute you. (Romans 12:14)
2. Backsliding
Most people take matters in their own hand and come up with clever little plans
and make a big mess out of things. We need to recognize our own weaknesses.
What is backsliding?

 Backsliding is a sin. (Jeremiah 2: 19)

 It implies of moving away from Christ rather than toward Him.
Who is a backslider?
 Someone (Christian) who is going the wrong way, spiritually (going back to
his or her old ways)
 Lukewarm Christians can lead to backslidden Christians. (Revelation 3:16-
17)
Some Symptoms of Backsliding

 Abandonment of church meetings (Hebrews 10:25), praying, reading the

Bible and fulfilling the Great Commission
 Falling back to old habits -- sinful habits (Hebrews 10:26)
 Stop growing spiritually -- regressing and not progressing (Hebrews 5:12-
14)
 Becoming worldly in the thinking and actions (James 4:4)
 Not walking in the Spirit -- habitually lying to, grieving and quenching the
Spirit (Galatians 5:19-24)
 Accepting false doctrines (1 Timothy 4:1)

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