Keys To Getting Started Right

Lesson 1

The purpose of this course is to help Christians get off to a good start. This study is not only designed for new Christians, but also for those who have been recently restored or who are new to the congregation. It is designed to fulfill the responsibility of Matthew 28:20. The primary purpose of this study is to build strong Christians who are faithful to the Lord, active and zealous in his service. God wants no one to fall away. This study will help you remain steadfast.

It is essential that you commit yourself in the very beginning to complete this course and to be prepared at each session. The lesson before us presents some things you need to remember and some things God wants you to do. This lesson will help prepare you for the rest of the study.

I.    Upon Becoming A Christian, God Saved You From Past Sins.

A.  You Were Cleansed When You Obeyed The Gospel.

1.   Romans 10:17; Hebrews 11:6; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:9-10; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38.

2.   We are saved from our past sins, Acts 22:16.

B.  God Wants Us To Be Saved Eternally-In Heaven.

1.   2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Timothy 4:16; Revelation 2:10; 1 Peter 1:3-4.

2.   "Salvation" is used in two senses in the Scripture. It may refer to salvation from past sin or may speak of that which is yet future depending on one’s faithfulness.

II.   To Be Saved Eternally, Remember Some Important Things.

A.  You Are A New Creature.

1.   2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:4.

2.   Because you are a new creature, you should have respect for yourself, treating your body and mind with proper caution and care.

B.  Upon Conversion, You Are A Babe In Christ.

1.   1 Corinthians 3:1-2; Hebrews 5:12-14.

2.   Initially, your thoughts, actions and needs will reflect this. Growth and maturity will come with time. Steady, faithful service will aid growth. Negligence will destroy faith.

3.   All Christians are to be as babes, longing "for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation," 1 Peter 2:2.

C.  You Are In A Critical Period.

1.   Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 Corinthians 10:11-13.

2.   The devil desires to see you fall. Don’t overestimate your strength.

D.  Recognize The Possibility Of Falling.

1.   Acts 8:17-24; John 8:31; 1 John 2:1-3.

2.   Help is available to keep you from falling.

E.  You Are A Representative.

1.   2 Corinthians 3:2.

2.   Your family, your friends, and the world all know you are a Christian, and they are watching you.

F.  Christ Is Your Example.

1.   Hebrews 12:1-3; 1 Peter 2:21-25.

2.   God does not leave you adrift without direction.

3.   Remember, men are only servants. Christ is the standard we are to follow.
1 Corinthians 3:1-7; 11:1.

III.  To Be Saved Eternally, God Desires For You To Do Some Things.

A.  Love Him First.

1.   Matthew 10:37; 22:37.

2.   God wants you to continue in the same love which you first showed in obedience.

B.  Study His Word.

1.   Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15.

2.   The same study that lead to learning the truth will also lead to maturity.

C.  Pray to Him For Help.

1.   Hebrews 4:16; Philippians 4:5-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

2.   God wants you to depend upon Him for everything, Matthew 6:33;
Philippians 4:16; 1 Peter 5:7.

D.  Worship Him Faithfully.

1.   John 4:24; Acts 2:42.

2.   Attendance is never a problem for one who wants to worship God.

E.  Give To Him.

1.   First, be sure you have given yourself, 2 Corinthians 8:5; Romans 12:1. Show love and devotion to His cause.

2.   1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:5-11.

F.   Help Save Others.

1.   Mark 16:15-16; John 1:41, 45; 15:1-8; 2 Timothy 2:2.

2.   Others need the same blessings you have, 1 Timothy 2:3-4.

Conclusion: What happens to you after conversion is just as important as what happened before conversion. Baptism into Christ is only the beginning. Apply each of the aforementioned principles daily. Enlist the help of other Christians with special problems you may have. 2 Peter 1:5-11 – Set this as your goal from the beginning as a new convert or as a new member of this local body of believers.

Questions:

1.   What do you think could be done by your family in Christ to aid you in getting started right?

2.   According to 2 Peter 1:5-11, what qualities will render us neither useless nor unfruitful?

3.   What characteristics are mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 as being in accordance with God’s law?

TRUE or FALSE

            1.         When you were baptized into Christ, you were automatically saved eternally.

            2.         Since you are a Christian, there is no need to be concerned about sin any more.

            3.         A Christian’s goal is to imitate Christ and not follow after men.

            4.         Study of God’s word and prayer are essential to the growth of the Christian.

            5.         Only the most experienced member should be involved in trying to save others.

 

Page last revised January 19, 2008 by Bob Sarrett.