Helping or Hindering New Believers
New converts have the potential for great joy, but this joy can be lost if not nurtured by supportive Bible teachers and church members.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the joy of new converts in their faith journey, noting that their happiness can be threatened by certain Bible teachers and church members who may inadvertently hinder their growth. He acknowledges that while some teachers and members can inspire and support new believers, others may complicate their faith with unnecessary complexities or disillusionment. Tozer warns that the simplicity of faith can be lost when new converts encounter negative influences too early in their spiritual walk, which can lead to struggles in their advancement in the Christian life.
Text
The happiest man in the world," said a well-known preacher some time ago, "is the new convert before he has met too many Bible teachers and seen too many church members." . . . The first half of our opening quotation, then, is so true as to need no verification. "The happiest man in the world is a new convert." But it is the last half that disturbs me. Why should a Bible teacher or a church member tend to destroy the joy of the new convert? Well, to be just to everyone I must assert positively that not all Bible teachers and church members would have such an adverse effect.
I know Bible teachers who would delight in piling more fuel on the blazing altar of the young Christian's heart, and I know church members whose influence and example would be a source of great strength to his whole life. But I also know many of the other kind, the kind the young convert must actually climb over in his struggle to advance in the Christian life.
The way some Bible teachers injure the new convert is to take away his simplicity; and the way some church members do it is by disillusioning him--before he is ready for it.
Sermon Outline
- The Joy of New Converts
- The Hindrance to Joy
- The Consequence of Hindrance
- Bible teachers who take away simplicity
- Church members who disillusion
- The struggle to advance in the Christian life
Key Quotes
“The happiest man in the world is a new convert before he has met too many Bible teachers and seen too many church members.” — A.W. Tozer
“The happiest man in the world is a new convert.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Bible teachers and church members should strive to support and nurture new converts, rather than hindering their spiritual growth.
- New converts should be careful to surround themselves with people who will encourage and support their faith.
- The simplicity of faith is a precious gift that should be protected and nurtured in new converts.