Topics to cover with a new believer
You should try to complete this study in about 2-3 months, depending on how quickly you move through the material and how many questions the person has. The scriptures listed are suggestions only – please pick and choose which would be most applicable to the new believer.
The goal is not to go into deep detail on each point, but to make them aware of the different truths. This skims the surface, with opportunity for deeper study later as you discern their specific needs. We want people to see the Biblical basis for what we do here, and what they will face as Christians.
Don’t go through the motions on these topics! This is your chance to make the case for why each of these are crucial points of victory if they are going to survive spiritually.
Here are some good discussion questions for each of these headings below:
- How would you summarize what you’ve learned about this avenue of spiritual growth?
- How will you grow if you pursue this avenue of spiritual growth?
- Why would neglecting this avenue of spiritual growth be dangerous?
- What questions do you still have about this avenue of spiritual growth?
- What is one action step you could take to pursue this avenue of spiritual growth?
1. Identity – Explain the security of salvation, the new person they are in Christ, how they now have the Holy Spirit.
- Eph 1:3-2:10; Rom 8:1,38-39; Rom 10:9-13; 2 Cor 5:17; John 1:12-13, 14:26
- Galatians 3:26-28; Psalm 103:8-12; Colossians 2:13-15
2. Means of Growth – Acts 2:42 (basis for following MOG)
- Bible – God’s living word to us.
- Scriptures: Deut 6:1-9; Psalm 119:25-32; Heb 4:12-13; Matt 4:4; 1 Pet 1:22-2:3; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Isa 55:8-11
- If you have a disciple who is really struggling with getting into the word, consider also reading quality chapters such as these:
- “Scripture as a Means of Growth” from Dennis McCallum, Walking In Victory
- “God Still Speaks” from John White, The Fight
- Prayer – privileged, direct communication with God. 2 Sam 22:1-7; Psalm 145:18; Heb 4:16; Rom 8:26-27; Phil 4:6-7; 1 John 5:14-15
- Body Life – Relationships with other Christians. 1 Cor 12 (especially v12-14, v26), Rom 12 (especially v3-16); John 13:34-35; Acts 2:42-47; Phil 2:1-11
- Bible study meetings are important for fellowship too: Heb 10:24-25.
- Ministry – choosing to love and serve others out of gratitude for God’s love. Phil 2:3-5, Acts 20:35; John 13:1-17. Also include evangelism – Matt 28:18-20; Rom 10:11-15; Col 4:2-6.
- Suffering – undergoing hardships due to our bad choices, the fallen world, and Satanic attack. Genesis 3 (fall/beginning of suffering); 2 Cor 1:8-9; 4:7-12, 16-18;12:9-10; Luke 9:23; Phil 3:10-11; Rom 5:1-15; James 1:2-4; Eph 6:10-17; 1 Peter 5:8-10
3. Spiritual Warfare – Explain the reality of Satan and his attacks
- Who is Satan?
- Origin: Ezek 28:11-19 (just to show he exists)
- Satan as God’s enemy: John 8:44
- God is greater/more powerful than Satan: 1 John 4:4
- Satan’s main tactics:
- Accusation – Rev 12:10
- Temptation – 1 Cor 10:13 – enticement towards specific sin (more on this below under “specific areas of attack”)
- Consider spending some time on Sex/Porn/Dating is this is an area of need for your disciple. We have had some success listening to and discussing CT teachings on Matthew 19 or 1 Thess 4.
- Persecution – both from other people, and direct attacks in the form of bad dreams, unexplained depression, physical manifestations
- Seduction – 1 John 2:15-16 – distraction by the world
- This is such a major area of failure that it is often good to spend a whole week (or two) reading and discussing the chapter on the world system from either of these books by Dennis McCallum: Satan and His Kingdom or Walking in Victory
- Explain dissonance – pattern of initial excitement (different length for each person) followed by loss of good feelings (often accompanied by discouragement). This is normal and to be expected! Use parable of the soils: Matt 13:1-23.
- The soil type is note a fate but a choice your disciple can make. Ask what type they want to be, and how they’re going to get there.