Follow-up

Memory Verse: Acts 15:36 – And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they do.

Bible Passages:Acts 15:35-41; 13:1-4; 14:19-22
Introduction: In the most literal sense and within the context of Christian discipleship, follow-up means following up, nurturing, caring and teaching a new believer the ways and doctrine of his new faith. This is as important and sensitive as the maternal instinct of protecting and caring for a newborn baby. It is an intense passionate life-preserving skill. Neglect in both cases will, at the very least, result in having a malnourished or deformed adolescent or in extreme cases avoidable fatality. It takes a lot of prayer, time, insights and patience. No two souls are exactly the same.

How

Absolute attention must be paid to the spiritual growth and maturity of the new convert. Paul and Barnabas provide us with a proper framework in Acts 15. The fundamental principles and doctrine of the new faith must be thoroughly and carefully taught. These principles must be modelled in the teacher’s life. Legitimate desires might have to be sacrificed because it might confuse the young believer. Apostle Paul had to give up meat, 1 Cor.8: 13. The survival and growth of the new convert must be given the highest priority. The biological age, academic qualification, intelligence, and economic status don’t make any difference, but can get in the way, Acts 14:19-22; Matt.28: 19-20.

Why?

i. It is the Holy Spirit’s way, Acts 13:2-4; Acts 15:28.
ii. It is the way of discipleship, Acts 14:21-22; Matt.28: 19-20.
Iii. It weans babes from milk, 1 Pt.2: 2,

Guidelines:

Prayer and quiet time must come up early coupled with teaching on peace, holiness and self-sacrifice. Humility, baptism in the Holy Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit, the written Word, evangelism, building and making the kingdom should be emphasised. Consecration and sanctification must be the overriding objective.

Rom.1: 8-13; Acts 15:36; Acts 14:21-22. 2 Cor.5: 15-17; Gal.2: 20; Gal.2: 10-14; Eph.2: 8-10; Acts 14:21-22; Acts 6:4a

Conclusion

Remember that Christ Himself declared, “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail.” You can be His Co-labourer and partner in this awesome project. You can be a wise master builder. Shamelessly and wisely divining the word of truth. Be gender sensitive, employ godly wisdom and common sense and be spirit led and you will receive a great reward and commendation here on earth and in heaven in the mighty name of Jesus.