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What Does God Expect after You Are Baptized?

What Are the Duties of a Christian, a Disciple of Jesus?

Being a Christian requires a lifetime commitment to serve God faithfully. Baptism places us in a covenant relationship as Disciples of Jesus. What responsibilities and duties do we accept when we receive forgiveness of sins?

Baptism is not the end of our service to God, but is the beginning of a lifetime commitment of total dedication to Him. Here is a brief list of a few of the responsibilities Christians should fulfill. One who is considering baptism needs to be aware of what God will expect of Him after he becomes a Christian (for more specific information about these duties, see the links at the end of this study):

I. Study the Bible Regularly

Diligent Bible study is our only way of learning God's will and avoiding error. Acts 17:11; Psa. 1:2; 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16,17.

Are you willing to study the Bible diligently?

II. Pray Frequently

Prayer is our means of thanking God, praising Him, and making known our needs. Phil. 4:6; 1 Pet. 5:7; Matt. 6:9-13; 1 Thess. 5:17.

Are you willing to pray regularly?

III. Commit Yourself to the Local Church

New Testament Christians always were recognized as part of a local church. They committed themselves to be involved and actively participate in the work of that church. See Acts 9:26-28; 11:26; Heb. 13:17; 1 Cor. 1:2; Eph. 4:16 (cf. next point).

This church must be scriptural in worship, name, organization, salvation, etc.

IV. Attend All the Assemblies of the Local Church

We should come on the first day to commune and give -- Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1,2.

We should come whenever the church meets to study, sing, & pray -- Heb. 3:12,13; 10:24,25; John 4:24; Eph. 4:16; 1 Thess. 5:11; Acts 11:26; 2:42; 1 Cor. 14.

Are you willing to regularly attend whenever the church meets?

V. Practice Proper Relations with Other People

* In our family -- Eph. 5:22-6:4; Col. 3:18-21; Tit. 2:4,5.
* To those who are in need -- Luke 10:25-37; Acts 20:35; Jas. 1:27; Matt. 25:34-40.
* To civil government -- Rom. 13:1-5; 1 Pet. 2:13,14; Matt. 22:17-21.
* In business -- Eph. 6:5-9; Tit. 2:9,10; Col. 3:22-4:1; Psa. 37:21.

Are you willing to learn & follow Bible teaching about how to treat others?

VI. Help Others Learn the Gospel

All Christians should work to learn how to lead others to Jesus -- Acts 8:4; Prov. 11:30; 2 Tim. 2:2,24-26; John 4:28-30,39; 1:40-46; Heb. 5:12.

Are you willing to share the message of Jesus with others?

VII. Live an Upright Moral Life

Mark 7:20-23; Rom. 1:26-32; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; etc.

Are you willing to correct any sins in your life as you learn of them?

VIII. Honor Church Discipline

We hope no members would practice sin. But if they do and refuse to repent, then the church must cease association and companionship with them - 1 Cor. 5; Matt. 18:15-17; 2 Thess. 3:6,14,15; Rom. 16:17,18; Tit. 3:10,11.

Are you willing to honor church disciplinary actions when needed?

VIII. Do All God's Will

Luke 14:26-33; Matt. 28:18-20; 16:24-27; 6:19-33; Rom. 12:1,2; 6:1-18.

Are you willing to forsake all your desires and give your whole life to Jesus?

What should a person do if he sins after baptism? -- Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9.

Are you willing to repent of any sins you commit after baptism?

Note: If you wish to study further about topics mentioned in this lesson, please note the links listed below.

(C) Copyright 1968,David E. Pratte; gospelway.com
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