The Wisdom of Soul Winning
The average member of the churches of Christ has heard 4,000 sermons, sung 20,000 songs, participated in 8,000 public prayers, and converted zero sinners. Yet, we are told, “He who sins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).
Soul winning is wise, because it:
Brings Reward
God has promised to reward soul winners. Those who turn many to righteousness shall shine “like the stars forever and ever” (Dan 12:31). God will give “glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good” (Rom 2:10). Both the one who plans and the one who waters will receive a reward (1 Cor 3:8).
If we are diligent in winning souls, God will reward us. The implication is that if we are not winning souls, God will not reward us.
The reward we receive is eternal life. If Ezekiel did not warn the wicked, the wicked’s blood would be on his own hands (Ezek 33:8-9). Paul was innocent of the blood of all men (Acts 20:26).
Brings Rejoicing
Soul winning causes rejoicing. He who goes forth sowing shall come forth rejoicing (Ps 126:6). He one who finds his lost sheep calls his friends together and says, “Rejoice with me” (Lk 15:6). When Paul and Barnabas told churches about the conversion of the Gentiles, “they caused great joy to all the brethren” (Acts 15:3).
When we win souls, we rejoice-there isn’t any feeling like bringing someone to Jesus.
Bring Repentance
In winning souls, we often win those who are close to us. Those who have unbelieving spouses are encouraged to stay with those spouses, because those spouses might be saved (1 Cor 7:16). Wives who set good examples can win their husbands (1 Pet 3:1). Although it is difficult, we can win those who are close to us (Jn 1:41-42).
Soul winning brings repentance to those who hear us. James 5:20. Jude 23.
Brings Remembrance
When Jesus healed a demon possessed man, the man wanted to go with Jesus. Jesus, however, did not permit him to do so. He told him to go home and “tell [his friends] what great things the Lord” had done for him (Mk 5:19).
God has done great things in our life, and we need to remember what he has done and share it with others.
Brings Resemblance
Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost (Lk 19:10). As we become involved in seeking and saving the lost, we resemble the Lord.
Bring Respect
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he told us to go into all the world with the gospel (Matt 28:19; Mk 16:15; Lk 24:47; Acts 1:8. Since we are God’s people, we need to respect God’s instructions.
Bring Reform
We live in a deplorable world that needs change.
The gospel changes the lives of those who obey it. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. 2 Corinthians 5:17. Colossians 3:10.
What if Hitler had been a Christian? What if Hussein had been a Christian?
Conclusion
We all need to be involved in soul winning.
There are different ways we can all win souls. We can: Invite someone to services, give someone a tract, or set up a Bible study.
This sermon was originally preached by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., at the Owingsville church of Christ in Owingsville, Kentucky.