The Joy of a Soul Winner
Study Text: Luke 10: 17 - 20
Introduction:
- The most valuable possessions in the world are souls. Jesus said, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matt. 16:26)
- Once we recognize the value of our souls and the value of the souls of others, we will want to do all we can to save souls.
- Winning souls is thrilling, adds true meaning to life, and starts a fire burning Satan can't extinguish.
- The reason many churches are dying is many Christians forgot how to win souls to Christ. Many have not experienced the joy found in winning souls.
- Leading souls to Jesus Christ is simple. It takes love for God, love for the souls of others, and love for our own soul.
- This love will cause us to examine the Scriptures and find the secrets of soul-winning.
- Soul-winning is the most important work in the world. It alone was the sufficient cause for the Word to become flesh and dwell among men (John 1:14, Luke 19:10)
- After Jesus provided the means through His atoning blood by which souls might be won and saved from sin, He sent His disciples out with the incomparable task of winning souls by preaching His Gospel.
- But soul-winning is not merely a task or duty, although it is certainly both. It is also a surpassing privilege that brings manifold joy each time a soul is won by the Gospel.
1. The Soul-winner brings joy to the Saviour.
(Luke 15:10) “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.”
- Since the first sin, the whole interest of Heaven has been the redemption of the human race. God spent several centuries bringing His plan of redemption to fruition. (Galatians 4:4)
- Would it not be the wonder of all wonders if the Heavenly hosts were indifferent when men choose to obey the Gospel and be saved?
- The populace of Heaven is no less thrilled when the redeemed go out seeking the souls of those yet lost. How much joy have you hereby brought to the angels?
2. The Soul-winner brings joy to the Sinner.
- After his baptism, the Ethiopian “went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39) “And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”
- The joy of the discovery and obedience of the Truth, the release from the guilt of sin, the entering into a new life, and the hope of eternal life all combine to make the moment of conversion a source of incomparable rejoicing!
3. The Soul-winner brings joy to Self
- (Psalms 126:6) “He that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
- There are many joys and thrills to be experienced in the Christian life, but only one outshines that of becoming a Christian: sowing the seed and reaping the harvest of a soul.
- This is because, not only that the soul-winner will get to heaven, he will also have bountiful rewards there.
- Notice how Andrew led a soul to Christ. "Again the next day after John stood and two of his disciples, and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.
- One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus" (John 1:35-42).
- Andrew led his brother to Christ by his enthusiasm in finding Christ, his joy in discipleship, his determination to find his brother, and his urgency in bringing him to Jesus.
4. The Soul-winner brings joy to the Saints.
- When Paul and Barnabas reported the conversion of many gentiles from their preaching efforts, “they caused great joy unto all the brethren”
- (Acts 15:3) “And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.”
- There are some few who could not care less whether or not the Gospel is taken to the lost, but most saints rejoice greatly at the news of every soul won, regardless of who won it.
- The genuine heart can never be jealous of nor indifferent to the success of others in winning souls.
- Remember we are not "selling" the local church, we are "selling" Christ. People coming to Christ will of course see the need to be faithful, active members of his body, the church.
- They will want to work and worship with others of like precious faith. When folks are converted to Christ, churches in local communities will flourish.
- Andrew didn't wait for his brother to ask about Christ; he went out to find him. Too many are waiting in their offices for sinners to come and find them.
- Too many churches put an address in the paper and look for the building to be full. We aren't selling cars; people generally will not come to us, we must go to them.
- "And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" (Rom. 10:15)
- Too many Christians expect the preacher to find the lost and too many preachers have limited their teaching to the walls of a building. The Gospel message is a message to be taken to the world (Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16).
- As Andrew found his brother, he compelled him to come to Jesus. Notice he "brought him to Jesus." Peter saw the urgency in Andrew's face and heard the urgency in his voice. We know this because the text shows us that Peter did come to Christ. As we seek that which is lost we need to remember the words of Paul, "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:16).
Conclusion:
- Like Andrew we will rejoice and those coming to Christ will rejoice as we lead others to Jesus Christ.
- Are you presently doing your best in leading others to Christ? Have you joyfully told your friends, family members, and fellow workers, what Christ means to you?
- Have you studied God's word with them? Remember the power is in the gospel and the daily lives of Christians is often what causes lost souls to look at the Bible which can save their souls (Rom. 1:16; Matt. 5:13-16). Start today to lead a soul to Christ!
