Divine Wisdom in the Art of Soul Winning

 

Summary

In the pursuit of wisdom, the greatest accolade is reserved for those who win souls. This is not a wisdom of earthly possessions or accolades, but a divine wisdom that transcends worldly measures. Winning souls is a profound and noble endeavor, one that requires a deep understanding of human nature, a heart full of compassion, and a spirit aligned with God's purpose. It is a task that demands not only eloquence or theological knowledge but a genuine love for others and a desire to see them reconciled with God.

The act of winning souls is likened to a battle, a wrestling match, and a labor of love. It requires strategy, patience, and perseverance. Just as a warrior carefully plans his attack, a soul winner must discern the right moment to speak of God's love, to warn of judgment, or to offer the hope of salvation. This is not a task for the faint-hearted or the unprepared; it is a calling that requires divine wisdom and strength.

Moreover, winning souls is not limited to ministers or those in positions of religious authority. Every believer, regardless of their status or occupation, is called to be a soul winner. Whether through direct conversation, inviting others to hear the gospel, or living a life that reflects Christ's love, each person has a role to play in this divine mission. The joy of seeing a soul turn to Christ is unparalleled, a joy that surpasses all earthly pleasures and continues into eternity.

The essence of soul winning is love. It is through love and compassion that hearts are won for Christ. A soul winner must have a heart that beats with empathy and a spirit that resonates with the struggles and sorrows of others. This love is not just a feeling but an active pursuit, a relentless desire to see others come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

In conclusion, the wisdom of winning souls is a divine gift, a calling that requires dedication, love, and a deep reliance on God. It is a pursuit that brings eternal joy and glorifies God, as each soul won is a testament to His grace and power.

Key Takeaways:

- Winning souls is a divine wisdom that surpasses earthly accolades. It requires a heart full of compassion and a spirit aligned with God's purpose, transcending mere eloquence or theological knowledge. [01:34]

- The process of winning souls is akin to a battle or a wrestling match, requiring strategy, patience, and perseverance. It is a calling that demands divine wisdom and strength, not for the faint-hearted or unprepared. [20:12]

- Every believer is called to be a soul winner, regardless of their status or occupation. Through direct conversation, inviting others to hear the gospel, or living a life that reflects Christ's love, each person plays a role in this divine mission. [12:52]

- Love is the essence of soul winning. It is through love and compassion that hearts are won for Christ. A soul winner must have a heart that beats with empathy and a spirit that resonates with the struggles and sorrows of others. [23:43]

- The joy of winning souls is unparalleled, surpassing all earthly pleasures and continuing into eternity. It is a joy that glorifies God, as each soul won is a testament to His grace and power. [10:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - Introduction to Soul Winning
- [01:34] - The True Wisdom of Winning Souls
- [02:36] - Accountability and Success in Soul Winning
- [04:39] - The Adaptation of God's Instruments
- [06:14] - The Eternal Value of Winning Souls
- [08:12] - The Joy of Soul Winning
- [12:52] - The Call for All Believers
- [13:33] - Understanding the Metaphor of Winning
- [20:12] - The Battle and Wrestling of Soul Winning
- [23:43] - Love as the True Way of Winning Souls
- [29:11] - The Preacher's Role in Soul Winning
- [31:08] - Encouragement for Congregation Participation
- [35:27] - Personal Evangelism and Its Impact
- [40:04] - The Power of Prayer in Soul Winning
- [44:40] - Assurance of Salvation and Final Exhortation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Proverbs 11:30: "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that winneth souls is wise."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate accolade in the pursuit of wisdom? [00:12]
2. How does the sermon describe the process of winning souls? What metaphors are used? [20:12]
3. What role does love play in the act of winning souls, as described in the sermon? [23:43]
4. How does the sermon suggest every believer can participate in soul winning, regardless of their status or occupation? [12:52]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to have a "heart full of compassion" and a "spirit aligned with God's purpose" in the context of winning souls? [01:34]
2. How can the metaphor of a battle or wrestling match help believers understand the challenges of soul winning? [20:12]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the joy of winning souls surpasses all earthly pleasures? [10:42]
4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of divine wisdom and strength in the task of winning souls? [20:12]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to share your faith. What strategies did you use, and how did you rely on divine wisdom in that situation? [20:12]
2. Identify someone in your life who may be open to hearing about God's love. What steps can you take this week to engage them in a spiritual conversation? [12:52]
3. Consider the role of love and compassion in your interactions with others. How can you actively demonstrate these qualities to those around you, especially those who may not know Christ? [23:43]
4. The sermon describes soul winning as a task for every believer. What specific actions can you take to fulfill this calling in your daily life? [12:52]
5. Think about a recent challenge you faced in sharing your faith. How can you prepare yourself better for future opportunities, using the metaphor of a battle or wrestling match? [20:12]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on God in your efforts to win souls, and what practical steps can you take to strengthen this reliance? [20:12]
7. Reflect on the joy described in the sermon that comes from seeing a soul turn to Christ. How can this joy motivate you to be more active in soul winning? [10:42]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Wisdom in Soul Winning
Winning souls is a pursuit that transcends earthly accolades and requires a heart full of compassion and a spirit aligned with God's purpose. This divine wisdom is not about eloquence or theological knowledge but about a genuine love for others and a desire to see them reconciled with God. It is a calling that demands dedication and a deep reliance on God, as it brings eternal joy and glorifies Him. The wisdom of winning souls is a testament to God's grace and power, as each soul won is a reflection of His love and mercy. [01:34]

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity." (Proverbs 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience God's love through you today, and how can you intentionally show them compassion and understanding?


Day 2: The Battle of Soul Winning
The process of winning souls is akin to a battle or a wrestling match, requiring strategy, patience, and perseverance. It is not for the faint-hearted or the unprepared, as it demands divine wisdom and strength. Just as a warrior carefully plans his attack, a soul winner must discern the right moment to speak of God's love, to warn of judgment, or to offer the hope of salvation. This calling is a labor of love, a relentless pursuit that requires a heart full of empathy and a spirit that resonates with the struggles and sorrows of others. [20:12]

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: What specific strategies can you develop to share God's love with someone who is resistant to the gospel?


Day 3: The Universal Call to Soul Winning
Every believer, regardless of their status or occupation, is called to be a soul winner. This divine mission is not limited to ministers or those in positions of religious authority. Through direct conversation, inviting others to hear the gospel, or living a life that reflects Christ's love, each person plays a role in this mission. The joy of seeing a soul turn to Christ is unparalleled, surpassing all earthly pleasures and continuing into eternity. It is a joy that glorifies God and reflects His grace and power. [12:52]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and talents to share the gospel with someone in your community this week?


Day 4: Love as the Essence of Soul Winning
Love is the essence of soul winning. It is through love and compassion that hearts are won for Christ. A soul winner must have a heart that beats with empathy and a spirit that resonates with the struggles and sorrows of others. This love is not just a feeling but an active pursuit, a relentless desire to see others come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The act of winning souls is a labor of love, a testament to God's grace and power. [23:43]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." (1 Peter 4:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience Christ's love through your actions today, and what specific steps can you take to show them this love?


Day 5: The Joy of Winning Souls
The joy of winning souls is unparalleled, surpassing all earthly pleasures and continuing into eternity. It is a joy that glorifies God, as each soul won is a testament to His grace and power. This joy is not just a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing that you have played a part in God's divine mission. The act of winning souls is a reflection of God's love and mercy, a testament to His grace and power. [10:42]

"Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced the joy of sharing the gospel with someone. How can you seek to experience that joy again this week?

Quotes



The text does not say he that when his sovereigns is wise, though no doubt he thinks himself wise, and perhaps in a certain groveling sense in these days of competition, he must be so. But such wisdom is of the earth and ends with the earth, and there is another world where the currencies of Europe will not be accepted, nor their past possession be any sign of wealth or wisdom. [00:00:15]

He who actually really and truly turns men from the error of their ways to God and so has made the means of saving them from going down to hell is a wise man, and that is true of him whatever his style of soul winning may be. He may be appalled, deeply logical, profound in doctrine, able to command all candid judgments, and if he thus wins souls, he is wise. [00:01:34]

He that winneth souls is wise, and this can be seen very clearly. He must be a wise man in even ordinary respects who can by grace achieve so divine a marvel. Great soul winners never have been fools. A man whom God qualifies to win souls could probably do anything else which providence might allot him. [00:03:37]

He that winneth souls is wise because he has selected a wise object. I think it was Michelangelo who once carved certain magnificent statues in snow. They are gone. The material readily compacted by the frost has readily melted in the heat. Far wiser was he when he fashioned the enduring marble and produced works which will last all down the ages. [00:05:40]

The joy of knowing that a sinner once at enmity has been reconciled to God by the Holy Spirit through the words spoken by our feeble lips. Since then, by grace given to me, the thought of which prostrates me in self-abasement, I have seen and heard of not hundreds only but even thousands of sinners turned from the error of their ways by the testimony of God in me. [00:09:24]

Every man here, every woman here, every child here whose heart is right with God may be a soul winner. There is no man placed by God's providence where he cannot do some good. There is not a glowworm under a hedge but gives a needed light, and there is not a labouring man, a suffering woman, a servant girl, a chimney sweeper, or crossing sweeper but what has opportunities for serving God. [00:12:52]

We win by love. We win hearts for Jesus by love, by sympathy with their sorrow, by anxiety lest they should perish, by pleading with God for them with all our hearts that they should not be left to die unsaved, by pleading with them for God that for their own sake they would seek mercy and find grace. [00:23:43]

The preacher himself wins souls, I believe, best when he believes in the reality of his work, when he believes in instantaneous conversions. How can he expect God to do what he does not believe God will do? He succeeds best to expect conversion every time he preaches. According to his faith, so shall it be done unto him. [00:29:11]

You cannot bring souls to God if you go not to God yourself. You must get your battle axe and your weapons of war from the armory of sacred communion with Christ. If you are much alone with Jesus, you will catch his spirit. You will be fired by the flame that burned in his breast and consumed his life. [00:40:04]

Beloved, we must win souls. We cannot live and see men damned. We must have them brought to Jesus. Oh, then be up and doing and let none around you die unwarned, unwept, uncared for. Attract is a useful thing, but a living word is better. Your eye and face and voice will all help. [00:44:40]

The way to be saved is simply to trust in what the Son of Man did when he became man and suffered the punishment for all those who trust him. For all his people, Christ was a substitute. His people are those who trust him. If you trust him, he was punished for your sins, and you cannot be punished for them. [00:48:33]

Trust him then, trust him now, and then God help you to be a soul winner, and you shall be wise, and God shall be glorified. Amen. [00:49:33]

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Transcript
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