Glorifying God Through Preaching and Soul-Winning

 

Summary

The ultimate goal of Christian ministry is to glorify God, whether or not souls are converted. Preaching Jesus Christ faithfully is never in vain, as it serves as a sweet aroma to God. However, the primary aim of preaching is to reconcile people to God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While some preachers, like Noah or Jeremiah, may see little fruit from their labor, the general purpose of preaching is to save the hearers. We are called to sow seeds even in barren places, always expecting a harvest and mourning if it does not come. Our chief objective is to glorify God by edifying the saints and saving sinners.

To achieve this, we must clearly present gospel doctrine, share vital experiences, and teach Christian duty without shying away from the full counsel of God. Every doctrine in Scripture is valuable, and withholding any part of it can lead to spiritual deficiencies among believers. Just as certain nutrients are essential for physical health, so are all biblical truths necessary for spiritual strength and maturity.

The primary way to glorify God is through the conversion of souls. We should be as desperate for conversions as Rachel was for children, and mourn if we do not see souls saved. To be effective in this, we must depend entirely on the Holy Spirit, recognizing that conversion is a divine work. We should preach prominently those truths that lead to conversion, focusing on Christ and Him crucified. The preaching of the Cross is the power of God for salvation, and we must declare the evil of sin, the necessity of a Savior, and the reality of God's judgment.

We must also emphasize the doctrine of atonement, preaching a substitutionary sacrifice and justification by faith. This truth provides rest for the conscience and shows how God can be just and the justifier of those who believe. Preaching should be clear, earnest, and connected to the justice and mercy of God. We must avoid exalting one attribute of God at the expense of others, presenting a balanced view of His character.

In addition to preaching, we must use various methods to reach the unconverted, including instruction, emotional persuasion, and personal appeals. We should be accessible to inquirers, hold meetings for seekers, and encourage open confession of faith. Our tone, temper, and spirit in preaching are crucial, as love is the winning force. We must cultivate our affections and avoid both harshness and excessive sweetness.

Ultimately, we should aim to create a church of soul-winners, with every member active in the mission of salvation. This requires the best preaching, continual prayer, and a heroic example from the pastor. By any means, we must labor to glorify God through conversions, never resting until our heart's desire is fulfilled.

Key Takeaways:

1. Dependence on the Holy Spirit: Conversion is a divine work, and we must rely entirely on the Holy Spirit for power over men's minds. This dependence should lead us to study, pray, and preach with a focus on His operation. Ignoring the Holy Spirit, even unintentionally, can hinder our efforts. [04:01]

2. Preaching the Whole Counsel of God: Every doctrine in Scripture is valuable and necessary for spiritual health. Withholding any part of it can lead to spiritual deficiencies among believers. Just as certain nutrients are essential for physical health, so are all biblical truths necessary for spiritual strength and maturity. [01:38]

3. The Power of the Cross: The preaching of the Cross is the power of God for salvation. We must declare the evil of sin, the necessity of a Savior, and the reality of God's judgment. This truth provides rest for the conscience and shows how God can be just and the justifier of those who believe. [12:49]

4. Balanced View of God's Character: We must avoid exalting one attribute of God at the expense of others, presenting a balanced view of His character. Love, justice, and mercy must be preached in harmony, reflecting the true nature of God. [14:44]

5. Creating a Church of Soul-Winners: Aim to create a church where every member is active in the mission of salvation. This requires the best preaching, continual prayer, and a heroic example from the pastor. By any means, labor to glorify God through conversions, never resting until your heart's desire is fulfilled. [39:24]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - The Glory of God as Our Aim
- [00:42] - Preaching for Salvation
- [01:09] - Edification and Salvation
- [01:38] - The Whole Counsel of God
- [02:20] - Spiritual Nutrients
- [03:01] - Winning Souls for God
- [04:01] - Dependence on the Holy Spirit
- [05:06] - Preaching Christ Crucified
- [06:18] - Addressing Sin and Judgment
- [08:25] - Human Depravity and Grace
- [10:18] - The Justice of God
- [12:49] - The Power of the Cross
- [14:44] - Balanced View of God's Character
- [39:24] - Creating a Church of Soul-Winners

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
2. 1 Corinthians 1:18
3. Romans 3:25-26

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate goal of Christian ministry, and how does it relate to the conversion of souls? [00:13]

2. What are some of the key doctrines that the sermon emphasizes as necessary for spiritual health and maturity? [01:38]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the process of conversion? [04:01]

4. What methods, besides preaching, does the sermon suggest for reaching the unconverted? [35:01]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret the necessity of preaching the whole counsel of God, and what might be the consequences of withholding certain doctrines? [01:38]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that a balanced view of God's character should be presented, and why is this important? [14:44]

3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between the preaching of the Cross and the power of God for salvation? [12:49]

4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of creating a church of soul-winners, and how might this be achieved? [39:24]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own dependence on the Holy Spirit. How can you increase your reliance on Him in your daily life and ministry? [04:01]

2. Consider the doctrines you are most familiar with. Are there any biblical truths you might be neglecting that could strengthen your spiritual maturity? How can you incorporate them into your study or teaching? [01:38]

3. The sermon emphasizes the power of the Cross. How can you more effectively communicate the message of the Cross in your interactions with others? [12:49]

4. Think about the balance of God's attributes in your understanding and communication of the Gospel. Are there attributes you tend to emphasize over others? How can you present a more balanced view? [14:44]

5. The sermon calls for creating a church of soul-winners. What steps can you take to become more active in the mission of salvation within your church community? [39:24]

6. Reflect on the methods you use to reach the unconverted. Are there new approaches you could try to engage those who are seeking or curious about faith? [35:01]

7. How can you cultivate a spirit of love and compassion in your interactions, ensuring that your tone and temper reflect the winning force of love? [29:15]

Devotional

Day 1: Dependence on the Holy Spirit for True Conversion
The work of conversion is not a human endeavor but a divine one, requiring complete reliance on the Holy Spirit. This dependence should drive believers to study, pray, and preach with a focus on the Spirit's operation. Ignoring the Holy Spirit, even unintentionally, can hinder efforts to reach others with the Gospel. The Holy Spirit is the one who convicts hearts and transforms lives, and without His power, our words and actions are ineffective. Therefore, it is crucial to seek His guidance and empowerment in all aspects of ministry. [04:01]

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your interactions and conversations today, especially with those who do not yet know Christ?


Day 2: Preaching the Whole Counsel of God
Every doctrine in Scripture is valuable and necessary for spiritual health. Withholding any part of it can lead to spiritual deficiencies among believers. Just as certain nutrients are essential for physical health, so are all biblical truths necessary for spiritual strength and maturity. Preachers and teachers must present the full counsel of God, ensuring that believers are well-rounded and equipped for every good work. This comprehensive approach to teaching helps prevent misunderstandings and fosters a deeper, more resilient faith. [01:38]

"For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God." (Acts 20:27, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a particular doctrine or biblical truth you have been avoiding or neglecting in your study? How can you begin to explore it more fully this week?


Day 3: The Power of the Cross in Salvation
The preaching of the Cross is the power of God for salvation. It is essential to declare the evil of sin, the necessity of a Savior, and the reality of God's judgment. This truth provides rest for the conscience and shows how God can be just and the justifier of those who believe. The message of the Cross is central to the Christian faith and must be communicated clearly and earnestly to lead others to salvation. It is through the Cross that believers find hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. [12:49]

"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the message of the Cross into your conversations with others today, especially those who may not understand its significance?


Day 4: Presenting a Balanced View of God's Character
In preaching and teaching, it is important to avoid exalting one attribute of God at the expense of others. A balanced view of God's character includes His love, justice, and mercy, all of which must be preached in harmony. This balanced approach reflects the true nature of God and helps believers understand the fullness of His character. By presenting God in this way, we can help others see the depth and richness of His nature, leading to a more profound and authentic relationship with Him. [14:44]

"The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." (Psalm 103:8, ESV)

Reflection: Which attribute of God do you find most challenging to understand or accept? How can you seek a more balanced view of His character in your personal study and prayer?


Day 5: Creating a Church of Soul-Winners
The goal is to create a church where every member is active in the mission of salvation. This requires the best preaching, continual prayer, and a heroic example from the pastor. By any means, labor to glorify God through conversions, never resting until your heart's desire is fulfilled. A church of soul-winners is one where each member is equipped and encouraged to share their faith, making disciples and expanding the Kingdom of God. This collective effort can lead to a vibrant, growing community that reflects the love and mission of Christ. [39:24]

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to become more active in sharing your faith and participating in the mission of salvation within your church community?

Quotes

The ultimate goal of the Christian Ministry is the glory of God, whether souls are converted or not. If Jesus Christ is faithfully preached, the minister has not labored in vain, for he is a sweet savior unto God as well as in them that perish as in them that are saved. [00:00:13]

To this end, we must give clear statements of gospel Doctrine, a vital experience, and of Christian Duty and never shrink from declaring the whole counsel of God. In too many cases, Sublime truths are held in abeyance under the pretense that they are not practical. [00:01:38]

We must preach the whole truth that the man of God may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Our great object of glorifying God is, however, to be mainly achieved by the winning of Souls. We must see Souls born unto God. [00:02:58]

Since conversion is a Divine work, we must take care that we depend entirely upon the spirit of God and look to him for power over men's Minds. Often as this remark is repeated, I fear we too little feel its Force. [00:04:06]

We should first and foremost preach Christ and him crucified. Where Jesus is exalted, souls are attracted. I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me. The preaching of the Cross is to them that have saved the wisdom of God and the power of God. [00:05:18]

We must preach a real Bonafide a substitutionary sacrifice and Proclaim pardon as its result. Cloudy views as to atoning blood are mischievous to the last degree. Souls are held in unnecessary bondage, and Saints are robbed of the calm confidence of Faith. [00:11:57]

Preach earnestly the love of God in Christ Jesus and magnify the abounding mercy of the Lord, but always preach it in connection with his Justice. Do not extol the single attribute of love in the method too generally followed, but regard love in the high theological sense. [00:14:44]

If we are intensely anxious to have souls saved, we must not only preach the truths which are likely to lead up to this end, but we must use modes of handling those truths which are likely to conduce thereto. [00:15:43]

We must plead. In treaties and beseechings must blend with our instructions any and every appeal which will reach the conscience and movement of fly to Jesus we must perpetually employ if by any means we may save some. [00:20:43]

It should be our ambition in the power of the Holy Ghost to work the entire church into a fine missionary condition, to make it like a laden jar charged to the full with Divine electricity, so that whatever comes into contact with it shall feel its power. [00:38:32]

Contemplate at the outset the possibility of having a church of Soul winners. Do not succumb to the usual idea that we can only gather a few useful workers and that the rest of the community must inevitably be a dead weight. [00:39:24]

Labor to gather a church alive for Jesus, every member energetic to the full and the whole in incessant activity for the Salvation of men. To this end, there must be the best of preaching to feed the host into strength, continual prayer to bring down the power from on high. [00:39:59]

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Transcript
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