HE THAT WINS SOULS!

Devotional

Day 1: The Fruit of the Righteous and the Wisdom of Soul Winning

A life rooted in righteousness naturally bears fruit that blesses others, and true wisdom is found in seeking to reach those who are lost; these two realities are inseparable, as God’s work in us is always meant to overflow through us to impact the world around us. When we allow God to transform us, our lives become a source of life for others, and our willingness to share the hope we have is a mark of spiritual maturity and wisdom. The blessings and growth we experience are not just for our own benefit, but so that others may “eat” from the tree of our lives and come to know Christ. As we aim the fruit of our lives toward those who do not yet know Jesus, we step into the true purpose of God’s kingdom and participate in His redemptive work. [08:17]

Proverbs 11:30 (ESV):
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.

Reflection: Who in your life might be “hungry” for the fruit of your faith, and how can you intentionally share Christ’s love and wisdom with them this week?

Day 2: The Power of Personal Testimony and Confession

No matter how much religious activity or head knowledge we possess, true transformation comes only when we personally confess Jesus as Lord and believe in His resurrection; it is this simple, sincere confession that brings salvation and new life. Many people may be close to the church, familiar with its practices, and even emotionally moved, yet still lack the awakened inner man that comes from a genuine encounter with Christ. The journey from religious routine to living faith often begins with someone’s invitation or influence, but it is completed when we respond to the gospel and make it our own. God uses ordinary moments and people to draw us to Himself, and our willingness to say “yes” to Him can change the entire trajectory of our lives. [24:20]

Romans 10:9-10 (ESV):
Because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Reflection: Have you truly made a personal confession of faith in Jesus, and if so, how can you share your testimony with someone who may be relying on religious activity rather than a real relationship with Christ?

Day 3: God Works In Us and Through Us—The Church’s True Growth Strategy

God’s design is to work both in us and through us, and the greatest strategy for church growth is not programs or events, but believers who are willing to go out, share the gospel, and make disciples; as we step out in obedience, God not only reaches others but also deepens our own faith. The early church grew not just by gathering, but by scattering—by being willing to leave comfort and go to those who had not yet heard. Persecution and challenges often serve to push us out of our comfort zones so that the gospel can spread further, and in the process, God shapes us, stretches us, and gives us new opportunities to grow. When we say “yes” to God’s call to reach others, we discover that He is also doing a deep work within us, transforming us as we serve. [46:01]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV):
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to move beyond your comfort zone and intentionally reach out to someone who may not know Christ, trusting that God will work in you as you allow Him to work through you?

Day 4: Deepening Compassion for the Lost

As we engage in sharing the gospel, God deepens our compassion for those who are lost, reminding us never to assume that others fully understand the message of Christ and calling us to patiently and lovingly walk with them toward faith. Jesus’ example with Nicodemus shows us the importance of meeting people where they are, listening to their questions, and gently guiding them toward the truth, even if their journey takes time. Our hearts must be moved not just for those who are obviously far from God, but also for those who are confused, religious, or searching. The call to evangelism is not just for a select few, but for the whole church, and it is through our compassion and willingness to go that others have the opportunity to hear and believe. [54:29]

Romans 10:14-15 (ESV):
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Reflection: Who in your life might be like Nicodemus—curious, religious, or confused—and how can you patiently and compassionately engage them in a conversation about Jesus this week?

Day 5: Boldness, Spiritual Strength, and the Shaping of Truth

When we step out to share the gospel, God not only uses us to reach others but also shapes our own understanding of truth, gives us spiritual strength, and fills us with boldness and courage to stand for Christ in a challenging world. Engaging with those who have different beliefs or who challenge our faith sharpens our message and teaches us to rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and words. As we trust God to give us what to say, we grow in confidence, and our own faith is strengthened. The process of witnessing is not just about others coming to Christ, but about God developing a right kingdom perspective, resilience, and courage within us as we obey His call. [01:04:48]

Acts 8:4 (ESV):
Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.

Reflection: When was the last time you relied on the Holy Spirit to give you words in a difficult conversation about faith, and how did that experience shape your own understanding and courage to share the gospel?

Sermon Summary

Tonight’s study centers on the profound connection between God’s work in us and His work through us, especially as it relates to reaching those who are lost. Drawing from Proverbs 11:30, “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that wins souls is wise,” we see that the evidence of God’s righteousness in our lives is not just for our own benefit, but is meant to nourish and impact others. The wisdom of soul-winning is not a detached command, but the natural outflow of a life transformed by Christ. Our stories, our growth, and even our struggles are all woven into God’s greater purpose of seeking and saving the lost.

Reflecting on my own journey, I shared how the influence of others—both inside and outside the church—played a pivotal role in my coming to faith. Sometimes, the most significant spiritual breakthroughs come not from grand gestures, but from simple acts of obedience, like a man asking if anyone could play piano for a new church. God uses these moments to draw people to Himself, often in ways we could never predict. The call to win souls is not just about church growth or filling seats; it’s about participating in God’s redemptive work, being available for divine appointments, and recognizing that the next person you reach could impact generations.

The early church’s example in Acts shows us that the gospel is meant to go out, not just draw people in. When the church became too comfortable, God allowed circumstances to scatter them, ensuring the message would reach new places and people. This scattering was not just for the sake of expansion, but also for the deepening of the believers themselves. As we step out to share the gospel, God shapes us—deepening our compassion, sharpening our understanding of truth, and building spiritual strength and courage within us.

We must never assume that those around us fully understand the gospel, even if they appear religious or knowledgeable. Our compassion must extend to the confused, the searching, and the seemingly indifferent. As we engage with others, God not only works through us to reach them, but He also works in us, refining our faith, our message, and our hearts. The call is clear: let God work in you and through you at the same time, trusting that as you say “yes” to His mission, He will do a transformative work in your own life.

Key Takeaways

1. The Fruit of Righteousness Is for Others God’s work in your life is not meant to be hoarded, but shared. The blessings, growth, and transformation you experience are intended to nourish others, especially those who are far from God. True wisdom is found in aiming your life’s fruit toward the lost, understanding that your story and your obedience can be the bridge to someone else’s salvation. [11:36]
2. Divine Appointments Are Often Hidden in the Ordinary God orchestrates encounters in the most unexpected ways—sometimes through simple questions or everyday interactions. You may never know the full impact of your willingness to step out, but your obedience could be the catalyst for someone’s eternal destiny. The next great leader or world-changer might be waiting on the other side of your “yes.” [26:16]
3. The Gospel Grows Us as We Share It When we step out to share the gospel, God not only works through us, but He also works in us. Engaging in soul-winning deepens our compassion, sharpens our understanding of truth, and builds spiritual strength and courage. The process of reaching others is also the process by which God matures and refines us. [46:01]
4. Never Assume Someone Understands the Gospel Religious activity or spiritual language does not guarantee a true understanding of the gospel. Many, like Nicodemus or even those raised in church, may have never truly encountered Christ personally. Our compassion must extend to the confused and the searching, and we must be patient and clear in sharing the message of Jesus. [56:03]
5. God Uses Discomfort to Advance His Mission and Shape Us When the church or the individual becomes too comfortable, God often allows challenges or “scattering” to move us into new places and opportunities. These moments of discomfort are not just for the sake of mission, but also for our own growth. As we say “yes” to being sent, God stretches, molds, and strengthens us for greater impact. [45:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:24] - Opening Greetings and Prayer
[08:17] - Devotional Verse: Proverbs 11:30
[09:47] - The Intersection of Righteousness and Soul-Winning
[12:17] - The Power of Influence in Coming to Faith
[14:43] - Spiritual Mentors and Their Impact
[17:38] - Unexpected Influences Outside the Church
[18:47] - The Difference Between Religion and Relationship
[21:20] - A Divine Appointment: The Piano Story
[23:43] - Personal Salvation and Romans 10:9-10
[26:16] - The Purpose and Power of Soul-Winning
[27:25] - God Working In Us and Through Us
[29:01] - Church Growth: Strategies and Soul-Winning
[31:23] - Jesus’ Blueprint for Building the Church
[33:58] - The Impact of the Gospel: Boldness, Love, and Power
[35:05] - The Danger of Comfort and Stagnation
[39:41] - The Call to Go Out, Not Just Bring In
[41:54] - God Uses Persecution to Scatter and Grow
[46:01] - God Works In Us as He Works Through Us
[48:53] - How Soul-Winning Deepens Us
[50:04] - Compassion for the Lost: More Than a Team
[56:03] - Never Assume Gospel Understanding
[59:27] - Shaping the Message of Truth
[64:10] - Developing Kingdom Perspective and Spiritual Strength
[67:10] - Invitation to Salvation
[71:19] - Giving and Closing Blessing
[73:47] - Final Blessing and Farewell

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Proverbs 11:30 (ESV) — > The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.

Acts 8:1, 4 (ESV) — > And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles... Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.

Romans 10:9-10, 14 (ESV) — > Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved... How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

Observation Questions

According to Proverbs 11:30, what is the “fruit of the righteous” compared to, and what does it say about those who win souls?
In Acts 8, what happened to the early church when persecution broke out, and what did the scattered believers do as a result?
In Romans 10:9-10, what two actions are necessary for salvation?
The pastor shared a personal story about how a simple invitation to play piano led to his salvation. What does this story show about how God uses ordinary moments? [21:20]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “God’s work in your life is not meant to be hoarded, but shared.” Why do you think God wants the fruit of our lives to benefit others, especially those far from Him? [11:36]
The early church grew not just by people coming in, but by believers going out—even when it was uncomfortable. What does this suggest about how God uses discomfort or challenges in our lives? [45:32]
The pastor emphasized not assuming that people—even those who seem religious—truly understand the gospel. Why is it important to be patient and clear when sharing about Jesus? [56:03]
The sermon says that as we share the gospel, God also works in us, deepening our compassion and building our courage. How might sharing your faith change you personally? [46:01]

Application Questions

The pastor shared how his own journey to faith was shaped by the influence of others, both inside and outside the church. Who has influenced your spiritual journey, and how might God want to use you in someone else’s story? [14:43]
Think about a time when you felt uncomfortable or stretched in your faith. Did that experience open new opportunities for you to share Jesus or grow spiritually? How might God be using discomfort in your life right now? [45:32]
The sermon highlighted that “divine appointments are often hidden in the ordinary.” Can you recall a recent ordinary moment that might have been a God-given opportunity? How can you be more attentive to these moments this week? [26:16]
The pastor said, “Never assume someone understands the gospel.” Is there someone in your life who seems religious or knowledgeable, but you’re not sure if they truly know Jesus? What’s a gentle way you could start a conversation with them? [56:03]
The message challenged us to let God work “in us and through us at the same time.” What is one area where you need God to work in you, and how could stepping out to serve or share your faith help that process? [46:01]
The early church was scattered and grew as a result. Are there places or groups you’ve been “scattered” to (work, school, neighborhood) where you could be more intentional about sharing your faith? [45:32]
The pastor described how sharing the gospel builds spiritual strength and courage. What is one step you can take this week to grow in boldness—whether it’s inviting someone to church, sharing your story, or praying for someone who doesn’t know Jesus? [46:01]

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