Bella Vista Church of Christ
LIFELINES
March 6, 2002 Randall Caselman
The Heart Of A Soul Winner
What does it take to be a soul winner for Jesus every day? We used to sing about it--but don't much anymore. Wonder why? Do you think it is because we have lost our heart for this Biblical concept?
Until we care, have a deep personal concern for the lost, we will make little effort to serve them, win them, or keep them. Paul was soul-conscious. Let's look into his heart and see what we can learn from First Thessalonians, chapters two and three.
A soul winner has a father's heart. Just how much do we care? For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God who calls you into His kingdom and glory. (I Thessalonians 2.11). If we loved the lost with the love of a father, we would be an evangelistic fellowship, wouldn't we? A father's love never stops. Paul spoke of those he led to Christ as his children, sons in the Gospel. He felt an ongoing responsibility to keep them in Christ, faithful to the word. We need to feel the responsibility for souls kept as well as souls saved. Wonder how many we have allowed to slip out of the kingdom because of our lack of fatherly love, care, concern, teaching and discipline.
A soul winner has an enlarged heart. A soul winner gives his best, sparing no expense. Becoming soul conscious will cost us. "So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the Gospel, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith." ( I Thessalonians 3:1-2). Even the casual Bible student knows that Paul needed Timothy with him in Athens. The mission effort in Europe had not been easy. It had taken its toll on Paul. But he was willing to give up Timothy's companionship for the saving of others.
Then there is the matter of traveling expense. Paul's evangelistic campaign is living hand-to-mouth by tent making. This is tough, but sacrifices were made to keep the saved of Thessalonica saved. A soul winner has an enlarged heart, a sacrificial heart.
A soul winner has a heart of faith. You know quite well that we are destined for trials. In fact, "when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you know." (I Thessalonians 3:3-4). It takes faith and understanding to know that trials will come--and yet still not let the troubles of life blow us away. Soul winners are those who know that God never promised to remove troubles and problems from our life, but He does promise to give us strength to accomplish the task of winning others. Faith is what causes us to be evangelistic. We must share our faith. Have a heart of faith!!
A soul winner has a heart of joy. "How can we thank God enough for you, all the joy we have in the presence of God because of you?" (I Thessalonians 3.9). We have some in the church who have a problem with joy and rejoicing. Not Paul. "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Philippians 4.4). Seriousness and long faces are not a sign of piety. Souls won, souls saved, souls rescued, calls for joy and rejoicing in our churches. Heaven rejoices, so should we. We need to learn to celebrate when we win over Satan. Some of us are afraid of a party. God smiles. God Rejoices. So should His children. A soul winner has a heart of joy.
A soul winner has a praying heart. "Now may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May He give you inner strength that you may be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones. (I Thessalonians 3.11-13). We see in Paul's prayer what a soul winner should really be concerned about in his converts is loving one another, maintaining inner strength, being found blameless, holy and looking forward to the coming of Jesus. When was the last time we prayed for those we have won, or those we are trying to win to Christ? Pray that God open their hearts, and that they will maintain their salvation by walking in the Light.
How are we doing? Do we have the heart of a soul winner? Do we really mean it what we sing?...
Lead me to some soul today,
Teach me, Lord, just what to say...
Melt my heart and fill my life,
Give me one soul today.
Randall Caselman
