- PRODUCTIVENESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS
"The fruit of the righteous...."
i) Fruit Defined - holy living - compare Gal 5:22,23: "fruit of the Spirit"
ii) Fruit Described - "...a tree of life"
Fruit of a Christian life becomes like a tree to others, it is such a blessing.
- PURSUIT OF THE RIGHTEOUS
"...he that winneth souls is wise."
i) The Immense Importance Of It
Why this pursuit? Because of the condition of those who are unsaved - lost, blind, condemned
ii) The Notable Nobility Of It
Souls who are won are saved from hell and brought into the family of God - what a privilege !
iii) The Essential Elements Of It
a) Sense of Duty to God
b) Concern for the lost ie love
c) Commitment to the work
"Winneth" - this gives the meaning of soldiers taking a city - you need to think & have a strategy.
Also has the idea of wooing - you need a heart for the people, and show love.
It also will involve a struggle and having patience.
- PRAISE OF THE RIGHTEOUS
This praise is in the sense of a commending, or acknowledgement, that there is something about this person.
i) Why are they wise?
i)They are involved in a durable work. Wood, hay & stubble will be burned up, but a winner of souls will have their work preserved.
ii)It glorifies God.
iii)We should want to help out fellow-man & no greater way than seeking to bring them to Christ
How To Win Souls?
Drop a word in season - show hospitality - bring them to hear the Gospel