Why We Must Win Souls for Christ
Base Text: Proverbs 11:30
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.”
Introduction
The Proverbist declares a profound spiritual truth: winning souls is a mark of true spiritual wisdom.
Many people strive relentlessly to achieve material goals—career success, financial stability, or worldly fame. However, the Christian must prioritize eternal goals, especially the goal of winning souls for the kingdom of God.
Winning souls is a task reserved for people who are wise, discerning, and sensitive to the great spiritual needs of the world.
Christ once looked upon the multitudes and saw them as sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34). Today, millions around the globe are similarly without direction, wandering toward eternal condemnation. The church must actively seek these souls, for they are the most valuable treasure to God.
To awaken our passion, we must first confront the reasons for our inactivity, and then embrace the reasons for our essential duty.
I. Why Some Do Not Win Souls for Christ
Before we act, we must address the spiritual barriers that hold us back.
1. Because They Are Unwilling to Speak of Christ
It is easy to talk about sports, politics, or family matters, but it is often difficult to speak about Christ. Shame stops many, but the Apostle Paul declared: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). Shame is a spiritual hindrance.
2. Due to Fear of Rejection
Many fear that people will not listen to them, or worse, that they will be mocked or rejected. God spoke directly to Paul when facing opposition: “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent” (Acts 18:9–10). Fear paralyzes, but courage opens doors for the gospel.
3. Due to Indifference Toward Souls
Indifference is a deadly spiritual disease that kills evangelistic passion. Christ was never indifferent, even toward the Samaritan woman (John 4:9, 29, 41–42). Indifference despises the very souls for whom Christ died.
4. Because They Are Unwilling to Suffer
Winning souls demands effort, patience, and sometimes tears. “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!” (Ps. 126:6). While there is sacrifice involved, the joy of seeing a soul saved is incomparable and far outweighs the cost.
5. Due to Poor Witness
Our poor example hinders others from coming to Christ. Jesus warned the religious leaders: “You neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in” (Matt. 23:13). We must be blameless (Phil. 2:15), the light of the world (Matt. 5:14–16), and honorable before God and men (2 Cor. 8:20–21).
II. Why We Must Win Souls for Christ
Our duty is rooted in divine command and eternal reality.
1. Because It Is Spiritual Wisdom
Proverbs 11:30 asserts: “whoever captures souls is wise.” The one who wins souls is wise because they have eternal vision, love for people, and the fear of God. They invest their time in what truly lasts.
2. Because It Is a Command from Christ
The Great Commission is not a suggestion; it is an authoritative command (Matt. 28:18–20). If we fail to preach, God will require obedience (1 Cor. 9:16–17). Evangelism is a duty, not an optional activity for only a few.
3. Because of the Incalculable Value of the Soul
Jesus asked: “For what will it profit a person if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Matt. 16:26). The soul is eternal; its destination is either heaven or hell. We must be concerned with what possesses eternal value.
4. Because the Church Exists for This Purpose
The church was established to proclaim the gospel (Eph. 3:10). Christ died for all (John 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:4). To fulfill Christ's purpose on earth, we must evangelize. Evangelism is the church’s heartbeat.
5. Because God Rewards the Soul Winner
There is joy in heaven (Luke 15:7) and joy in the heart of the believer. God promises a reward for faithful laborers: “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky, and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Dan. 12:3; 1 Cor. 9:17).
See also
- How to set good examples in Christian life?
- The Difference Between the Mission of the Church and the Mission of the Individual
- How a Christian Ought to Live in This World
Conclusion
Winning souls is a sign of spiritual wisdom and diligence; it is not a task for the lazy.
Indifference, fear, and a poor example prevent us from fulfilling our highest duty.
Let us be faithful and diligent in winning souls for Christ.
• There is joy in doing it.
• There are souls to be saved.
• There is a God who rewards.
May God find us wise... winning souls for His kingdom.
