You Win by Losing

23 / YOU WIN BY LOSING

Text: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it” ().

I. Find Faith—Lose Doubts

“If ye have faith, and doubt not, … it shall be done” ().

A. Some people are doubters. They doubt God’s Word, His creation, His salvation, and even God Himself. Doubters never win.

B. We should not be naive, nor should we mistrust everyone. Suspicion and doubt are self-destructive.

C. We must have faith—faith banishes doubt. Faith pleases God and enables us to win others.

D. We win by losing our doubt. Faith brings the victory ().

II. Find Hope—Lose Despair

“Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him …” ().

A. Many people are in despair. They have lost hope. Uncertain riches and sinful pleasures fail to satisfy.

B. We must hope in God. Helping the needy, comforting the discouraged, and sharing Christ with others helps us lose despair.

C. We win by losing despair. Hope in God brings the joy of salvation and the assurance of everlasting life ().

III. Find Love—Lose Discord

“And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also” ().

A. Christians often live in discord. They hold resentment and hostility toward others. Their witness is ineffective.

B. Love makes the difference. When we are totally committed to God, the Holy Spirit cleanses and fills us with His love.

C. Love is a built-in psychological need. Everyone needs to love and be loved; therefore, we should reach out in love to work, witness, and win.

D. We can win by losing. Lose the worst—hatred, misery, strife ()—and win the best—love, joy, and peace ().

Spray, R. E. (1977). Soul-Building Sermon Outlines (pp. 31–32). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.