The Tragedy of Losing Our Love for Souls

I. OUR COMMISSION

A. God commissions every Christian.

1. Right after His crucifixion Jesus showed His main concern. — Mark 16:15

2. Jesus called the apostles to be fishers of men. — Matt. 4:19

3. Fishers of men must leave all else to prioritize God’s plan. — Luke 5:10-11

II. THE VALUE OF A SOUL

A. We are to place a high value on each individual.

1. Solomon says that wise is the one who wins souls. — Prov. 11:30

2. Daniel compares the soul-winner to stars that shine brightly — Daniel 12:3

B. Supreme value of the soul was demonstrated by Jesus.

“The Savior would have passed through the agony of Calvary that one might be saved in His kingdom. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them fast.” (Desire of Ages, 483).

III. THE TRUE MISSIONARY SPIRIT

Look for the following points:

A. First impulse of renewed heart

B. Evidence of true conversion

C. Evidence of the loss of first love

D. Close examination of the heart

E. Soul winning our first work

IV. BIBLE EXAMPLES OF A SOUL-WINNING ATTITUDE

A. Paul was willing to be sacrificed to save his people. — Rom. 9:3; 1 Cor. 9: 19-23.

B. Moses risked everything for the salvation of the people of Israel. — Ex. 32:33.

C. Abraham loved the perishing soul. “Abraham asked not once merely, but many times. Waxing bolder as his requests were granted, he continued until he gained the assurance that if even ten righteous persons could be found in the city, it would be spared” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 140).

1. Love for perishing souls inspired Abraham’s prayer…

2. “The spirit of Abraham was the spirit of Christ. The Son of God is Himself the great Intercessor in the sinner's behalf. He who has paid the price for its redemption knows the worth of the human soul.” PP 140.

D. As probation closes, what are we doing? —Jude 23

“Every day the probation of some is closing. Every hour some are passing beyond the reach of mercy. And where are the voices of warning and entreaty to bid the sinner flee from this fearful doom? Where are the hands stretched out to draw him back from death? Where are those who with humility and persevering faith are pleading with God for him?” (Ibid.).