Today we will take a continued look at John chapter 1, picking up with
verse 9 as we further consider the portrait of a soul winner. We already
learned of John's faithfulness and today we will observe his fearlessness…
Verse 9:
That was the TRUE light, which lighteth EVERY man that cometh into the
world.
We have all been given enough light to be saved, that awareness of a void
in our lives that is designed to drive us to the Lord. There have been
many glowing imitations, and though people are content with them, only
Jesus is the true light and deserves to be called such!! Be sure you are
correctly describing your Savior!
Verse 10:
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew
him not.
Why do you suppose the world didn't recognize the light of Christ?? You
would think sightless sinners would accept the illumination, but the TRUE
light produces a battle as the dominance of darkness defies it! You see
ladies, what folks don't understand they refuse to accept… As a result,
a soul winner recognizes he will face opposition. Are you prepared for
conflict? Take inventory of your focus and form as a Christian. Can you
be satisfied living without a worldly reputation for yourself? John was
plain of dress, plain of food, and plain of speech, yet powerful in presence!
Very much like our Savior…
Philip. 2:7
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
Ladies, if we are going to be fearless as soul winners, then we must lay
aside all concern for us, pick up the cross and follow Christ. How many
of us might selfishly be holding onto privileges for ourselves? The first
enemy we must overcome as a soul winner is our own flesh! Are you afraid
to pour yourself out and become a true servant to others? Can you part
with your own sin? Could there be any areas where you may not be welcoming
Christ into your life?
Verse 11:
He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Yes, Christ was truly despised - by His own world AND His own people....
More specifically, a soul winner with nothing but the truth to share must
be able to handle the rejection of even those closest and dearest to him.
Think of those closest to you - your neighbors, your co-workers, the people
you see on a regular basis. Would you mind if your world were filled with
individuals who avoided you like the plague after learning you were a
Christian? Would you mind if they mocked you or persecuted you for Christian
practices and convictions? Now think of those dearest to you - your own
mother and father, your husband and children, your friends and relatives…
It gets a little tougher when loved ones snub you! Ladies, lack of recognition
and lots of rejection line the pathway that leads to the saving of lost
souls. Fear of such situations will only lead to unfaithfulness. Soul
winning will require bravery on your part as people resist your spiritual
influence.
Luke 19:14
But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will
not have this man to reign over us.
People who love darkness and are adapted to it loathe light - even the
smallest ray. Just as Christ was hated for His holiness, if you are living
for God you had better be ready to receive the same treatment! In some
instances, individuals may even take opportunity to communicate or band
together to find a way to prevent you from being a witness for the Lord.
However, those who reject the Lord will one day experience God's wrath
and they'll be sorry for their own much too late!
Verse 12:
BUT as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons
of God, even to them that believe on his name.
Thank God for those BUT's in the Bible, amen? Though many cast off Christ,
praise the Lord there were some who listened about their need for a Savior.
As many as received Jesus and embraced the truth were born into the family
of God; not one is ever turned away! These are the ones who take positive
action in response to the true light. Man has to take action and God does
too... God's action was to give them the POWER TO BECOME the sons of God!
As soul winners, we are actually offering God's POWER to become something
people can become no other way - a child of God! It's the first of many
marvelous promises for the believer. Just as you and I have been given
the power to become a child of God, that same power can make us into successful
(fearless) soul winners! Are you being a good steward of God's power,
Christian woman? Have there been any scriptural promises since the day
of your salvation that you are not actively resting in? Where you are
not resting in God you have not received Him, and where you have not received
Him, there will be no converting power in your life.
John 12:46
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should
not abide in darkness.
Jesus Christ came into this world to free us from sin, misery, hatred,
hurt, bitterness, unforgiveness, disappointment, discouragement, despondency
and depression etc. - all those things associated with darkness. As a
Christian, if you are abiding under clouds of gloom, then you are neglecting
the true light! That's exactly what the world is doing and God's people
should not be doing! By looking daily to Christ, we are more and more
freed from these things and able to be effective soul winners. Don't allow
the devil to use darkness to keep lost souls from being touched by your
life! Live as though Christ came into your heart a LIGHT… Live fearlessly
as John did and you too will characterize the portrait of a soul winner.
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2002 Pamela A. Iannello
