THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SOUL WINNERS
BY DR. OLUWATOYOSI DAIRO

Part 1

Text: 1 Tim. 4:1-11

 Introduction

To every great event, there is responsibility attached to ensure the success of that event. As Christians, our responsibility is to bring many people to the kingdom of God, while save guarding our own soul. As such, the preparation for Jesus second coming is tri-fold to the Christian: self development to ensure making it to the kingdom, contribution to the body of Christ to encourage growth towards perfection and to the unsaved to bring them to the kingdom.

Self Development

Adequate preparation is the key outstanding performance. Time invested in personal development will eventually determine final destination. Commitment to a course differentiates dreamer from doers. You are a product of what you have learnt hence the result you obtain from endeavors. As a Christian, your knowledge will inform your actions, your action will be judged to determine your destination at the second coming of Christ. Hence Paul advised Timothy to take heed to himself and the doctrine (1 Tim. 4:11).

	Nourished in the words of faith and good doctrine: nourishment implies good food, proper digestion and assimilation. Diligent study of the bible, effective utilization of the things learnt and consistent reading of resourceful materials is the way to nourishment (1 Tim. 4:6b, 13). Not all doctrines are good, hence be careful what you are reading!
	Exercise yourself in godliness: practice is what makes perfect. What do you think is going to be the outcome of an Olympic aspirant that never runs, a boxing champion that goes to coach when is convenient or aspiring president who has no membership in any political party! Sounds ridiculous, but the average Christian who wants to make the rapture wants to go to church at his convenience, pray when he has extra time, does not want to be offended by any, read the bible when he his tired, render service only when he has a title and to cut every thing short believes his Christianity is in his heart so he can be practiced as he likes it or the environment dictates. Paul urged Timothy exercising in godliness has the promise of both the present world and the one to come (1 Tim. 4:7-9).
	Utilize your gift: God given gifts are for profiting. Part of profiting is utilizing your gift to promote the body of Christ and to impact the souls of the lost. God’s gifts used appropriately are powerful evangelistic tools (1 Tim.4:14).
	Commit yourself to it all: Partial obedience is disobedience, hence the basis of King Saul's condemnation before God (1 Sam. 15:13-16). If we must make the second coming of Christ we have to be fully committed to the entire word of God (Phil. 3:14,1 Tim. 4:15).
	Live an exemplary life: The live you live can attract people to the kingdom or repel them from your God (Titus 1:16, 3:8, 1 Tim. 4:12).
	Be consistent in the faith: The race is about those who finish it, not those who started. Continuity is essential for anyone to make the second coming of Christ (1 Tim. 4:16).
	Reject whatever does not contribute to spiritual growth: not everything is required to make heaven (1 Tim. 4:7).

Conclusion

Without personal development, it is difficult to make impact in the life of others. Judgment will begin first in the household of God. Empower yourself so others can benefit from you. Your character is the greatest pull to the kingdom of God. If Jesus comes just as this study is going on will you make it to go with him? If no, you are lucky to have another chance to change your ways. Why not go ahead right where you are and amend your ways for his glory. May God help us in Jesus name. Amen.

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Part 2

Text: 1 Timothy 4:1-11

Introduction

Success is not actualized until others benefit from it. Greatness is not determined by personal development but ability to impact the life of those near and far. Jesus was successful not just because he overcame the cross, but he brought many sons unto glory. Reward of a Christian is not based on his ability to make heaven alone but on how many others he succeeds in bringing to the kingdom.

Responsibility of the soul winner to the body of Christ

Instruction in sound doctrine: Be ready to teach as required. It is not enough to just teach, you must ensure that it is the right message of the kingdom (1 Tim. 6:20-21).

Contribute to the sustenance of the brethren: offenses, betrayals and hatred are part of what is expected in the end time. It is the responsibility of the soul winner to encourage unity in the church, so that the place where new converts are to go can be conducive for growth.

	Unity fosters an atmosphere for rapid expansion of the church (Acts 6:7).
	Maintain a pattern of good works: the basis of reward at the coming of Christ is a function of the work we do in the flesh (Titus 2:6-8, 3:8, Rev. 22:12).

Responsibility to the community

Live a life that attracts people to Christ: If you do not have anything worthy of emulation there is no need for anyone to want what you have. Your profession of faith must match character, so you are like a magnet drawing people to Christ (1 Cor. 9:19-23).

 Preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Matt. 24:14).

Preach the message of reconciliation (John 3:17)

	Christ came to restore them back to where he originally designed them to be (Jn.10:10)
	Present a loving savior, willing to take you just as you are
	From the state anyone is Christ is able to move you forward (Luke. 4:18,19)
	Someone is interested in there well being, not just in their service (Matt. 11:28,29)
	Give them hope for a more guaranteed future (John 14: 1-4)

Conclusion

Christ in us is the hope of glory. Christ gives hope not burden. He accepts just as you are, he came for those who need help. The hope of the helpless, the joy of the sad, the strength of the weak, the sustainer of mighty above all the one who has gone ahead to prepare a place of everlasting joy for all who accept his sacrifice. Accept Him today, your present will be sharpened and your future guaranteed.