Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences.
(2 Corinthians 5:9-11)
If we want to bring people to Jesus, to “be soul winners for the cause of Christ,” the Apostle Paul offers six mighty motivations in 2 Corinthians 5. Today, we will consider the first three.
First, we see the soul winner’s compulsion (2 Corinthians 5:9). Our goal is to please God; if we are not endeavoring to bring souls to Christ, then is that pleasing?
We also recognize our compensation (2 Corinthians 5:10). We will be compensated for our soul-winning work at the judgment seat of Christ. And whatever reward He gives us will never see corruption—it won’t fade or tarnish!
Third, remember the soul winner’s conviction (2 Corinthians 5:11). Paul reminds us of what it means for a soul to die unredeemed, destined for Hell; he understood the terror of the Lord. The Christian does not want others to suffer spiritually either now or in eternity.
• How much do you desire to bring others to know God? What might this reflect about your own relationship with Christ, whether good or bad?
• Which of the three motivations we considered today is most compelling to you—a compulsion to share the Good News, the compensation of God’s “well done” as you work to bring people to Him, or your conviction about the eternal destiny of those who don’t know Jesus? How is God calling you to respond to these promptings from His Word?
Reflect on the soul winner’s compulsion, compensation, and conviction. Develop a plan to share your faith and act in obedience based on these motivations.
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