THE PASSIONATE SOUL WINNER (6)

*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*

*THE PASSIONATE SOUL WINNER (6).*

*Scripture Treasure.*

Rom.9:1, 3:

*I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,*

*For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,.*

*Insight and Highlight.*

Paul could not bear witness to the truthfulness of his wished curse by himself. He bore witness to it by the authority and power of the Trinity.

*Scripture Commentaries.*

It would seem to the ordinary and mortal that Paul may have wished himself accursed, knowing that he knew it was impossible for him to lose his salvation.

One may be right to think so because Paul jealously guarded his salvation, and he admonished us to do so in several ways.

We will mention a few.

First, in Philippians 2:12, he wrote *Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.*

Second, Paul let us know that people could lose their salvation, so he took many important precautions to ensure he did not lose his.

1 Cor 10:12  *Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.*

He told us how some of the branches of the holy firstfruits were cut off and how *".....a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them...."*

He further told us *".....because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:"*, Rom 10:16, 20.

Third, he admonished the importance of restoring a backslider by exhorting us to always *"....considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."*, Gal 6:1.

Fourth, he told us how he finished well, 2 Tim 4:7-8.

Paul's prayer in Rom 10:3 was a pointer to the truthfulness and seriousness of his statement.

He knew that he could not miss Heaven if he prayed for others to make it.

He knew he could not be praying for the lost soul without God helping him to reap the good harvest of prayer, ref Jam 5:16.

However, though it may appear to us that Paul was not serious with his wish given his admonitions, exhortations and his careful guide to ensure he and generations after him would not lose their salvation, but his writing telling us that he was saying the truth in Christ, further emphasizing he was not lying and most convincing that his conscience also bearing him witness in the Holy Ghost gives no doubt at all that he meant what he said.

Truly, a person with the Holy Ghost like him and credited with a major chunk of the New Testament would not lie.

In fact, his inclusion of *"....l lie not ....."* tells us his anticipated doubt that people of all ages may have about his statement. So, since he could not bear witness (i:e; 'swear') by himself he bore witness (i:e; 'swore') by God greater than himself, (in contrast to his reference to God in Hebrews 6:13 *"For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself."*

His inclusion of Christ and the Holy Ghost must put any doubt of his sincerity from all generations to rest.

This tells you how far a passionate soul winner could, attimes go, to prove his sincerity and dedication to Kingdom assignments like soul winning.

How far can you go as a soul winner?

How far can you commit yourself to soul-winning?

*Remorse corner.*

Paul did not have to wish himself accursed bearing witness in the Holy Ghost. He did this to let us know that no one could say what he said without the backing of the Trinity.

*Call to Word action.*

Paul wished himself accursed and his conscience bearing witness with Christ and the Holy Ghost because no one could do anything for God without being one with God.

*The Christian clarion duty.*

Paul was saying that: not lying (which is saying the truth) means the Trinity always bears witness to the truth.

*Prayer.*

Lord, help me to confidently bear witness in You as l strive to win souls for You in Jesus name.

Good morning, all, and be blessed as you come into His presence today.

God bless you.