Series 25
Study 9 THE SOUL-WINNER’S REWARD
WINNING THE LOST TO THE SAVIOUR
by Francis Dixon
There is a REWARD offered to soul-winners! Rewards are spoken of in the New Testament under the figure of crowns, which will be gained or lost, according to our faithfulness or otherwise. These are:
- the incorruptible crown, for those who live a disciplined life (1 Corinthians 9:25);
- the crown of life, for those who patiently endure trials and testings (James 1:12);
- the crown of glory, for those who faithfully care for the flock (1 Peter 5:2-4);
- the crown of righteousness, for those who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8);
- the crown of rejoicing, for all who are faithful soul-winners (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).
So there is quite definitely a reward for soul-winning.
Does it make any difference whether we obey the great commission and seek to win souls, or whether we do not?
1. It makes a difference to souls who will be either lost or saved according to our faithfulness or unfaithfulness.
It is dreadfully possible to fail those around us by withholding from them the Word of Life. Look up and read the solemn warning in Ezekiel 33:6-9.
2. It makes a difference to other souls who might have been won through those whom we could have won to the Lord.
For instance, supposing our Lord had not testified to and won to Himself the woman at the well. Is it too much to presume that the “many” in Samaria who came to the Lord through her testimony would not have come to Him? Would Lydia’s household have been saved if Lydia had not been? Or suppose Edward Kimball had not led D.L. Moody to Christ? Yes, just suppose that!
3. It makes a difference to the Lord Himself.
Turn again to Isaiah 53:11, and consider this tremendous statement.
4. It makes a difference to us.
It affects us in the matter of rewards; and if anyone thinks this rather a mercenary motive, then we should remember that it is God Himself who has revealed it. His Word teaches clearly that there will be rewards in the future for soul-winners. This being so, we His children and His servants should surely seek to gain them. We shall either gain them or lose them! But the rewards for soul-winning are not only future; they are also present.
WHAT ARE THE PRESENT REWARDS THAT ARE ATTAINABLE BY ALL OF US?
1. The first present reward is that which comes in the doing of the work.
There is a satisfaction found in this work that is found nowhere else! The work itself brings its own immediate reward. Men and women go fishing, sailing, golfing – why? They go for the sheer enjoyment of the sport. Likewise, those who engage in the work of winning souls are rewarded by the deep sense of joy and satisfaction that comes to them. You see the greatness of the work gives to the soul-winner a sense of great satisfaction. Look up James 5:20.
2. The second present reward is the peace and joy that comes through obedience.
The happiest people are those who obey God – look up Psalm 19:11, and compare Matthew 28:19; also look up Psalm 119:165, and compare Acts 24:16. Have you a clear conscience regarding your responsibility to the lost? These are the reflex benefits that come to the soul-winner – benefits that come back to us while we are engaged in the Lord’s work.
3. The third present reward is the affection and gratitude of those whom we influence and win to the Lord.
If anyone has thanked you for leading them to Christ, you know exactly what this means!
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE REWARDS THAT ARE ATTAINABLE BY ALL OF US?
1. The first reward that awaits us is the Lord’s commendation, and the joy and honour that will accompany it.
Look up Matthew 25:21, and notice that the reward the Lord promises is for faithfulness. Whether we have met with much or little success in our work is not the point. The reward our Lord will give us is for our faithfulness. The value of our work will only ever be seen in true perspective at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
2. The second reward that awaits us is the thrill of meeting those who have been blessed and won to the Lord through us.
In 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20, Paul anticipates the rapturous moment when he would meet in Heaven those he had led to the Lord on earth. What a reward this will be, especially when we experience what we might call the thrill of discovery – when we shall discover people converted through our ministry of whom down here we have known nothing!
3. The third reward that awaits us is the rare privilege that may be ours of placing some lost one at the Saviour’s feet.
We have only touched upon this thrilling subject, but before you leave this study, please read Psalm 126:5-6; Ecclesiastes 11:1-6; Galatians 6:9 – and best of all – DANIEL 12:3.