16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel [a]of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.Romans 1:1-17

Romans 1:16-17; 1 Cor. 2: 1-5

Recurrent Truth

Effective soul winning is achieved when believers boldly proclaim the gospel of Christ, trusting in its divine power to save all who believe.

Every believer is called upon to be a witness of the goodness of Jesus Christ to others. Effective Soul Winning is grounded on two important principles. First on the firm belief of the power of the Gospel and; second, on the courage of the Witness.  Soul winning is not a human strategy but it is a divine mission. Remember the effectiveness of soul winning does not rest upon eloquence, organization, or influence. We must have this stamped in our mind that salvation is entirely the work of God, yet God has chosen human instruments to proclaim the message.

1. Believe and Proclaim the Gospel of Christ that Saves
   The text states that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Power of God unto Salvation (v.16) .
   The Word Gospel means, the good news of salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection.
   It is not a social improvement program, but the gospel of Christ.
   • Notice that the Message is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
     The Simplicity of the Gospel is in preaching Jesus the Christ as the Savior and Lord.
     Don’t be persuaded with all manner of good teaching..Dogma, doctrine and all manner of teachings are secondary.
     They come when you are discipling.Stay on course with the Gospel
   • Notice that the Source of the Power of the Gospel is God.
     The Greek word used is dunamis which indicates miraculous, dynamic power.
     The gospel carries within itself the power (dunamis, Greek) of God to save.
     This is not mere human influence but divine operation.
     This power does not come from men, systems, or religion. It is God Himself acting through His Word.
     Illustration: Just as electricity powers a light bulb only when connected to the source, so salvation flows only when connected to God through the Gospel.
     One cannot save themselves: Education, wealth, or morality cannot regenerate the soul. Only the divine power of God can.
     Now one may say I don’t need saving: Well the Bible shows that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23)
     Experience also show that we carry a weakness, a moral weakness that need needs redemption
   • Notice The Scope of Power. It is to everyone who believes
     The Gospel of Jesus Christ knows no boundaries it is to whoever, will/
     It is to whoever who believes. We are told It is for the Jew and the Greek; symbolizing all humanity.
     The gospel is universal. It transcends nationality, race, culture, and social position. Paul was motivated to reach everyone
     The only condition it’s that one has to believe.
     Faith (pistis) means trust and total dependence on Christ’s finished work.
     Be sure that the Gospel excludes none who believe, and includes none who refuse to believe.
     Faith opens the door that the Gospel’s power may enter.
     The phrase “to every one who believes” reveals both inclusiveness and condition.
     Faith is the key that unlocks salvation (Eph. 2:8–9)./The gospel is for all, because all need the gospel.” There is no one beyond the reach of God’s saving grace.
   • Notice the Effect (Result) of the Power of the Gospel: It is Salvation
     Salvation is deliverance: from sin’s penalty, power, and presence.
     Salvation is a miracle of transformation: God taking a sinner and making him a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17).
     The Gospel rescues the sinner from death and brings him to eternal life.
     Eph 2:8  For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 
     Eph 2:9  not a result of works, so that no one may boast. /The Gospel is not a reform program; it is a resurrection program. It brings dead men to life./The gospel is God’s instrument; when spoken in faith, it releases His saving power.
     If you have truly believed, there must be evidence of transformation—salvation that changes your direction and your desires.
     The most effective soul winner is not the one with persuasive speech, but the one who faithfully presents Christ.
2.  Gospel Reveals the Righteousness of God (v.17)
   • Through the Gospel of Christ Righteousness is revealed to the one who believes
     • What is this righteousness? It is right standing with God”
     • The Gospel does not just save but accords us the access to the righteousness of God
     • This is not human righteousness but divine righteousness granted to us through faith in Christ.
     • This righteousness comes from God and satisfies His holy standard.
     • 2Co 5:21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
     • In the Gospel, God does not overlook sin; He overcomes it by imputing His righteousness to the believer.
   • At the acceptance of the Gospel, every believer is guaranteed Continued revelation of God.
     • It begins with faith and continues through faith. – From Faith to Faith. That is how God speaks, leads, guides
     • Salvation begins by faith, grows by faith, and ends in faith.
     • Illustration: Like a ladder that begins on earth and reaches heaven—each step is taken by faith.
     • The Christian life is not a one-time belief but a lifelong walk of faith (Hebrews 10:38).
   • The Gospel of Christ introduces a believer to the way the Just live (The Just Shall Live by Faith)
     • Actually, this Principle that comes from Habakkuk 2:4 and repeated in the New Testament is the cornerstone of the Christian living (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11, Heb. 10:38)
     • Here is the truth that must be taught to every believer: True life, spiritual life can only be lived through faith, not works, not ritual, and not traditions. Faith is the breath of the just.
3. Do not be Ashamed to Proclaim the Gospel of Christ/
   The Key to effective and effortless witnessing is not being ashamed of the Gospel
   For Whatever reason, we may feel intimidated, afraid, shy, cagy or embarrassed of it
   Don’t enter into unnecessary debate and arguments.
   • Your Confidence is built on Your Testimony
     • Your transformed life is the foundation of your confidence. Because You were changed by it, have the confidence others would be changed too.
     • Don’t be a silent believer. A silent Christian is a powerless Christian. Boldness comes from conviction.
     • When the Gospel is your treasure, shame has no place in your heart.
   • Accept the Fact that the World tend to Shame believers
     • People will shame you for the simplicity of your faith, but do not mind them/
     • It is possible people will persecute, ridicule, and imprison you, Paul was imprisoned too Paul stood firm. It comes with the territory.
     • Paul understood that what the world despises, God honors.
     • 1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”
     • The cross, once a symbol of shame, is now the emblem of victory.
     • The believer must never hide the Gospel behind fear or social pressure.
   • Trust in the Power of the Holy Spirit as you proclaim it
     • The Power is not in you, but in the Holy Spirit. Muster the character of courage.
     • 1Th 1:5  because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 
     • Isa 55:11  so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
     • No preacher or evangelist has the power to save: only the gospel does. Our duty is to speak; God’s power does the work.”
     • When we depend on God’s power rather than human effort, our soul winning becomes effective

Conclusion

Simplicity of soul winning is in knowing that:

1. The Message is Christ.
2. The Power is God’s.
3. The Mission (Task) for all who believe.
4. The Missionary is You and I

Let us go forth with the same boldness, trusting the same power, proclaiming the same message

Altar

• Let us dedicate ourselves to a life of Courage, despite the worldly shame that comes with being a dedicated Christ-follower