10-7-15 Being Soul Conscious
The first step of exhibiting an accurate influence for Christ is that of recognizing the God-given mandate to be an ambassador for Christ. Thereafter, Matthew 6:33 instructs us to set our affections on things above not on things of the earth.
With these two ministry assignments in mind, we will need to view each and every person with whom we have contact in the light of their individual relationship to Christ. How shall we do so? As we rub shoulders, have passing conversations, listen and watch carefully, we can make an assessment, an inspection of fruit, if you will, that will assist us in knowing how and what to say.
In the past, we most likely have assessed spiritual life in the categorical divisions of lost and saved. That,
of course, is absolutely accurate in relationship assessment. However, in practical fellowship assessment,
1 Corinthians 2 and 3 help us to further understand and speak to those individuals with clarity.
The Apostle Paul spoke to the 3 practical categories of natural (2:14), spiritual (2:15), and
carnal (3:1). By definition, understanding these categories gives us great help in our desire to know what to say, that is, to communicate effectively. In each case, not only can we understand
works of the flesh in contrast to the fruit of the Spirit, but can identify the heart of God as well as the ministry of the ambassador. Lets look at each category in that manner, naming them as follows: natural (as "lost" ), spiritual (as " faithful"), and carnal (as "wayward").
A. The lost are dead in trespasses and sins, knowing not God, and without His peace.
(Ephesians 2:1)
God's greatest goal for that individual is to call them unto Himself.
(Matthew 11:28)
Therefore, if we are to cooperate with God, our ministry must be that of evangelism.
(2 Corinthians 5:20)
B. The faithful are walking in the Spirit, desiring to please God in all areas of their life.
(Romans 8:4)
God's greatest goal for that individual is to conform them more and more to Christ.
(Romans 8:28-29)
Therefore, if we are to cooperate with God, our ministry must be that of encouragement.
(Romans 14:19)
C. The wayward are resisting and rebelling against God's declared plan and purpose.
(Romans 9:20)
God's greatest goal for that individual is to convict his heart and change his life.
(Hebrews 12:11)
Therefore, if we are to cooperate with God, our ministry must be that of exhortation.
(Ephesians 4:15)
In this manner of soul consciousness, with sensitivity to the Spirit and to the individual, we
can begin to construct the kind of biblical communication that will please God and profit people.
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