ANXIETY FOR SOULS Psalms 142:1-7 Key Verse--4

Who Cares For a Sinner’s Soul?

1-God the Father Cares             

2-God the Son Cares             

3-God the Holy Ghost Cares 

4-God-Fearing Christians Care

5-All true Preachers Care

·         David's comfort in prayer. There can be no situation so distressing or dangerous, in which faith will not get comfort from God by prayer.

·         We are apt to show our troubles too much to ourselves, poring upon them, which does us no service; whereas, by showing them to God, we might cast the cares upon him who careth for us, and thereby ease ourselves.

·         Nor should we allow any complaint to ourselves or others, which we cannot make to God. When our spirits are overwhelmed by distress, and filled with discouragement; when we see snares laid for us on every side, while we walk in his way, we may reflect with comfort that the Lord knoweth our path.

·         Those who in sincerity take the Lord for their God, find him all-sufficient, as a Refuge, and as a Portion: every thing else is a refuge of lies, and a portion of no value.

·         Thus the convinced sinner cries for help, and is brought to praise the Lord in the company of his redeemed people; and thus all believers will at length be delivered from this evil world, from sin and death, and praise their Saviour for ever.

I.                   WHAT IT IS TO CARE FOR THE SOULS OF OTHERS

A-Know the Worth of a Soul--Matthew 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

            1-God Sent His Only Begotten Son For Your Soul

            2-God’s Son Gave His Life For Your Soul

B-Know the Dangers to which Souls are exposed—Matthew 21:22

            1-Judgement

            2-Hell Fire

            3-Eternal Damnation

C-Be active, zealous, and liberal in the work of Salvation—Titus  2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

II.                WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EDUCATION OF A SOUL

A-On Heads of Families--Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

B-On all members of Christian Societies—Ezekiel 3:18-When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 19 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. 20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

C-On all Christian Ministers-II Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

III.             THE GREAT EVIL OF NEGLECTING THE DUTY

A-It is Cruel--Proverbs 11:17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

B-It is Ungrateful—Col. 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

D-It is Exceedingly fatal—Ezekiel 3:18-20

IV.              APPLICATION

A-Repent that you have manifested so little care for souls.

B-Spend more time in Prayer and Witnessing