Bible Study Intensive

Brett D. Weber, Pastor

608-745-0549

www.apostolicfaith.bravepages.com

April 24, 2002

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).

An effective soul-winner must have confidence of their own salvation by their faith in the saving grace of Jesus Christ. An individual in doubt on any question can not be persuasive nor convincing to those they are sent to witness too. There is an essential kinship between one’s confidence and witnessing. Most believers have doubts concerning their salvation, and with this in mind are silent to speak of it.

(John 11:25-26; John 20:31; II Timothy 3:15)

Confidence is based on the following supporting conclusions.

1. The Word of God.

1. Faith is simply "taking and trusting God at His Word." (Hebrews 11)
2. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God" (1 John 5:13).
3. The Word of God resolves all the believers doubts. (Acts 15:7; Romans 1:16; I Thessalonians 1:5-10, 2:13).
4. The forgiveness of sins by Jesus Christ. (Acts 5:31, 13:38-39, 26:18; Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14-18;

Confidence will result in a fruitful desire to be a soul-winner.

1. Note the boldness of Peter and John in Acts chapter 4

1. "We cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard," (Acts 4:20)
2. " And when they had prayed, they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4:31).
3. "With great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus," (Acts4:33).

1. The Lord met Saul on his way to Damascus, he heard and believed on Jesus Christ (Acts 9:1-21).

1. Saul was filled with the Holy Ghost, was baptized, and witnessed (Acts 9:17-20).
2. Paul said, "for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day" (II Timothy 1:12c).
3. "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance (most certain confidence); as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake"

(I Thessalonians 1:5). This resulted in a body of believers (Church) that willingly suffered, vs.6, and that

had the desire and soul-winners confidence to witness effectively.

The believer needs the Holy Spirit in their life for…

1. Courage to recognize and rebuke sin. (Micah 3:8)
2. Spiritual Vision. (John 3:3; II Corinthians 3:3)
3. Quickens the Believer. (John 6:63; Romans 8:11; II Corinthians 3:6; I Peter 3:18)
4. Enables the believer to speak and witness with authority. (Acts 1:8, Acts 4:33, Acts 6:8)

The Holy Spirit filled believer will be yielded to the Spirits control. The Holy Spirit needs a vessel, a voice in that He may work and operate through. The Holy Spirit is the worker, while the believer is vessel or instrument. Being a self-willed individual will always hinder the will of God in a believer’s life.

A soul-winner with confidence will always look for a door of opportunity. When a believer is led by the Spirit situations seem to always arise when it comes to proclaiming the gospel and witnessing to the unsaved.

"And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness" (Acts 4:29-31).

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13).

As a believer begins to pray for boldness and receives a desire to be a soul-winner for the Kingdom of God, they will be amazed at the many different ways God will use them to witness to the unsaved. The boldness they have received from on high is like non-other, their joy is unsurpassed as God leads them and as the unsaved are led to the believer. Now are the opportunities of the SOUL-WINNERS CONFIDENCE!

(Acts 2:41-47 & chapter 3; Acts 16:13-15, 16:25-33)