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This is one of the most prominent themes in the Bible, the translation from darkness to light, the power of life to the dead, turning from sin to holiness, conversion from wickedness to righteousness, turning from sinner to saint. Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Also see James 5:19-20 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Notice this is a command for everyone, not just pastors. Jude is not writing to pastors. He’s writing to them that are sanctified by the Father and preserved in Jesus Christ. You should be filled with the Spirit of God to be balanced in your approach to souls in need of correction. Proverbs 26:4-5 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
Be compassionate
- What is compassion?
- Compassion is leniency, patience, moving slow, as opposed to direct and more harsh warning in the next verse.
- 2 Timothy 2:24-26 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
- This is the same command that the LORD Jesus Christ gave in Matthew 28:18-20. That the heathen would need to be taught in the words of God and the ways of God. Through divine doctrine some heathen would come to understand his teetering on judgment before Almighty God but also the salvation that is in Jesus Christ.
Be direct
- Others require direct confrontation with hell.
- The spotted garment is found in Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
- Titus 1:9-14
Is there a way to know when to use which method?
- 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 sounds like mirroring.
