"There are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour." (v. 20). Some Christians are used of God, some are not. A few win souls, most do not. This is an obvious fact in any church. Whose fault is it? Are some just not gifted enough, not ordained to be used? No, a thousand times no. "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be...prepared unto every good work" (v. 21), and this surely includes winning souls, for all have been ordained to bring forth fruit (John 15:16).

      This purging (separation) is to be from people and practices. Many believe "these" refers to the vessels "of wood and of earth...to dishonour." "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord" (II Cor. 6:17). God uses separated Christians, not isolated or withdrawn, but those in the world though not a part of it.

      "Flee also youthful lusts" (v.22) is Paul’s plea. Youthful desires for pleasure and the present keep Christians from being available to God. Soul winners must be weaned from a life of fun to the serious business of eternity.

 

      To be specific, what is the "gospel," this good news about Christ? Simply put in I Corinthians 15:3, 4, it is "how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." The good news one needs to hear is that someone loved him and has already paid the penalty of his sins. The essential essence of the gospel is that "Christ also hath once suffered for sins" (I Pet. 3:18), "Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8), "Christ died for our sins" (I Cor.15:3). Paul said that "the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God" (I Cor. 1:18). The cross, the suffering, the shedding of Christ's blood, the death as pictured by all the animal sacrifices must be presented for people to hear the good news. The proof, the seal, the glory of this whole story is "that he rose again" (I Cor. 15:4). Discover how the apostles emphasized this (Acts 2:24, 32; 3:15; 4:10).

      If you wanted to convince a Christian of the need of separation you would not just tack on a verse about separation to a message on some other subject and expect people to respond. But this is about all the gospel that is included in many sermons and tracts or in much personal witness. Notice carefully, it is almost mentioned, but alas, it is omitted or just tacked on in a sentence or a verse. No wonder so few come to Christ.

 

      In our text a father said to his son. "go work today in my vineyard" (Matt. 21:28). Now this is not an unreasonable request. The answer was unbelievable, for the son said, "I will not" (v. 29). This son however "repented and went." For some reason he changed his attitude and obeyed his father.

      The second son said, "I go sir," but alas, he "went not" (v. 30). He had good intentions but he did not go. "Whither of them twain did the will of the father?" The answer of course came, "The first" (v.31). The second could have loved, admired and praised his father for many things, but he was disobedient. The first, and he alone, did the father’s will.

      Christians ought to witness because they have been told to. Not to do so is pure disobedience. No matter what else one does, it does not substitute for doing the will of God as commanded.

      Imagine the president of a company, while on a trip, writing a letter to the home office giving a list of things he wants done while he is away. When he returns several tell him what a wonderful letter he wrote. They were thrilled at the grammar, the play on words, and the logic. He asks, "Did you all do all that I told you?" The reply comes, "Well, no, we have been studying the letter all this time and just never got to it yet."