“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mt 16:26

-The value of the soul -Things that can damage ours souls -Things that help our souls grow

Psalm 84:5-7 “Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion."

We are on a ‘road less travelled’ Sometimes we fall but get back up Sometimes we fall and are out of the picture for a while –Maybe it is due to sin –Maybe it is due to a tragedy where “God doesn’t make sense” –Our souls may need restoration and healing

God’s Word is truly God’s Word to mankind. –2 Tim 3:15 – 17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” –What about the multiple copies and translations –“Ben Hur” written by Arthur Lou Wallis

The value of the soul –God said “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness … and let them rule over all the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” –Matthew 12:11-12 He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep!”

John 3:16 – “God so loved the world that he gave he only begotten son …” Jesus died for us. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mt 16:26

Growing the Soul 1 Tim 4:8 “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come”

Things that damage the soul 1.1 Peter 2:11 says “Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.” 2.Refusal to trust in God - self dependence. 3.No nurturing of our souls. Neglect of basic spiritual disciplines. 4.Incorrect Belief System

Growing the Soul –1 Peter 4:1-3. “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.”

Salvation is “monergistic”. –“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith & this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”Ep2:8 Sanctification is “synergistic”. –Evangelical theology is clear about the help of the Holy Spirit in the sanctification process. –“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.” Heb 13:20- 21

Daily Quiet Time Daily in the Word. –Saints that have gone before us emphasized this Daily Biblical prayer –Drawing on the power and help of the Holy Spirit. –Ephesians 1:17 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know …his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

Model of the ‘Our Father” Mt 6:9 Praising and honoring God –Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in your name all day longthey exult in your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. … Ps 89:15 –He who offers thank offerings honors me and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God. Psalm 50:23

–Thy will be done – intercession –Daily Provision – trust

–Repentance and Forgiveness Sorry Time Confession “Bonhoeffer” Book of Common Prayer –Avoiding Temptation – intercession

Conspiracy of Loving Kindness “Wherever you go, preach the gospel, and if you must, use words” St. Francis of Assisi –Chi Alpha Potluck –Russian Car Driver –Street Parking

Exercise of Faith Trusting in God and exercising Faith causes our souls to grow. –Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds” Lk 12:22 George Mueller’s motive for founding the Bristol Orphanages.

Summary God values you so much. His love for you is immense We can take steps to cause our souls to grow through the help of the Holy Spirit. –Be willing to suffer redemptively. Be aware of things that damage the soul