1. Handle With Care 1 Corinthians 12:25-27 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

2. Introduction ● Have you gotten a package stamped with a notice? – Handle With Care ● Sometimes they are not handled with great care or concern for the contents. ● They are still thrown, tossed and allow other heavy boxes to be piled on top of them. ● There is a spiritual application to the notice – HANDLE WITH CARE.

3. Proves the Value of the Object ● The soul is worth more than the world ● Matthew 16:26-27 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. ● The soul is precious to God – HANDLE WITH CARE.

4. Indicates it can be damaged or destroyed ● Souls can be lost because of sin and temptation ● Majority will be lost ● Matthew 7:13-14 13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. ● Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

5. Indicates it can be damaged or destroyed ● Souls can be lost because of sin and temptation ● Souls can be lost because of: – Neglect – Lack of encouragement – Unjust criticism – Harsh, critical, caustic comments

6. Issues a Caution ● We must use caution in handling the Word of God ● 2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

7. Issues a Caution ● We must use caution in handling the Word of God ● 1 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. ● We must use caution in teaching and preaching ● Ephesians 4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--

8. Many are indifferent toward souls ● We care about hurting, suffering, hungry – need physical help ● Do we care about their soul? – The world filled with lost souls – Brethren – weak, absent, immoral, negligent ● Do we care about our own soul?

9. Many are indifferent toward souls ● Why does this lack of care exist? ● Jesus cares – Matthew 8:24-25 24 And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!"

10. Many are indifferent toward souls ● Why does this lack of care exist? ● Jesus cares – Matthew 8:24-25 ● God cares – 1 Peter 5:6-7 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

11. What about us? ● Do you care about souls? ● Do you HANDLE WITH CARE? ● DO YOU CARE – ENOUGH?