God's Heart for the Lost: A Divine Mission
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truths found in Luke 15, a chapter often referred to as the "gospel within the gospel." This chapter vividly illustrates Jesus' heart for the lost through the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. These stories reveal four essential truths about God's mission and our role in it. First, lost souls matter deeply to God. The joy in heaven over one sinner who repents underscores the immense value God places on each lost soul. This is not about our truth but the enduring truth of God's Word, which has stood the test of time.
Second, because lost souls matter to God, they must also be our mission. The church is called to focus not just on the 99 who are safe but to actively seek the one who is lost. This is our divine mandate, and we must not lose sight of it. Third, the assurance that lost souls will be found is a great encouragement. Jesus' parables emphasize that it's not a question of if but when the lost will be found. God's prevenient grace is already at work, preparing hearts to receive the gospel.
Finally, when lost souls are found, it results in rejoicing both in heaven and on earth. The celebration over one sinner who repents is a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from fulfilling our mission. We also examined the perspectives of the shepherd, the woman, and the father in these parables, each representing different aspects of God's heart for the lost. The shepherd's pursuit, the woman's diligent search, and the father's compassionate welcome all illustrate the lengths to which God goes to bring the lost back to Him.
As we conclude, I invite you to join the "Fellowship of the Found," carrying a coin as a daily reminder of our mission to bring people to Jesus. Let us commit to being part of this divine partnership, seeking the lost and rejoicing in their return to the fold.
Key Takeaways:
1. Lost Souls Matter to God: The parables in Luke 15 highlight the immense value God places on each lost soul. Heaven rejoices over one sinner who repents, emphasizing that evangelism is not about our truth but the enduring truth of God's Word. This truth has stood the test of time and remains central to our mission. [44:44]
2. Our Mission is to Seek the Lost: As a church, we are called to focus not just on the 99 who are safe but to actively seek the one who is lost. This divine mandate requires us to prioritize reaching out to those who have not yet found their way to Jesus, ensuring that our mission aligns with God's heart for the lost. [49:42]
3. The Assurance of Finding the Lost: Jesus' parables assure us that lost souls will be found. It's not a question of if but when. God's prevenient grace is already at work, preparing hearts to receive the gospel. This assurance should encourage us to partner with God in seeking the lost, knowing that His grace is powerful and unstoppable. [53:02]
4. Rejoicing in the Return of the Lost: When lost souls are found, it results in rejoicing both in heaven and on earth. The celebration over one sinner who repents is a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from fulfilling our mission. This joy should motivate us to continue seeking the lost and bringing them to Jesus. [01:05:19]
5. Embracing God's Heart for the Lost: The perspectives of the shepherd, the woman, and the father in the parables illustrate different aspects of God's heart for the lost. We are called to pursue the lost with the same diligence and compassion, ensuring that we reflect God's love and grace in our mission. [01:07:48]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [44:44] - Introduction to Luke 15
- [49:42] - The Parable of the Lost Sheep
- [53:02] - The Parable of the Lost Coin
- [01:05:19] - The Parable of the Prodigal Son
- [01:07:48] - The Shepherd's Perspective
- [01:10:13] - The Woman's Perspective
- [01:12:39] - The Father's Perspective
- [01:20:12] - The Three Sons
- [01:23:10] - The Fellowship of the Found
- [01:33:34] - Closing and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Luke 15 - The Gospel Within the Gospel
Bible Reading:
- Luke 15:1-32
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Observation Questions:
1. In the parable of the lost sheep, what actions does the shepherd take when he realizes one sheep is missing? How does this reflect Jesus' heart for the lost? [49:42]
2. What is the significance of the woman lighting a lamp and sweeping the house in the parable of the lost coin? How does this illustrate the diligence required in seeking the lost? [01:10:13]
3. How does the father's reaction to the return of the prodigal son demonstrate God's compassion and forgiveness? What does this tell us about God's response to repentance? [53:02]
4. What are the different reactions of the older brother and the father when the prodigal son returns? How do these reactions highlight different perspectives on grace and forgiveness? [01:05:19]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, as described in the parables, challenge our understanding of the value of individual salvation? [44:44]
2. In what ways does the parable of the lost sheep encourage believers to prioritize seeking the lost over maintaining the status quo within the church? [49:42]
3. How does the concept of prevenient grace, as mentioned in the sermon, provide assurance and encouragement in the mission to find lost souls? [53:02]
4. What does the father's mourning for the lost son teach us about God's heart for those who are spiritually lost? How can this perspective influence our approach to evangelism? [01:20:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt lost or distant from God. How did you experience God's pursuit and grace during that period? How can this experience motivate you to reach out to others who may feel lost? [01:07:48]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking the lost as a divine mandate. What practical steps can you take this week to actively seek out and engage with someone who may be spiritually lost? [49:42]
3. Consider the diligence of the woman searching for the lost coin. What are some specific ways you can be more diligent in your efforts to share the gospel with others? [01:10:13]
4. The father's celebration upon the return of the prodigal son highlights the joy of repentance. How can you cultivate a spirit of celebration and encouragement within your community when someone turns to Christ? [53:02]
5. The sermon invites us to join the "Fellowship of the Found." What does it mean for you personally to be part of this fellowship, and how can you remind yourself daily of this mission? [01:23:10]
6. Reflect on the story of the older brother in the parable. Are there areas in your life where you might be harboring resentment or a lack of grace towards others? How can you address these feelings and align your heart with God's? [01:05:19]
7. The sermon encourages carrying a coin as a reminder of our mission. What tangible reminder can you incorporate into your daily routine to keep the mission of seeking the lost at the forefront of your mind? [01:23:10]
Devotional
Day 1: The Value of Every Lost Soul
Lost souls hold immense value in the eyes of God, as illustrated in the parables of Luke 15. Each story—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son—emphasizes the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. This joy underscores the enduring truth of God's Word, which has remained steadfast through time. The parables remind us that evangelism is not about our personal truth but about aligning with God's eternal truth. As believers, we are called to recognize the worth of every individual soul and to understand that heaven rejoices when even one person turns back to God. [44:44]
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life might feel lost or overlooked? How can you show them their value in God's eyes today?
Day 2: Our Divine Mandate to Seek the Lost
The church's mission is to actively seek those who are lost, not just to care for those who are already safe. This divine mandate requires us to prioritize reaching out to those who have not yet found their way to Jesus. The parables in Luke 15 illustrate God's heart for the lost and challenge us to align our mission with His. We are called to be proactive in our outreach, ensuring that our efforts reflect God's love and compassion for every lost soul. [49:42]
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take this week to reach out to someone who is spiritually lost?
Day 3: Assurance in God's Prevenient Grace
The parables of Jesus assure us that lost souls will be found, emphasizing that it's not a question of if but when. God's prevenient grace is already at work, preparing hearts to receive the gospel. This assurance should encourage us to partner with God in seeking the lost, knowing that His grace is powerful and unstoppable. As we engage in this mission, we can trust that God is already moving in the hearts of those we seek to reach. [53:02]
"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you trust in God's grace as you reach out to someone who seems far from Him?
Day 4: Rejoicing in the Return of the Lost
When lost souls are found, it results in rejoicing both in heaven and on earth. The celebration over one sinner who repents is a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from fulfilling our mission. This joy should motivate us to continue seeking the lost and bringing them to Jesus. The parables in Luke 15 highlight the joy that God experiences when the lost return, and we are invited to share in that joy as we participate in His mission. [01:05:19]
"Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart that rejoices in the spiritual victories of others?
Day 5: Embracing God's Heart for the Lost
The perspectives of the shepherd, the woman, and the father in the parables illustrate different aspects of God's heart for the lost. We are called to pursue the lost with the same diligence and compassion, ensuring that we reflect God's love and grace in our mission. By embracing God's heart, we can be more effective in reaching out to those who are far from Him, demonstrating His love through our actions and words. [01:07:48]
"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died." (2 Corinthians 5:14, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you reflect God's heart for the lost in your daily interactions?
Quotes
There are four things that Jesus teaches us so clearly from the three acts the lost sheep the lost coin the lost son of this one parable four things that are crystal clear and the first thing that's crystal clear about this passage of scripture that it teaches us is the truth that lost souls matter to God that that's what the whole thing is all about that Jesus mission is all about that lost souls matter to God. [00:54:57] (54 seconds)
A third truth is that lost souls are found now this is a great encouragement to me and um i've thought about some of this and what does this all mean and how does this fit theologically but i do know that jesus says this he says and when the shepherd is searching when he finds it and the scripture says jesus says and when she finds it when she's looking for the lost coin and in regard to the lost son and when he comes to his senses it's not if he finds the lost sheep or if she finds the lost coin or if the boy finally comes to his senses it's not a question of if it's a matter of when. [00:58:32] (53 seconds)
I want to give you three perspectives from these three acts of this one parable and the first perspective is the perspective of the shepherd how does the shepherd deal with all of this and what's the shepherd represent i think the shepherd represents the son of god god the son that's not much of a stretch to say that because jesus himself said i am the good shepherd shepherd and so it's a very legitimate interpretation to think of this first act of the parable the parable of the the act of the lost sheep that the shepherd represents the way jesus looks at the lost. [01:02:54] (48 seconds)
I want every day to be about lost souls. So every night I take these coins out of my pocket and I, I have my wallet here in one of my other pockets. And I pull that out at night and I put my wallet on the, on the floor there beside the bed. And I put those coins on top of my wallet and empty out everything else. And I just make it my prayer, oh Lord, would your grace continue to work in all the lives that I've intersected today. [01:25:54] (30 seconds)
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