A Lost One Is Found

Background Scripture: Luke 15
Lesson Scripture: Luke 15:1-10

Introduction

God in his great mercy calls all mankind from the rising to the setting of the sun. Many hear the call. Some believe, obey, and accept salvation. Others ignore the invitation and continue in a life of unrest. Sincere believers desire that many more burdened souls will find the joy of salvation. Does this joy motivate us to relay it to others whose lifestyle and habits might make us uncomfortable? Seeking the lost indicates focused action, not complacent relaxation. How willing are we to spend and be spent promoting and sharing the gospel of salvation?

Key Verse

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Jesus walked and brushed shoulders with the common and aristocratic people alike. Throngs of this mixed multitude followed him everywhere, drawn to the truth presented in his teachings and parables.

Some likely tried to stay in the background, desperate to hear and captivated by the love in his gracious words but not wanting to be noticed. Others more boldly requested help and healing. All who believed received healing power and changed lives.

A third group of entitled people imperiously surrounded Jesus, trusting their lineage and compliance with the old law to elevate them above the degenerate peasants and common folk they considered unworthy of their recognition or association. Self-righteousness blinded their eyes to the message of forgiveness, hope, and salvation Jesus clearly presented in his teachings and parables. Several of this group even presumed to judge Jesus, God’s Son, as an infidel or devil.

Jesus taught a completely new and different way. Through his loving interaction with common sinners of that day, He taught that all people are redeemable and worthy of his love and attention. All races and ages are worth his sacrificial blood on Calvary. Jesus never dismissed nor diminished the good of the ninety-nine sheep that were within the fold but rather tried to heal the eyesight of the blindly deceived, presenting a new vision of the worth of one soul. He personally touched one person at a time with his outreach of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. He told about the rejoicing of the angels in heaven when even one person repents and accepts salvation.

Practical Truths for Today

God has blessed the world through the influence of the gospel message. Many have accepted salvation, taken responsibility for their personal sin, and found release from the burden, mire, and stagnation of a selfish life of bad choices. They have come to know peace, contentment, and spiritual understanding. Through doctrinal study of the Bible and practice of its truths, Christians are drawn to a fulfilling, interactive life with others. God gives a sense of fulfillment and purpose to all who commit their innermost being to his control.

Spirits seek to unite with similar spirits. The uniting of the Spirit of God gives believers a close connection with each other. We often refer to this as the flowing of the Spirit. Like running water, this flowing of the Spirit fills individuals, slakes their spiritual thirst, and washes and cleanses them. Often deeds and attitudes are reproved in discussions and sharing. Connections formed through this flowing of the Spirit is a bit of heaven on earth.

True believers will desire to live in church communities that foster and nurture children and youth, summoning them to choose spiritual conversion and godly living. Cultural practices and interactive church activities flow in peaceful harmony and are founded on teaching truth, being unselfish, and living for the good of others. Friendships form naturally, and ways of providing for the needs of the family structure emerge. Strong family bonds are promoted by this lifestyle.

Can social interaction in a close-knit church setting become the nucleus of life? Should a born-again believer rise from rest and, contemplating the day, be motivated mostly by an agenda of material productivity? Beginning the day with a quiet time of devotion to God and meditation on the Bible might bring inspiration to make a phone call or connect with a depressed or struggling person. Is the value of a struggling soul important enough for the true believer to hear the small yet urgent cry?

An appreciation for pleasant experiences and enjoyable relationships makes people treasure time spent together. In the enjoyment of these things, how open are we to including others who are not our relatives, close acquaintances, or even people we have previously met? How large is our circle? Is my gospel exclusive or inclusive? Do I only enjoy participation in activities that I have perfectly mastered with other peers who also have similar talents honed to perfection?

Many Christians find themselves working in service-related jobs. Is there possibly a reason God wants more of us to work more closely with others than in the past?

How hurried and harried and distant do we appear as we go to town for groceries, supplies, or parts? Do we reflect peace and contentment? Do we take time to make eye contact, smile, and be a channel of goodwill and the love of God? Many people have questions about our faith. Are we open to accepting questions about the way we live and appear? Some may be simply curious about the peculiarity of our lifestyle. Others may be asking because they are desiring something different from the problems they face in their personal lives. All of these questions deserve clear, open answers.

A personal testimony of how God saved us and is working in our lives speaks more to the hearts of others than any memorized catechism of religious ideas. The indwelling peace, freedom of heart, and love for others will overflow from our life if we allow God to fill us and direct our actions.

God gives each believer enough time to give their heart to Him so their soul can be saved. God gives his Spirit as direction for believers to nurture others and so that the truth can be transmitted and virtues of a godly lifestyle promoted.

Win the Lost at Any Cost

As we look around us, all the fields are white,

Ripened unto harvest and so swiftly comes the night;

Christians must get busy, there is work to do,

Here’s an urgent task awaiting you.

Christ our loving Shepherd, went out from the fold,

Seeking for the stray lamb that was lost in darkened cold;

Tender hands of kindness, raised Him from the ground,

Now the little lost one has been found.

Check your fold my Christian, are the children in?

Are there yet some straying, lost in blackened fields of sin;

You must go and reach them, go without delay,

Soon the shades of night will end the day.

Chorus:

Souls are crying, men are dying, Won’t you lead them to the cross?

Go and find them, help to win them, Win the lost at any cost.

Go out and win, rescue from sin, Day’s almost done, low sinks the sun,

Souls are crying, men are dying, Win the lost at any cost.1

Questions

1. What is the secret to becoming comfortable with being a witness?
2. Do certain temperaments or types of people have a more open way to talk to strangers about the gospel?
3. Can we trust that words and answers will come to our minds even if we haven’t taken time to study what we believe?
4. Is there help for overcoming the fear of rejection when presenting the gospel message of salvation?
5. The Bible says we are worse than an infidel if we do not provide for our families (1 Tim. 5:8). Does this make money and a livelihood an important priority?
6. 1 Leon H. Ellis, “Win the Lost at Any Cost”

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).