| SEEKING THE LOST Who is Lost? Lesson 1 Introduction: 1. The word “lost” contains at least two concepts: a. Perishing – rotting, decaying, dying b. Separated – as the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost boy of Luke 15 2. Being lost in the first sense is the result of the second, separation from God – John 15:1-8 3. How does Jesus describe the tragedy of being lost? Luke 9:25 I. The HEATHEN Are Lost 1. What was the religion of the people in Athens? Acts 17:16 2. What did Paul say they must do? 3. What is one’s relation with God without Christ? John 14:6 4. Some say that heathen are not lost because they are ignorant. If this is true, would we be doing them a favor to teach them? 5. Where are the heathen found in our world? II. The IMMORAL Are Lost 1. What is the prospect for those who practice the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21? 2. Find other scriptures which suggest the fate of those who are given to immorality 3. Can those who are immoral be saved by the gospel? I Cor. 6:9-11 4. Where are the immoral to be found? III. The RELIGIOUSLY MISTAKEN Are Lost 1. Matthew 7:21-23 a. Are these people religious? Prove it. b. Were they heathen? Prove it. c. Were they sincere? Prove it. d. Were they saved? 2. Find examples in the book of Acts of people who were lost even though they worshipped the true God. a. b. c. 3. Saul of Tarsus. Read Acts 23:1, Philippians 3:6; Galatians 1:14 and I Timothy 1:15. Which passage tells us that Paul was a. Blameless as far as law righteousness was concerned? b. Outstanding in the Jewish religion? c. Conscientious? d. The chief of sinners, therefore lost 4. Read II Thessalonians 2:3-12 a. Where will this “lawless one” sit? b. How will he support his teaching? c. Who will be deceived by him? d. What will happen to those who believe the lie? IV. UNFAITHFUL CHRISTIANS Are Lost 1. What was the condition of the prodigal in the far country? Luke 15:11-24 Who dies he represent? 2. What are some things that can cause those who have been children of God to be lost? a. John 15:1-6 b. I John 2:15 c. Revelation 2:1-5 3. Find other scriptures which show that we can still be lost Conclusion: We are not to sit as judges to determine the destiny of others. God is the judge. God has given us guidelines to help us to know whom we should try to convert. If we think a man is lost when he is saved, we do him no harm by what we think. If we think a man is saved when he is lost, we may fail to save him and give him comfort in his state. Assignment: Select one person whom you will seek to save in the near future. Begin now to pray for that person. Pray each day. |
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