Icebreaker:
What is the most valuable thing you have ever lost?
What did you do to try and find the lost item?
Overview:
When our daughter was three, she became lost in a shopping
mall. It was a terrifying half-hour as every available person searched the crowded
mall for the little girl in green. Finally, the word came over the
walkie-talkie that she had been found by a customer at the other end of the
mall. We were so grateful to see her again that we did not scold her for running
away from the family. Our loving Heavenly Father is waiting with welcoming arms
to receive the lost sheep that has wandered away. May we be like that heaven-sent
customer years ago and help the lost find their way home. Set our hearts ablaze
for lost people.
Discussion:
Read Luke 15:1-7; 19:1-10.
Jesus’ Passion & Purpose
What was Jesus’ purpose on Earth?
How was His approach different from other religious leaders
of the day?
How far was He willing to go to fulfill His purpose?
The Power of His Love
Why were people attracted to Jesus?
How did His loving attitude break down defenses?
How does a person’s past create a barrier to salvation
today?
Passion and Purpose over Preference and Appearance
As a Christian, what is our purpose
on Earth?
What will people think of us if we
associate with sinners?
How can we develop a burning passion
for the lost?
Prayer:
Make a list of the lost people for whom your group is
praying. Pray earnestly for opportunities to lead them to a relationship with
Christ. Expect the Holy Spirit to move in their lives. Update your list each
week and track the results.
Daily
Scripture Reading: “A Passion for Lost People”
Monday,
August 19 – It has been said that everyone has a God-shaped hole in their
heart. People yearn to have a relationship with their Creator but may not know
why. Our purpose is to help them find their way back. Read Jeremiah 50:6: “My
people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have led them astray, turning them
away on the mountains. From mountain to hill they have gone. They have
forgotten their fold.”
Tuesday,
August 20 – There are vast groups of lost people around the world. It can be an
overwhelming thought. Before trying to save the world, perhaps we should narrow
our focus to our neighborhood or even our family. In the beginning of their
ministry, Jesus instructed the disciples to start with their own. Read Matthew
10:5-7. Verse 6: “Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
Wednesday,
August 21 – It is extremely frustrating to lose something but especially so if
it is valuable. We will go to ridiculous lengths to find the lost item. God
went as far as to sacrifice His only Son in order to seek and save the lost. Read
Luke 15:7-9. Verse: 9: “And when she has found it, she calls together her
friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that
I had lost.’”
Thursday,
August 22 – The Lord has sought and found us. Wonderful but let’s not be like
the older son who became callous to the lost condition of his brother. We
should have a passion to see the lost returned to their Father before it is too
late. Read Luke 15:11-32. Verse 32: “It was fitting to celebrate and be glad,
for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.”
Friday,
August 23 – Jesus has returned to His Father but has sent the Holy Spirit to
continue the work of seeking and saving the lost. Jesus cares about everyone.
His desire is that no one should be lost. Read John 17:11-13. Verse 12: “While
I was with them, I kept them in Your name, which You have given Me. I have
guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction,
that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”
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