(Luke 15:1-7)

I. The actuality of being lost

A. “Loses one” (Luke 15:4)…”one of them goes astray” (Matthew 18:12)
B. The very real danger of leaving one’s salvation or falling from grace (Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 6:4-6; 12:15; James 5:19-;20; 2 Peter 2:20-22)

II. The affection for the lost

A. Deep concern for those outside (Romans 9:1-3; Psalm 119:136, Rivers of water run down from my eyes, Because men do not keep Your law.)
B. Rejoicing at repentance (Luke 14:5-6) – more than for the faithful! (Luke 14:7; Matthew 18:13)

III. The action toward the lost

A. “Go after” (Luke 15:4)…“go to the mountains to seek” (Matthew 15:12)
B. What do the lost need from us? They need us to:
1. Pray for them (James 5:16)
2. Take action (Galatians 6:1)
3. Tell them their faults (Matthew 18:15-20)
4. Tell them they are needed and missed (Romans 12:4-5)
5. Tell them to repent and return to their first love (Revelation 2:4)
6. Show them the depth of our love through discipline (1 Corinthians 5:4-5)
7. When repentance comes, reaffirm our love for them (2 Corinthians 2:6-8)

Adapted from a lesson delivered by David Smith at PTP Brandon 2025