The Defining Work Of God

Luke 15:3-7

Theme: Lost

Key verse: v.11

32 verses; 725 words

Grade level: 5.9

Outline:

I. The Lost Sinners. Vs.1-2

II. The Lost Sheep. Vs.3-7

III. The Lost Silver. Vs.8-10

IV. The Lost Son. Vs.11-32

“Lost” (1st occ. Exodus 22:9) occurs 33 times; 7 in Luke;

5 in chapter 15 (vs.4, 6, 9, 24, 32)

Here we discover the defining work of God:

I. The Creative Rights. vs.3-4

3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

What was lost? “sheep”

What is lost?

“Lost” occurs 33 times; 7 in Luke; 5 here in chapter 15 (vs.4, 6, 9, 24, 32)

1st occurrence is:

Exodus 22:9 “For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.”

The original owner no longer possesses it.

The owner goes to where the possessor is (2 Corinthians 4:4) and challenges him for it.

They appear before the Judge (1 John 2:1-2)

2 Corinthians 5:18 “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;”

II. The Redemptive Rights. vs.5-7

It was lost but now is found. vs.5-6

5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

Who came and redeemed that lost sheep? The Shepherd! (Luke 19:10; John 10:11-16)

Again who was lost? The answer is in the next verse.

The sinner was lost. v.7

7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

Saved sinner is not a Bible term.

Saved people do sin, but we are corrected (Hebrews 12:6).

Saved people confess when corrected (1 John 1:9).

Conclusion:

Can you relate to this parable?

You were born in this world fearfully and wonderfully made.

You were made in the image of Adam.

Because of Genesis 3:1-6 you conformed to the likeness of your father the Devil (John 8:44).

You were lost (Luke 19:10).

You heard the word of God (Romans 10:17).

The Holy Spirit began to convict you of your sin (John 16:9).

The Holy Spirit drew you to Christ (John 6:44).

You turned to Christ and He saved you (Luke 18:13).

You were born again (Titus 3:5).