Sermon Central
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Matthew 18:11 – The Lost Series
Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Jul 17, 2016 (message contributor)
Summary: Jesus came to save those who are LOST (Matthew 18:11, Luke 19:10) whatever that means. A man in his 90’s recently asked me “Who are those who are lost? Save them from what?” Because whatever lost means, Jesus came to save them from it, This is important.
Matthew 18:11 – THE LOST THING
Sometimes we discover that not everything fits into the secure boxes in which our perspectives are housed. Our spiritual curiosity is not simply drawn to those things that are easily explained but mostly to those things that defy conformity.
The dull colour palette of our everyday existence with signs that seek to direct us away from exploring anything that doesn’t line up and run on the rails, prevents us from exploring anything that challenges the design, that which is different to the unboxed, unfettered and unexplainable in the world around us, but it is waiting to be explored by those fearless enough to take a step of faith.
In a city signposted, clear and functional, all meaning is predefined and presumed. What if we know we just don’t fit into this world of predetermined answers?
The story of the Lost Sheep, explores our inner world and is an invitation for each of us to see that we have lost that which is extraordinary, that which is beyond explanation. It is an invitation to find a way back home, to a place for the expression and fulfilment of our human spirit, to discover our inner journey. So here are just a few random thoughts on this brilliant story…
Matthew 18:11 – THE LOST
Jesus came to save those who are LOST (Matthew 18:11, Luke 19:10) whatever that means. A man in his 90’s recently asked me “Who are those who are lost? Save them from what?” Because whatever lost means, Jesus came to save them from it, so it must be important. It’s a good question.
What does it mean to be lost and for that matter what does it mean to be found?
LOST FRIENDSHIP
I am lost when I do not have a relationship with God. I am found when that friendship, broken by Adam's sin, is restored. Romans 5:10-11 (NLT) says “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”
LOST LIFE
I am lost when I am unable to enjoy what life offers. I am found when I am able to live as God intends. Jesus said, “The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV)
LOST BATTLE
I am lost when I am overcome by the battles of life. I am found when I am born again. 1 John 5:4 (NIV) says “for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”
LOST TIME
I am lost when I am wasting time and have no real meaning in my life. I am found when I discover God's purpose for my life. Romans 8:28 (NLT) “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” Ephesians 5:15-17 NLT says, “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity (or redeem the time) in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”
LOST SOUL
I am lost when my mind, emotions and will do not line up with God’s purpose for my life. To be found, in Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT) Jesus says, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow Me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
LOST CAUSE
I am lost when I am fighting for a lost cause without God and clearly need to change allegiances. Colossians 2:8-10 (NLT) “Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.”
LOST IN MY OWN WORLD
I am lost when I neglect all other influence in my life; lost in the foci of my own pursuits. The Bible encourages us not to be so absorbed in our own pursuits that we miss God’s purposes for us. Hebrews 12:2 (NLT) says to run the race “by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”
