What actions can we take to seek and save the lost today? Setting Our Eyes on the Mission “ For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” (Matthew 18:11) Jesus states the purpose plainly. He left heaven to rescue, and He passes that purpose to every disciple. Tracing Jesus’ Footsteps • Luke 19:10 affirms, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” • John 20:21: “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” If He pursued people with urgency, intentionality, and love, we do the same. Letting Scripture Shape Our Attitude • 2 Peter 3:9—God is “not willing that any should perish.” • Jude 23—“Save others, snatching them out of the fire.” • 2 Corinthians 5:20—“Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ.” Scripture frames evangelism as loving rescue, never reluctant duty. Practical Ways to Seek and Save the Lost 1. Cultivate Expectant Prayer • Colossians 4:3—“Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word.” • Set a daily list of names; plead for soft hearts and clear opportunities. • Thank God in advance for harvest; expect Him to work. 2. Live a Credible, Attractive Testimony • 1 Peter 2:12—“Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that…they may glorify God.” • Demonstrate joy, integrity, compassion; let your life raise questions the gospel answers. 3. Speak the Gospel Plainly • Romans 10:14–15—people cannot believe what they have not heard. • Keep the message simple: God’s holiness, humanity’s sin, Christ’s cross and resurrection, the call to repent and believe (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). • Share personal stories that spotlight His grace, not your goodness. 4. Go Where the Lost Actually Are • Jesus crossed boundaries—Samaria (John 4), tax collectors’ homes (Luke 5:29–32). • Engage coworkers after hours, serve at community centers, join interest groups with redemptive intent. • Remember the “one sheep” (Luke 15:4); be willing to leave comfortable circles. 5. Show Tangible Love • James 2:15–17—faith acts. • Meet practical needs: meals, rides, tutoring, financial counsel. • Tangible mercy often unlocks ears for spiritual truth. 6. Use Your Spiritual Gifts • 1 Corinthians 12:7—gifts are “for the common good.” • Evangelists proclaim, encouragers follow up, givers resource outreach, hosts open homes. • Working together displays the full beauty of Christ’s body. 7. Disciple, Don’t Merely Decide • Matthew 28:19–20—“make disciples…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” • After someone believes, walk with them: Bible reading, prayer habits, church connection. • Multiplication happens when new believers learn to seek others. Strength Drawn from the Spirit • Acts 1:8—“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be My witnesses.” • Rely on His prompting, courage, and conviction; human cleverness never saves a soul. Encouragement for Perseverance • Galatians 6:9—“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest.” • Some hearts open quickly; others take years. Keep sowing. God’s Word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11). Closing Reflection Seeking and saving the lost is not a program but a lifestyle anchored in Matthew 18:11. We align our hearts with Christ’s, pray expectantly, live transparently, speak boldly, love sacrificially, and rest in the Spirit’s power. Souls matter eternally, and He delights to rescue through willing ambassadors like us. |
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