Message Notes
Look Back
How did God use you to help someone find their closer to God this week?
Look Up
Read Luke 15:1-2
- What were the Pharisees and teachers focused on and why?
- Have you ever felt welcomed by someone who did not focus on your past reputation? If so, what did that person do to make you feel welcome?
- How easy is it for you to “welcome and eat with sinners”? What helps or holds you back?
Read Luke 15:3-7
- What do these verses say about how God feels about people who stray from His guidance and protection? How should people today apply this in their lives?
- Try to put verse 7 into your own words – how might this truth help someone draw closer to Jesus?
Read Luke 15:6-7
- Who did the man reach out to first and why? How easy or difficult is it for you to share what God has done for you with your friends and neighbors?
- Both stories mention the joy that is created over “one sinner who repents”. How might you explain this to one specific person who is currently close to you, but far from God?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
Who is one specific person in your life who is close to you, but far from God? Who will you recruit to help you reach that person with the good news of Jesus Christ?
Notes
Jesus has asked us to personally engage in His mission. He always asked people to follow Him, not rules or religion. He never said, “bring people to church”, but instead He encouraged everyone to have a personal relationship with God, and then to help bring others who have strayed back to God. Many of us don’t personally engage in this mission. We hesitate, shrink back, feeling that we are not adequate. However, what if we were to ask one person to help us reach our “one”? Are you willing to start by asking someone for help in reaching others? That flap of the wings may lead to total life change for someone you care about, and may set in motion a series of events that will change eternity. When you ask for help the mission moves beyond the theoretical to actionable.
