The Lost

Written By Patrick Burch

OPENING THOUGHT

Vance Havner used to tell a story. He said that when the Titanic sailed in 1912, it carried millionaires, celebrities, people of moderate means, and even poor people who stayed down inside the ship. The owners had an office in New York City. On the wall they had a “Titanic list” posted. There they had the names of the “First Class passengers, Second Class, Third Class, and Steerage.” But the day after that ship went down, it was said another list was posted on that board. That list carried only two categories: “Lost” and “Saved.”

In God's eyes, humanity falls into two categories: “Lost” and “Saved.” The saved are in the church (Ephesians 5:25). The gospel is the only hope for salvation for those outside the church. As Christians, we have an obligation to share the good news of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible in the hope that others might share in the spiritual rewards we enjoy.

EXPLORING GOD’S WORD

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

  • What do you think Paul means by “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers” (v. 14)? How does the image of a yoke help illustrate his point?

  • Verses 14-16 contrast righteousness with wickedness, light with darkness, and Christ with Belial (Satan). Why do you think Paul uses such strong contrasts?

  • In verse 16, Paul reminds believers that they are the temple of the living God. How should this truth affect the way Christians interact with the world?

  • In verses 17-18, Paul quotes the Old Testament, calling believers to be separate. What kind of separation do you think he is talking about?

  • How does this passage apply to friendships, business partnerships, or even marriage?

1 Corinthians 5:9-10

  • The background of this passage is important. Paul has been instructing the church at Corinth to withdraw fellowship from a brother who was guilty of sexual immorality. However, in these two verses he makes a distinction between the way the church deals with their own and the way they interact with society.

  • What would happen to the church if we had nothing to do with people in the world? Do we have a responsibility to build relationships with the lost?

  • How can Christians build meaningful relationships with nonbelievers while still maintaining spiritual distinctiveness?

  • How can Christians be in the world but not of the world (John 17:14-16)?

Matthew 6:13-16

  • Jesus calls His followers the “salt of the earth” (v. 13). What does salt symbolize, and how does this relate to the Christian life?

  • In verse 13, Jesus warns about salt losing its saltiness. What do you think this means for believers?

  • Jesus also calls His followers the “light of the world” (v. 14). What does light represent, and how does this apply to how we live?

  • Why do you think Jesus emphasizes that a city on a hill cannot be hidden (v. 14)? What does this mean for our faith?

  • In verse 16, Jesus says our good deeds should shine before others. How do good works point people to God?

  • Have you ever struggled with keeping your faith “visible” to others? What are some challenges Christians face in letting their light shine?

  • How can a Christian balance humility with the call to let their good deeds be seen?

Matthew 28:19-20

  • Jesus commands his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” What does it mean to “make disciples”? Is this any different from just sharing the gospel?

  • Why do you think Jesus emphasizes baptism “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”? What significance does baptism have in the disciple-making process? (see Mark 16:15-16).

  • Jesus instructs his followers to teach others to obey everything he has commanded (v. 20). Why is teaching obedience an essential part of discipleship?

  • The passage ends with the promise, “Behold I am with you always, to the end of the age.” How does this promise give believers confidence in fulfilling the Great Commission?

  • In what ways can you personally “go” and make disciples in your everyday life?

  • Many people think evangelism is only for ministers or missionaries. How does this passage challenge that mindset?

  • Herb Miller, in his book Fishing on the Asphalt, shares that the average church member has listened to 6,000 sermons, heard 8,000 prayers, sung 20,000 hymns over and over, and won no one to Christ. What do you think about his estimates? Are they accurate? If so, why are so few of us trying to win souls to Christ?

Patrick Burch
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