1. This morning we pointed out that Christ has all authority (Matthew 28:18). 2. According to Colossians 3:17, we are to say and do the things that Christ authorizes us to say and do. 3. In Matthew 28:19-20 the Lord authorizes us to practice evangelism. 4. There are many factors that should motivate us to be involved in spreading the Gospel. a. For one thing, we are being like Christ when we practice evangelism (Luke 19:10). b. For another thing, leading a lost soul to the Lord produces joy in heaven (Luke 15:7). 5. In our lesson we are examining 3 of the Lord's parables in Luke 15 that illustrate how winning a lost soul produces "joy in heaven."
Discussion:
I. THE SETTING FOR THESE PARABLES IS REVEALED IN LUKE 15:1-2
A. Vs.1 informs us that lost people approached Jesus to hear what He had to say. B. Vs.2 shows us how the Pharisees and scribes felt -- they murmured. C. Jesus used 3 parables to show how heaven rejoices when a sinner is saved.
II. THE 3 PARABLES
A. (Luke 15:3-7) A man's sheep was lost and found. 1. Notice how Jesus emphasized the rejoicing that took place when the sheep was found. 2. Jesus used this parable to illustrate the lesson He gave in vs.7. B. (Luke 15:8-10) A woman's piece of silver was lost and found. 1. Notice how Jesus emphasized the rejoicing that took place when the piece of silver was found. 2. Jesus used this parable to illustrate the lesson He gave in vs.10. C. (Luke 15:11-32) A man's youngest son was lost and found. 1. Notice how Jesus emphasized the rejoicing that took place when the son went home. 2. This parable has 3 main characters. a. The father of the 2 sons represents God. b. The youngest son who left his home but later returned represents the publicans and sinners. c. The oldest son who resented his younger brother represents the Pharisees and the scribes. 3. If the oldest son was concerned about his father's feelings he would have been looking for his lost brother. a. He would have been like the shepherd who searched for his list sheep. b. He would have been like the woman who searched for her lost piece of silver. 4. Knowing that there is joy in heaven when a soul is saved should motivate us to be involved in evangelism.
Conclusion:
1. The Bible connects evangelism and joy in many passages. a. Peter's preaching led to joy in Jerusalem (Acts 2:41, 46-47). b. Phillips' preaching led to joy in Samaria (Acts 8:5, 8). c. Phillip's preaching to the eunuch led to joy (Acts 8:35, 39). 2. The fact that souls being saved leads to joy in heaven should motivate us to be involved in evangelism. 3. Let us always remember the lesson that Jesus taught in Luke 15:7.
