winning a lost soul produces joy in heaven (Luke 15:7)
Introduction:
1. This morning we showed how "the Scriptures associate joy with salvation." 2. This evening we are studying 3 of the Lord's parables in Luke 15 that illustrate how "winning a lost soul produces joy in heaven." Discussion: I. LET US FIRST EXAMINE THE SETTING FOR THE LORD'S PARABLES (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 presented 3 parables to show how there is joy in heaven when a sinner is saved. II. LET US EXAMINE 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 lost sheep. b. He would have been like the woman who searched for her lost piece of silver. 4. "Winning a lost soul produces joy in heaven." Conclusion:
1. According to Matthew 16:26, the value of a soul cannot be measured. 2. Let us always remember the lesson that Jesus taught in Luke 15:7.
