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THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP

LUKE 15: 1 - 7

Some factors about the parables in Luke 15 Some factors about the parables in Luke 15 --

1. Each lost something of GREAT VALUE1. Each lost something of GREAT VALUE2. The shepherd sought for the sheep, 2. The shepherd sought for the sheep, the woman sought for her coin, but the woman sought for her coin, but

the the FATHER OF THE LOST SON FATHER OF THE LOST SON DID NOT DID NOT CHASE HIS SON! CHASE HIS SON! Did he care? Did he care?3. When the lost is found, GREAT . When the lost is found, GREAT

REJOICING follows! REJOICING follows!

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The purpose of these three parables:“Then drew near unto him all the

publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” (Luke 15: 1 – 2)

Jesus came to seek and to save the lost!

Luke 19:10; Matt. 18:11

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

John 10: 1 - 18

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• These hearers, like us, needed to realize their LOST situation!– Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come

short of the glory of God. – 1 John 1: 5 – 10

• Just “thinking” we’re in the safety of the Just “thinking” we’re in the safety of the 99 doesn’t make it so!99 doesn’t make it so!– Romans 2: 1 – 11Romans 2: 1 – 11– John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are John 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are

not of this fold: them also I must bring, and not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, one fold, andand one shepherd. one shepherd.

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• Defining the “SINNER”– 1John 3:4 Whosoever committeth

sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.

– 1 Corinthians 6: 9 – 11

No one can fully appreciate SALVATION until they understand how lost they are without it!

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• Each sheep held EQUAL value.– The 99 were NOT more valued than the one

lost.– Neither was the LOST considered more Neither was the LOST considered more

valued than the 99 which were safe –valued than the 99 which were safe – it was LOST and NEEDED TO BE FOUND!

• Galatians 6: 1 – 10Galatians 6: 1 – 10– The lost need someone to SEEK for it! The lost need someone to SEEK for it! – Though LOST, IT HAD BEEN A PART OF THE Though LOST, IT HAD BEEN A PART OF THE

FLOCK!FLOCK! • 1 John 2: 18 – 191 John 2: 18 – 19• Hebrews 6: 4 – 6Hebrews 6: 4 – 6• 2 Peter 2: 20 – 222 Peter 2: 20 – 22• 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:91 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9

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• Who is RESPONSIBLE FOR FINDING THE LOST?– Galatians 6:10– 1 John 3:16 (Compare to John 3:16)– 2 Corinthians 4:3 - 4

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• “Go after that which is lost, until he find it?”– Matthew 28: 19 – 20

G +G + T +T + B +B + T T

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• The lost is found!“And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his

shoulders, rejoicing.” (Luke 15:5)– He kept looking until he FOUND the lost!– He proved CARE, LOVE, NEED,

APPRECIATION, FORGIVENESS to the lost!

• He encouraged others to share the joy!He encouraged others to share the joy!– Luke 15:6Luke 15:6– Romans 12:15Romans 12:15

• The lost is found!“And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his

shoulders, rejoicing.” (Luke 15:5)– He kept looking until he FOUND the lost!– He proved CARE, LOVE, NEED,

APPRECIATION, FORGIVENESS to the lost!

• He encouraged others to share the joy!He encouraged others to share the joy!– Luke 15:6Luke 15:6– Romans 12:15Romans 12:15

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• God recognizes the return of the lost!– Hebrews 4: 12 – 13– Acts 8: 9 – 13; 18 - 24

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1 Peter 2: 21 – 25

Are YOU helping to keep the flock together, or are YOU seeking those

who have gone astray?

BOTH are the work of those souls who care!