Love Under Construction:

“Loving The Lost”

Providence Church of ChristVBS

June 9, 2011

Loving The Lost

What are we supposed to do?• Jesus’ instructions – Matthew 28:19,20• Learn from “Him”, i.e. learn how to love –

Matthew 11:28-30• Jesus expects us to love – 2 Peter 1:5-8• Paul’s strong statement – I Cor. 13:2,3,13

Loving The Lost

How are we supposed to love?• Specific definition/description – I Cor. 13:4-8

I Corinthians 13

definition/description biblical application

v. 4 long-suffering/patientpatient with other people's failures - Prov. 10:12; 17:9; James 5:19,20

kind Ephesians 4:32

does not envy Galatians 5:26

does not brag doesn't "parade itself" or do things to call attention

is not puffed up/not prideful or arrogant isn't proud of attainments or deeds

v.5 is not rude doesn't behave in a manner that is embarrassing to others

is not self servingdoesn't seek own selfish interests - I Corinthians 10:24; Phil. 2:4

is not provoked/easily angered

not provoked by the insults of others/gentle spirit/peaceful - Phil. 4:7

thinks no evil/not resentful

doesn't keep a list of bad things to bring up in future situations/no grudges

I Corinthians 13

definition/description biblical application

v.6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness/iniquitynot happy when one falls into sin - Romans 1:32-2:11

rejoices in the truthhappy when "truth" prevails - 2 John 4

v.7 bears all thingsputs up with all kinds of difficulties - Galatians 6:2

believes all things

doesn't assume others have bad motives but always believes the best about them

hopes all thingsalways hopes they will turn to God

endures all things never gives up

v.8 never failsthis type of love remains throughout eternity

Loving The Lost

Who are we supposed to love?• God loved the lost – John 3:16– Verses 17-21• The world through Him…• Light versus darkness• Light up the “world”

Loving The Lost

When and where are we supposed to love?• Jesus example – Matthew 9:35-38– All the cities and villages– Teaching in “their” synagogues; preaching the

gospel of the kingdom

Loving The Lost

Jesus’ example cont.• “…saw the multitudes…”• “…moved with compassion…”• “…weary(harassed) and scattered…”• “…sheep having no shepherd…”

Loving The Lost

Jesus’ response:Vs. 37,38 “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the

laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Loving The Lost

Implication from Matthew 9?– The lost need direction– No distinction in demographic or social class– Evangelism is the best way to teach the lost– Prayer is important– Must be developing and sending forth laborers

Loving The Lost

Why do we need to love the lost?“Cry from hell”

Luke 16: 27,28“Then he said, I beg you therefore, father, that you

would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.”

– SEND someone to my brothers LEST they come to this place of torment

Loving The Lost

Why do we need to love the lost?• Battle for the heart and mind• Do you have a heartfelt Christianity?• God sends us to the lost• Supernatural love – John 17:26

Loving The Lost

3 keys to loving the lost:1. Love them with Christ’s heart2. Love them with Christ’s eyes3. Love them with Christ’s scars

Loving The Lost

Love in action:• John 7:53-8:12

• 2 Corinthians 2

~Sometimes the ability to love is not easy, but I think that's why God shows us what it looks like. When we see the good and the bad in others- and in ourselves- we are seeing people as God sees them: in love. Not perfect, but worthy of love.~

Let’s All Join In The Spiritual

Songs Together

Bible Songs

The Lord’s ArmyI may never march in the infantry, ride in the cavalry, shoot the artillery; I may never fly over the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army.

I’m in the Lord’s army, I’m in the Lord’s army.

I may never march in the infantry, ride in the cavalry, shoot the artillery; I may never fly o’er the enemy, but I’m in the Lord’s army.

This Little Light Of MineThis little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. 3XLet it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel, NO! I’m gonna let it shine. 3XLet it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Don’t let Satan puff it out, I’m gonna let it shine. 3X Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

All around the neighborhood I’m gonna let it shine. 3XLet it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let it shine till Jesus comes, I’m gonna let it shine. 3XLet it shine let it shine all the time.

Roll The Gospel ChariotRoll the gospel chariot along. 3XAnd we won’t tag along behind.

If a sinner’s in the way we will stop and pick him up. 3X And we won’t tag along behind.

If the devil’s in the way, we will roll right over him. 3X And we won’t tag along behind.

Theme Song

The B I B L EThe B I B L E, yes that’s the book for me.I stand upon the word of God, the B I B L E.The B I B L E, yes that’s the book for me.I read and study and then obey, the B I B L E.

Invitation Song # 317

Gideon and the 300 Men

Romans 8:31 – “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Lost and Found

Luke 15:24

“…for this my son was dead and is alive again…”

Plan of Salvation

Hear the Gospel of Christ, Acts 18:8 Believe in Jesus Christ, Rom. 1:16 Repent and Turn to God, Luke 13:3 Confess Jesus Before Men, Acts 8:37 Baptized into Christ, Mark 16:16

Grow and Be Faithful, Matthew 10:22 If Err From The Faith: Repent and Pray God, Acts 8:22