Seeking the Lost
As followers of Christ, we are called to reach out to those around us with the gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that Jesus came to seek and save the lost, commissioning His followers to continue this mission despite their perceived insignificance and the overwhelming challenges they faced. He reflects on the early disciples' fears and doubts about spreading the gospel in a hostile world, drawing parallels to today's society where secularism and temptation abound. Wilkerson urges believers to recognize the urgent need for salvation in their communities and to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and empowerment in their outreach efforts. He encourages Christians to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in witnessing to those around them, reminding them that they do not need to travel far to fulfill the Great Commission.
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Jesus came into this world for one reason only -- to reach and save lost souls. "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). And he made that our mission as well when he said, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15).
When Jesus uttered these words, he was talking to insignificant, uneducated men and women. He was placing the very future of his church on their shoulders, which must have been quite overwhelming for that little band of believers. Try to imagine the conversations that took place after their master ascended into heaven.
"Did I hear him right? We're penniless, ordinary people. How are we going to be able to start a worldwide revolution for Christ? People treat us with total disdain and the Romans are beating and killing us. If they treat us like this in Jerusalem, imagine how they'll treat us when we get to Rome and start witnessing and preaching."
In those times, society didn't have all the exotic temptations our generation faces. There was no ungodly television, filthy cinema, computer access to everything imaginable. Today our government has essentially tried to outlaw God, our media is liberal to the point of godlessness and Wall Street grows increasingly greedy for more money. Worst of all, we are seeing the rise of a generation that curses the Christ we serve.
As followers of Christ, we need to look around us! See the multitudes without a Savior and ask God for a heart to reach out to them. Jesus knew that the power given to the disciples when he sent them out would be more than sufficient to meet every need and opposition. Likewise, the Holy Spirit gives us direction and power to reach out to those around us with the gospel. You don't have to go to a foreign country to win souls. Your family members, co-workers, those you encounter in your day-to-day activities all need the Savior. Stay sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit and he will guide you in your witness for the Master.
Sermon Outline
- The Mission of Jesus
- Our Mission as Believers
- The Power of the Holy Spirit
- Direction and power to reach out to others
- Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's voice
Key Quotes
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” — David Wilkerson
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” — David Wilkerson
“You don't have to go to a foreign country to win souls” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Stay sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit and he will guide you in your witness for the Master.
- You can start by reaching out to your family members, co-workers, and those you encounter in your day-to-day activities.
- The power given to you by the Holy Spirit is more than sufficient to meet every need and opposition.