Two’s Lost & One Knows it

Scripture: Luke 7:41-43

Theme: The difference between salvation and religion.

Introduction: In our scripture the Lord focuses on two characters, a Pharisee and a woman identified only as a sinner. The titles given to these two lead us to draw conclusions about what kind of people they are. As we, do so we need to understand all isn’t what it seems? Its easy for us to identify with immoral folks, murderers, thieves and the like being lost. Well we need to understand that we are surrounded with people in our communities that we unquestionably accept as Christian, without even asking. Regardless of how moral, decent, or kind a person is, without the proper relationship with Jesus, they are just as lost as everyone else. Well the Lord gives us an illustration of the two types of people who themselves with Him. Look with me today as I preach to you “two’s lost and one knows it.”

I. Two types of people look for Jesus. [Vv. 36-38]

(A) Complacent [V. 36]

(1) They really think there life is okay.

(2) They hear the Gospel for the wrong reasons

i.e. history, morals, self-justification.

(B) Convicted [V.37-38]

(1) When they come; they bring something to

Jesus. {the woman brought her sins with the

Ointment}

(a) The curious give, while expecting

something in return.

(2) When they come; they are humbled in his

presence.

(3) When they come; they seek His forgiveness.

II. The Complacent tell on themselves [V. 39]

(A) Their proud and self-serving

(1) They question God’s wisdom (if it conflicts with

their own).

(2) They question His authority

(3) They question those convicted/repentant.

III. The Complacent become convicted [V.40-42]

(A) The Lord calls by name

(B) The Lord convicts sin, regardless of type or number.

(C) The Lord reveals a debt too large to pay, regardless

of size. {Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;}

(D) The Lord forgives all, equally. {John. 3:16}

IV. The Complacent are challenged [V.42-43]

(A) Who will Love the Lord Most?

{2Co 5:15 And [that] he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.}

(B) The one forgiven most is the one forgiven all.

V. The Evidence of forgiveness [V.44-47]

(A) Will minister to the needs of the Lord.

(B) Will continue to Love, seek and greet the Lord.

(C) Will worship and acknowledge the Lord.

VI. Salvation proclaimed

(A) As simple as Saved by faith and forgiven.

(B) Its eternal “go in peace”- Reconciled to God.

Conclusion: Well as I said in the introduction we have been shown two types of people. Those who feel like everything is alright, being a good person is enough, doing what’s right is all it’s going to take to get to heaven. Well let me remind you that Jesus himself said, “Not everyone who says lord, lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven. The word of God is very clear, we must have personal relationship with Jesus Christ in order to enter heaven. Jesus came that we may have life and have it more abduntly; this abdunt life begins with knowing Him. Those that have answered the conviction of sin in their life, repented, ask for, and received forgiveness is the second group. Which one are you this morning? In a moment, we will have a hymn of invitation. I’m not here to judge anyone, that’s not my job, I’m here only to present the word of God. It’s important that you understand, your not coming to me, Your coming to the Lord. You and He will have to do business. I can take the word of God and introduce you to Him, and I would love to do that. But the first step is in your hands. How about the Christian, has God dealt with you this morning. Whatever your need as we sing will you come?

February 8, 2004

Sugar Hill Baptist Church