Going Out On A Limb For Jesus

Going Out on a Limb for Jesus

January 14, 2009 Wednesday Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: We must do as Jesus did; seek and save those who are lost.

Focus Passage: Luke 19:1-10

Supplemental Passage: Matt 19:9-13

Introduction:

I. Jesus Sought Him (vv. 1-5)– We must go after people because they are looking for hope and answers

• Jesus was looking for Zacchaeus more than Zacchaeus was looking for Jesus! Jesus is looking for lost sinners more than lost sinners are look for Jesus!(v. 10)

II. Jesus Cared for Him (v. 5a)– We must care enough to find out more about them. Jesus called Zacchaeus by name.

If we don’t care for the lost then we are sinning against God.

James 4:17 “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

III. Jesus Fellowshipped with Him (v. vv. 5b-6)– We must be willing to go to them, into their homes, into their culture, into their circles while still being separate in our actions

• Matt 9:9-13 Notice with whom Jesus would fellowship

IV. Jesus Shared the Truth with Him (v. 8-9) – We must be willing to say, “Thus saith the Lord!”

• We Exist to Call People to Be Followers of Jesus Christ. The truth changed him and the truth will change everyone who comes to the truth of Christ.

V. Jesus Taught Him How to Live and Give (vv. 8-10)– We cannot stop and salvation for the gospel is about making disciples that know how to live for Christ obediently and to give in Christ honestly!

• We Exist to Disciple People Who Become Followers of Jesus Christ

A. Jesus taught Zacchaeus how to live honestly

B. Jesus taught Zacchaeus how to give generously

We must teach new believers how to live for Christ and to give to Christ. They are just like babies in a new world. They need those who have grown in Christ to show them the way. It is an eternal investment of your life into another.

Invitation: