Youve Lost That Loving Feeling Series

Luke 15:1-7 NASB

1 Now all the tax collectors and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him.

2 Both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”

3 So He told them this parable, saying, 4 “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?

5 When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’

7 I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

You’ve LOST That LOVING Feeling

One of the common criticisms Jesus faced was that he spent too much time with sinners. The problem with this idea is that it assumes sin is something that can be acquired by association. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:33:

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”

This means that there is a real danger from our association with people who are engaged in a sinful lifestyle. HOWEVER, verse 34 states:

Become sober-minded as you ought, and stop sinning;

for some have no knowledge of God.

I speak this to your shame.

This identifies 3 critical issues that we must face when we consider our relationships with Lost Folks:

1. Define the term lost: Luke 15:1-7

Tax Collector$ - Roman Collaborators

Sinners – three types of sin in the (Talmud) Old Testament

a. HET – An infraction committed in ignorance

b. AWON – Knowing breach of a minor commandment

c. MERED – Rebellious act committed with wicked intent

2. Determine who the culpable party is: To Act

a. Purposely – evil actions

b. Knowingly – ambivalence for order

c. Recklessly – disregard for what is right

d. Negligently – inaction to do what is right

3. The Company you keep:

COM – together; PANIS – bread

Who do you share your bread with?

Who is willing to share their bread with you?

Are you a good companion by being a good example?