Scripture Reading: Luke 10:1-11

Teaching the Lost

Intro.

1. Jesus taught his disciples the cost of discipleship, Luke 9:57-62.

2. Then, as he prepared for his final trip to Judea, Jesus chose 35 pairs of disciples to go before him into cities where he would go (likely east side of Jordan), Luke 10:1-20.

3. Their work helps to inform and exhort us to the work of teaching the lost.

1. Christ selected and sent seventy to teach the gospel.

a. Mission (10:1, 9). Go into cities and preach gospel of the kingdom.

b. Authority (10:1, 9, 16, 17-18). From the Lord to preach and heal (power over Satan).

c. Urgency (10:3-4). Make haste to go; do not tarry (2 Kings 4:29).

-Go in faith, trusting God’s providence for safety and care, 10:3, 4, 5-8.

d. Rejoice when accepted and accept rejection (10:6-8, 10-11).

-Joy from the work (10:17, 20) without being discouraged.

2. Principles from their work that teach us about our work of spreading the gospel of the kingdom.

a. Be teachers of the gospel, 10:2, 9; Heb. 5:12.

(1) We must be persuaded, prepared, and practitioners, Heb. 5:12-14.

(2) Our message is the gospel, no other message.

b. Priority and sacrifice of the work, 10:4; Luke 9:59-62.

c. Laborer worthy of his hire, 10:7. God provides. Teaching the gospel is not motivated by expectation of payment.

d. Those who reject gospel are judged, 10:10-16 (John 12:48).

e. Reward is in heaven, 10:17-20 (2 Tim. 4:8).

3. Our duty to teach the gospel, Matt. 28:20 (18-19); (Mark 16:15).

a. We are to be teachers, Heb. 5:12; Acts 8:4.

(1) Work is personal; We cannot/do not hire the preacher to do our evangelism work for us (in our place).

(2) Our faith and love for souls should compel us to teach lost.

b. Are we looking for prospects? What kind? Do we see the need to teach people like…

(1) Cornelius (good people)? Acts 10:1-2; 11:14

(2) Prostitutes? Luke 7:36-50

(3) Corinthians? 1 Cor. 6:9-11 (Acts 18:8)

(4) Simon the sorcerer? Acts 8:13

(5) Religious leaders? Acts 6:7

(6) Persecutors (Saul)? Acts 9:1-2 (11, 13-15).

(7) Idolaters? Acts 17:16-17

4. Will we answer Christ’s call? Luke 10:2; Acts 16:9-10

-Will we go to…

a. Someone across the room? At work, at home, at play, John 1:40-42.

b. Someone across the street? Neighbor, friend, stranger we meet, John 1:43-45.

c. Someone across town? Casual acquaintance, random meeting, Acts 16:13.

d. Someone across the country? Planning, funds, etc. (some will say, “Why should we do that? There are plenty of lost souls here!”) Acts 11:19-21.

e. Someone across the ocean? Ditto, but Acts 13:2-4.

Conclusion

1. Isa. 6:8: Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me!”

2. Laborers are few and needed (Luke 10:2).

By: Joe R. Price

Posted November 30, 2021