SERMON TITLE: Love for the Lost
SCRIPTURE: Romans 9:1-9 (ESV)
SPEAKER: Josh Hanson
DATE: 9-22-24
Sermon Discussion Guide
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As always it’s a joy to be with all of you this weekend at Gateway Church. And there’s one thing I want you to know — and this is true if you’re worshiping with us for the first time — if you’re joining us at our North Main Campus or are with our friends in Bucyrus — I want you to know that God loves you and that I love you too.
Before we get to the sermon — a quick announcement. I’d like to invite you — including those at our North Main Campus and our friends in Bucyrus are more than welcome to make the drive — to come hang with some of the Hanson family — at least my wife and I — though there’s a chance that eighty percent of us Hansons will be present. We’ll be at Suter’s Farm this Saturday at 11:00am. Our plan is to enter the corn maze at 11:30am — and the Hansons are “on time” kind of people. If being on time is a challenge for you — 11:00am is the only time you need to hear from me today. The weather looks good for now — a bit hot, but no rain. Again — Suter’s Farm this Saturday at 11am — entering the corn maze at 11:30am. I hope you’ll come hang with the Hansons. And — if you’ve never been to Suter’s before — the maze is fun — but the cider and donuts are awesome.
Now to the sermon. We’re continuing our series in the book of Romans this weekend. And — today — we’re going to begin chapter nine. If you were here with us last weekend — you know we took our time to recap all that Paul covered in the first half of his letter because we’ve been on a two year break from Romans. Which is somewhat fitting given that Paul — in chapter three — started a thought that he seems to have gotten sidetracked from. And it’s not until our chapter — chapter nine — that he returns to his thoughts from chapter three. Now — I don’t know if we got sidetracked — but we had some other goals to accomplish before we returned to Romans — finishing our Finding Jesus series — one sermon on every book in the Old Testament — as well as our series in Mark, Acts, the Ten Commandments, First John, and Daniel.
But — here we are — back in Paul’s letter to the Christians living in Rome — a letter we’re going to focus on until we come to its end. We’ll take breaks here and there — but know that Romans is now going to have the bulk of our attention over the next year or so.
So — with that in mind — let’s turn to our verses for today. We’ll be in Romans chapter nine — looking at verses one through nine this morning. If you have your Bible — please turn with me to Romans chapter nine — we’ll begin in verse one.
Romans 9:1–9 (ESV)
1 I am speaking the truth in Christ — I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit — 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. 6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.”
When I sketched out this series — I naively thought that last week’s sermon, this week’s sermon, and next week’s sermon would all be — wait for it — one sermon. But once I started to write these sermons I realized that there’s more in these verses than first meets the eye. So we’ll be in these verses for two weeks — this week focusing on the first three verses and looking at the rest next week.
Now I hope you remember how chapter eight ends on a high note.
Romans 8:38–39 (ESV)
38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
To which Paul — in verse one — says, “I’m telling the truth in Christ — I am not lying.” It’s as if he sings of the great love that God has for us in Jesus and wants to make it clear that he’s not pulling wool over our eyes — he’s not deceiving us — this truth is a wonderful promise for God’s people to receive and rest in: Nothing can separate you from his love.
Yet — Paul’s, “I’m telling the truth — I am not lying” also sets up his next statement. A statement of profound love.
Were you moved by Paul’s love for those who were lost? Lost — here — doesn’t mean that they’d ignored the directions Google maps had given them — lost means someone who’s not yet believed in Jesus Christ. The people Paul describes his love for had yet to believe that Jesus was God’s promised Messiah — the Rescuer whom the Old Testament promised would one day come and bring salvation to all who trust in him.
Now I know that the idea of there being people who are lost — who are not in a right relationship with God — who are under his judgment at this time — is about as off putting of an idea as there is in our day. I mean — just who do I think I am to say that some people are right with God and others are not? To which — I’d ask — who are you to say otherwise?
You see, the issue isn’t that Christians are dogmatic and you’re not — the issue isn’t that I’m making an objective statement and you’re not — the issue isn’t that I’m saying that my view is universal — that it’s true for everyone — and that you’re not — if you don’t like my view — whatever your view is is just as dogmatic, claims to be just as objective, and is just as universally applied as my view. In fact — this is the reason why we get upset by someone else’s view: You believe that their view is wrong and that yours is right.
Which means — now — the question we must answer is: Which view is true?
Maybe you’re here today and this is you: You’ve yet to believe in Jesus — to trust in him as your Savior. You know something’s wrong with the world, wrong with humanity, maybe even wrong with you — and you’re looking for an answer — a solution. My hope is that you’ll see how Jesus is the only answer to your, my, and everyone else’s wrongness.
Or maybe you do believe in Jesus — I hope that you do and that — if you do — Paul’s words — describing his love for those who are lost — will deeply move you. For that’s where Paul’s focus lies after having soared to the heights of heavenly hope with marvelous, soul-lifting and hope-filled words for those who believe in Jesus Christ.
And — for Paul — this truth moves him towards those who’ve yet to receive this promise. For his next words are words expressing his love for — and his mercy towards — and his concern for those who are still lost. He writes…
Romans 9:1–3 (ESV)
1 I am speaking the truth in Christ — I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit — 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
This sorrow and anguish — that Paul has for his fellow Israelites who’ve rejected Jesus as their Savior — leads him to say that he wishes — he knows it’s not possible, but he wishes — that he could be cut off from Christ if it would lead to their salvation. Essentially Paul is saying, “God, if it were possible, I’d gladly go to Hell if it would result in them believing in Jesus.” This is how much Paul loved the lost.
But Paul knows he can’t go to Hell for their salvation — he’s not their savior — only Jesus saves — but his words are inspiring, right? Or at the very least challenging. How much do you love those who are lost?
Some of us — who have children who’ve abandoned the faith — can deeply relate to Paul’s words. You know the anguish of loving someone who doesn't — as of now — love Jesus. You know the heartache, the despair, the desperation for them to believe. In your love for them — you may have gotten a bit too preachy to them — which has only added to the messiness of your relationship. Yet you so love them. If they only knew that — like Paul — you’d give up whatever it’d take for them to believe in Jesus.
Some of us haven’t experienced this kind of pain — yet. Your children — or fellow family members — or whoever you care most about — all currently follow Jesus. Consider yourself blessed — not someone who’s figured out the secret formula — but someone who’s greatly blessed. Because we all — if we know our Bibles — know that this grief — of loving those who don’t love God — is something God’s people have always had to wrestle with.
Whether it be Adam and Eve with their son — Cain — who rejected God.
Or Samuel — God’s prophet — whose two sons did not follow in their father’s faithfulness.
David — whose son — Absalom — rebelled against his dad — tried to have him killed as he took over the kingdom — sending his dad on the run.
Or — the many good kings in Judah’s history — who end up having a son who becomes a wicked and evil king.
The anguish that Paul expresses is an anguish and sorrow felt by many in the history of God’s people — including many of God’s people among us. May gentleness, mercy, and kindness be the atmosphere of our faith family so that those who are hurting and grieving — due to the lostness of a loved one — find restoration and renewal for their exhausted spirit.
But — back to Paul’s statement — think about what he’s saying: Those who are known as God’s people — the Israelites — are accursed. They’re cut off from Christ — God’s Messiah — the promised Savior. Which means — God’s chosen people — are on their way to eternal judgment — they’re on their way to Hell — to separation from God for all eternity.
What a statement that should cause us all to pause.
For all of their history — a history full of rebellion and wandering in the wilderness and living in exile — never would one think that they’d one day go so far that they’d be cut off by God. And — yet — this is what Paul is saying. For — if he wishes he could substitute himself in their place and be accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of his fellow Israelites — then our only conclusion can be: this is their reality. Israel is accursed and cut off from Christ. And to be cut off from Christ — is the very definition of being lost and without hope — especially eternal hope — which means they’re headed to eternal destruction.
Now — if you know where we’re headed in Romans — we’re going to encounter God’s sovereignty in salvation in the coming weeks. God’s sovereignty is his control, power, and ability to orchestrate all things to accomplish his plan. And — when it comes to God’s plan of salvation for mankind — God’s sovereignty has been the subject of countless books, podcasts, debates, discussions, and divisions among Christians. And it’s usually a topic that evokes strong emotions among those involved.
Yet — something to notice — as we examine Paul’s words in the coming weeks — is where Paul begins. Paul doesn’t start by analyzing God’s sovereignty — or our free will — instead — he begins by demonstrating great mercy towards those who are lost. Paul’s the one writing the words to come that we debate, discuss, and analyze — yet this isn’t where he begins. Our response is so vastly different from his. He begins by expressing sorrow and grief over those who’ve yet to receive Christ as their Savior and Lord as he goes into a lengthy defense of God’s sovereignty in our salvation. And I can’t help but think that we’d all be better off — including our unbelieving friends, co-workers, neighbors, and family members — I think we’d all be better off if we — those who believe in Jesus — followed Paul’s example. How much do you love those who are lost? How much are you grieved for those who don’t yet believe in Jesus? Do you love the lost more than you love debating your thoughts on God’s sovereignty, our free will, or what predestination does or doesn’t mean?
But it’s easy — I get it. It’s easy as Christians to live as either practical atheists or practical universalists. To live as if people we know and care about aren’t headed to an eternity in Hell where they will be forever separated from God. It’s easy to believe that — either everything just ends for them — that’s practical atheism — or that they’ll end up in Heaven regardless of what they believe about Jesus — that’s practical universalism.
But — if we believe — if you really believe — that all people will live somewhere for all eternity — either Heaven or Hell — in God’s presence or separated from him — in eternal life or in eternal death — if you believe this — how can any of us dare to live as if we don’t? Eternities are at stake. How much do you love the lost?
As a church who exists to glorify God by making disciples of Jesus Christ — we have the vision of us being disciples who are growing in our generosity and in our Kingdom-mindedness. Being generous — financially giving to the ministry of Gateway — helps the gospel — the Good News of what Jesus has accomplished in his life, death, and resurrection — go forth so that those who don’t yet believe might hear the gospel and respond.
Yet — love for the lost is also related to our vision of us being disciples who are Kingdom-minded. For we — who desire to see his Kingdom expand — his reign and rule in the hearts of more people all around the world — means we must share the gospel with them. This is called evangelism — telling others the news about Jesus. And this happens both locally and globally. With this in mind — here are some next steps for you to consider as you evaluate your love for those who are lost.
First, start supporting this church financially if you’re not already. We tell you how to do so every week during the announcements. Online giving is a great option for most of us. But it’s hard to say we’re a generous people if we’re not giving generously to the ministry God is doing in our local church.
Second, sign up to get updates from one of our ministry partners so you can start praying with and for them. Go to our website — gatewayepc.org/ministry-partners for more info. Get to know our partners and what they’re doing. Show an interest. Demonstrate your love for them by building a relationship with them. Maybe even visit them or find other ways to support what they’re doing in taking the news of Jesus to those who are lost. And — if you haven’t already — sign up for our Go Celebration event on October 15th to hear how God has used your faith family to love the lost all around the world. You can do so on our website or at your campus Resource Center.
Third, a lot of folks you know stopped going to church during COVID and haven’t come back — I’m not just talking about Gateway — I’m talking about going to church period. But here’s a little secret: the vast majority will come back if you personally invite them. A month or so ago I ran into someone at Walmart who I hadn’t seen at Gateway in years. I invited them to come back and — guess what? I saw them here the next Sunday. The next week — I ran into someone else who’d stopped coming during COVID. I invited him back. Who’s someone you could invite to come back to church with you?
I’ll even tell you how to start the conversation. Are you ready? I bet you won’t even have to write it down. Just ask them, “Where do you go to church?” And if you hear them say, “I go to such and such” say, “Great!” If they say, “I used to go to such and such, but it’s been a while” say, “Would you like to come to church with me on Sunday?” And — if you’re great fear happens and they say, “Church! Why would I go to church?” Say, “That’s an interesting response. Why wouldn’t you?” And be open to listening to them. Either way, it’s not all that complicated.
Fourth, maybe you’re the parent of a wayward child — or it’s your sibling or parent or best friend. What can you do to demonstrate that you love them — and that God loves them too? Maybe it’s taking them out for coffee and asking them how life’s going. Or out for dinner to talk about their struggle at work. Or some other act of kindness where you take time to show them that they matter to you — regardless of what they believe about Jesus right now. For — remember — Jesus showed a lot of people that they mattered to him long before they ever believed he was their Savior.
Finally, as you all are probably aware — Ohio’s been making the news a lot these days — especially the city of Springfield. And we followers of Jesus have an amazing opportunity in this tumultuous election season. We can vote as citizens of this nation — holding politicians accountable for the job they’ve been elected to do — as we live as Kingdom-minded followers of Jesus — loving the new neighbors he’s brought into our communities. And — for many of us — turning off the news and social media — will help our love for the lost in our local community to be more like Paul’s love.
As a local pastor in Springfield, Ohio recently wrote, “A well-functioning democracy should be informed by the perspectives of the people on the ground − not by rumors or social media memes. Most of us in Springfield recognize that this crisis stems from federal mismanagement. These policies were shaped in Washington, D.C., with little regard for the local municipalities left to handle the consequences. While Washington can be blamed for policy failures, the responsibility for how we treat one another rests with us.
According to Lifeway Research, 91% of evangelical Americans want secure borders; 91% of evangelicals also want policies that reflect the human dignity of every person and that respect the unity of families. We do not need to choose between security and compassion, but can insist on policies that do both.
This moment in our country could be a do-over. We have the opportunity to forge a safer, stronger and more compassionate community by addressing immigration challenges while never losing sight of the humanity of those affected − immigrant or citizen alike.
For people of faith, Jesus provides clear guidance on how we should treat others. In Matthew 22, Jesus commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves, putting on the same level our love for others as our love for God. If we think we can love God without loving our neighbors, we are missing all of the Gospel. Not just half of it.
To my fellow Christians, I issue this challenge: Let’s follow Jesus’ example. Respond with care and compassion, as he did for the multitudes, and let no opinion leave our lips that lacks the concern he showed, even for those who disagreed with him.”
Back to the question we’ve been asking: How much do you love the lost? Our sorrow and anguish for the lost will prove itself to be true in the cost we’re willing to pay. Because all love comes at a cost — that’s what we see in Jesus’ love for us. And if he was willing to give his life — in love — for you and me — what might he be asking you to do — in love — for those who are lost?
Now — to end — a beautiful reminder of some wonderful promises God has made to us — in his Word — about his love for the lost. And may these promises compel us in our love for them as well. In describing God’s love for the lost — Jesus says…
Luke 15:4–24 (NLT)
4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! 8 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.” 11 To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.” ’ 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.
The lost — experiencing God’s love for them in Jesus Christ — is a reason for Heaven to rejoice. Angels are filled with joy. A party begins. And the lost — experiencing God’s love for them in Jesus Christ — is our reason to join the angel’s in their rejoicing — to join in Heaven’s party. For we are the people who hold fast to the promise which says…
John 3:16 (ESV)
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
God so loved those who are lost that he sent Jesus to be our Savior. And whoever believes in him — will not perish — but is guaranteed eternal life. May God’s love for you — and his love for those who are lost — stir in all of us a growing love for them as well. Let’s pray together.
Father, what a truth to behold — you so love the world that you gave your only Son — Jesus — so that whoever believes in him will not perish — but have eternal life. Father it’s amazing to think that — in heaven — there’s rejoicing when one lost sinner repents. A party is thrown — and it’s a party like no other. For — like a father running to his prodigal son — you run towards your lost children whom you love — and the party begins again.
Holy Spirit, increase our faith in you — the One who inspired the human authors of Scripture — so that our trust in God’s love for us — and those who are lost — increases. Often — the sorrows we face — due to those we love not believing in Jesus — causes us to waver in our trust in your Word. So — Spirit — we ask you to strengthen our trust in what it means for you to be a loving God.
And — Jesus — you came to fulfill and display God’s love to the world: The Messiah promised to come — the great Rescuer — the One who would — in love — save his people by offering his life as a sacrifice for our sin. You came and demonstrated the truth we’ve been looking at today: that our God loves the lost. And those who believe in you shall not perish — but are guaranteed eternal life. For nothing can separate us from your love.
Therefore — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — we thank you for your love for us and for the world. And we pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
May you — in being loved by God — go and show his love to those who are lost. Amen.
God loves you. I love you. You are sent.
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