God’s Joy-filled plan…

1. Seeks out the lost

   1. Genesis 3:6-9

   2. Genesis 3:14-15

   3. Ezekiel 34:16

   4. Luke 5:27-32

2. Exposes the self-righteous - Luke 15:1-2

   1. They were misapplying scripture (warnings).

      1. Leviticus 20:26

      2. Psalm 1:1

      3. Proverbs 1:10

      4. Proverbs 1:15

      5. Proverbs 4:14-15

      6. Proverbs 13:20

   2. They had become self-righteous in their hearts.

      1. Luke 15: 7

      2. Luke 18:9-14

3. Explodes in joyful celebrations when a sinner responds in repentance

   1. Luke 15:1-10

   2. Ezekiel 33:11

Key Insight: Jesus was challenging the religious leaders  to focus on God's heart toward the lost. They were distracted by all the sinners that Jesus was welcoming. Jesus told these parables to put a spotlight on God's initiative toward sinners, God's love for sinners, and God's  joy when sinners repent.

Key Insight: Jesus, the Savior of the World (Luke 2:11; 29-23), came to save lost people. So, of course, He would welcome them! That's what a Savior does! Amen?!

Application:

Examine your heart and life…

• Am I lost?

• Am I self-righteous?

• Am I a complainer?

• Am I joyful? When people repent and come to or back to Christ?

Warm-Up Question

What’s something you’ve lost before that really mattered to you? How did you feel when you found it?

Transition: That feeling—relief, joy, even celebration—is exactly what Jesus says God feels about people.

Sermon Discussion

Read Luke 15:1-10

God’s Joy-Filled Plan...

Seeks the Lost

Supplemental Scriptures: Genesis 3:6–9, Ezekiel 34:16, Luke 5:27–32

What do you notice about God’s actions toward sinners in these passages?

In Genesis 3, who initiates the conversation—God or Adam? What does that tell us?

Why is it important that Jesus eats with sinners in Luke 5?

Key Insight: God is not passive—He pursues. From Eden, to Jesus’ ministry, to today, He moves toward the lost.

Application Question: Where have you seen God pursuing you (or someone you know)?

Exposes Self-Righteousness.

Read: Luke 15:1–2, Luke 18:9–14

Why were the Pharisees upset with Jesus?

What’s the difference between being holy and being self-righteous?

How can good Scriptures (like Proverbs warnings) be misused in a way that distances us from people?

Key Insight: Self-righteousness often hides behind correct behavior but reveals a wrong heart.

Application: Which is easier for you to drift toward: sinful rebellion or self-righteous pride? What are signs that someone (or you) might be becoming self-righteous?

Explodes Over Repentance

Read: Luke 15:7, 10, Ezekiel 33:11

What surprises you about how heaven responds to repentance?

Why do you think Jesus emphasizes joy so strongly in these parables?

Key Insight: God doesn’t reluctantly accept sinners—He celebrates them.

Application Question: How do you typically respond when someone turns back to God? Are you more likely to celebrate… or be skeptical/critical?

Personal Application

• Am I lost? Have I truly responded to God’s pursuit of me?

• Am I self-righteous? Do I look down on others while assuming I’m “fine”?

• Am I a complainer? Do I grumble about who God is working in or saving?

• Am I joyful? Do I celebrate when people come to Christ or return to Him?

• Pick one area above where God is convicting or challenging you in. What’s one thing you can do to grow in that area?

Prayer Prompts:

• Thank God that He seeks the lost

• Confess any self-righteousness or coldness

• Ask God to give you His heart and His joy for people