Embracing Outcasts

March 3rd, 2024
by Robbey Smith

DON'T MISS IT...

Pastor Robbey explores Jesus' interactions with outcasts in a sermon, highlighting how sinners are drawn to Jesus while religious Pharisees distance themselves due to pride. He discusses religious people's behaviors and the importance of showing kindness, paralleling searching for lost souls to finding a misplaced object. The sermon emphasizes Christians' duty to actively seek and care for the lost, concluding with a call for the congregation to reach out to "lost ones" with prayers to reflect God's love.

THINK ABOUT IT...

How does Jesus' interaction with sinners and tax collectors contrast with the Pharisees' reaction? What can we learn about the heart of Jesus from this?
Context: In the sermon, Pastor Robbey examines the different reactions to Jesus from sinners versus religious Pharisees, with the former being attracted to Jesus while the latter being repelled by his association with sinners.
Application Question: Can you identify any areas in your own life where you may react more like a Pharisee towards certain individuals or situations? How can you work towards embracing a more Christ-like attitude?
Pastor Robbey mentioned the issue of how religious people sometimes treat service workers in restaurants. What does this teach us about the importance of our behavior when reflecting God's love to others?
Context: The sermon highlighted the common occurrence of rudeness and stinginess towards restaurant staff by religious individuals, emphasizing the importance of showing kindness and generosity to others.
Application Question: Think about your own interactions with service workers or others considered as 'outcasts.' Are there any ways you could improve your attitude or actions to better reflect God's love to them?
What does the parable of the lost sheep represent, and how should we, as Christians, respond to those who are lost?
Context: Pastor Robbey explained that the story of leaving the 99 to search for the one lost sheep represents the care Jesus puts into pursuing and saving lost souls, emphasizing the believers' responsibility to actively search for and reach the lost.
Application Question: How can you personally become more active in searching for lost souls in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to share God's love with them?
In Jesus' parable of the lost coin, why is it essential for Christians to celebrate and rejoice when a lost soul is found?
Context: The sermon mentioned that a saved soul brings joy to God and the heavenly hosts, and it is an opportunity for us to brings a smile to God's face by actively pursuing and caring for the lost.
Application Question: Can you recall a time when you or your community celebrated the salvation of a lost soul? How can you make it a regular practice to rejoice over such victories?
What practical step did Pastor Robbey encourage the congregation to take in reaching out to their 'ones,' and what was the main purpose of this action?
Context: Pastor Robbey led the congregation to send text messages to their respective 'ones' letting them know they are being prayed for, aiming to show care and initiate a conversation about faith.
Application Question: Who is your 'one' or someone in your life who may be lost and needs God's love? How can you reach out to them through prayer and initiating meaningful conversations?

GUIDED PRAYER...

Pray for the individuals in our lives who are lost and in need of God's love, that they may encounter Jesus and experience His grace and salvation.

Ask God to reveal any areas in our own lives where we may think too highly of ourselves and neglect to show love and kindness to others.

Pray for a heart of compassion and willingness to actively search for the lost, just as Jesus diligently pursues and saves those who are lost.

Ask God to give us opportunities to initiate conversations about faith with our "ones" and to guide us in showing genuine care and love through prayer.