2.8 Reaching the Lost
a. KEY VERSES: 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 1:16; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18-19; 1 Peter 3:18
b. KEY THOUGHT: God wants all people to come to know Him. We have been given the ministry of sharing the gospel. The gospel is for the lost.
c. KEY QUESTION: How might we be involved with and help unbelievers to know Christ?
d. DISCUSSION WITH REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
i. Read 2 Peter 3:9. From this verse, how would you describe God’s heart for those who do not know Him?
ii. Read Romans 1:16. Why would we be ashamed of the gospel? Who is the gospel meant for?
iii. Read Acts 1:8. Where do we share the gospel as witnesses empowered by the Holy Spirit?
iv. Read 2 Corinthians 5:18-19. What is the ministry that has been entrusted to us as believers? How does Christ reconcile men and women to God?
v. What is the gospel? Read 1 Peter 3:18 and explain the gospel from this verse.
vi. How would you summarize what is on God’s heart for those who don’t know Him and our role in reaching them?
vii. Do you have relationships with friends who don’t know Christ yet? How can you initiate sharing Christ with them?
viii. What are your strengths and weaknesses in relating to the lost?
e. YOUR STORY: Share how you have connected with the lost. Make sure you share your challenges as well as strengths.
f. APPLICATION: To reach those far from God we need to know the gospel and have relationships with the lost. Where are you in your life as you consider these two aspects of reaching unbelievers? What will you do to sharpen your abilities to do so?