[Again, this parable's theme is similar to the others in this chapter:
"The Father's yearning love for the lost". Such love is evident by the
joy "in heaven" and "in the presence of angels" when just one sinner
repents.
Now for a few thoughts concerning...]
II. THE PARABLE APPLIED
A. WHAT OUR ATTITUDE SHOULD BE TOWARD THE LOST...
1. There are four different attitudes one can assume toward the
lost:
a. Hate them (self-righteous individuals may have this
attitude)
b. Regard them with indifference (some Christians have this
attitude)
c. Welcome them when they come to you (the Pharisees and
scribes considered Jesus guilty of this one)
d. Seek them
2. From the first two parables and the setting which precipitated
their telling, we learn...
a. Jesus not only "welcomed" them (option "c")
b. He "sought" them! (option "d") - e.g., Luk_19:10 (cf. v.5);
John 10:16
-- So our attitude should be one of both welcoming and seeking
those who are lost!
B. WHAT OUR ATTITUDE SHOULD BE TOWARD THE PENITENT...
1. Both parables ("The Lost Sheep" and "The Lost Coin") describe
the heavenly joy when a sinner repents - Luke 15:7,Luke 15:10
2. What is our attitude when a sinner repents?
a. Are we indifferent? ("Ho hum, so what...")
b. Are we skeptical? ("I wonder if they really repented")
c. Are we judgmental? ("Shame on them for sinning in the
first place!")
d. Or are we full of joy? ("That's wonderful! Praise be to
God!")
-- When a soul repents, it should be an occasion of great joy!
- e.g., 2 Corinthians 7:4 - 2 Corinthians 7:9
CONCLUSION
1. The parable of "The Lost Coin" should serve to remind us that...
a. God not only welcomes sinners, He goes out of His way to save
them!
b. God rejoices when sinners repent
2. It is important that we posses these same attitudes toward the
lost...
a. First, and foremost, because we are to imitate our Father and our
Savior - Ephesians 5:1 - Ephesians 5:2
b. Secondly, Jesus felt it important enough to tell two parables
that are virtually identical
1) Perhaps for sake of emphasis
2) Perhaps one to strike home to the men ("The Lost Sheep"), and
the other to drive the point home to the women ("The Lost
Coin")
c. But also, because Jesus went on to tell another parable that will
make the point even stronger!
-- That parable is "The Prodigal Son", which we hope to consider
in our next study.
But if you are in need of repentance, why not answer the call of the
Father who is seeking you today? He calls you through the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14), and He is calling you into His kingdom and glory (1 Thessalonians 2:12).
There will be joy in heaven, and in our own hearts as well!