Lesson 61: Why Every Christian Should Care About Lost Souls
Jesus Christ did not come into the world merely to improve people’s temporary circumstances.
He came to save sinners.
Jesus said:
“For the Son of man is come
to seek and to save that which was lost.”
— Luke 19:10, KJV
That statement reveals both the condition of humanity and the mission of Christ.
People are lost.
Christ came to seek and save them.
Therefore, anyone who follows Jesus Christ should care about the people He came to save.
What Does It Mean to Be Lost?
The word lost should not be used as an insult.
It describes a person’s spiritual condition apart from Jesus Christ.
Paul writes:
“But if our gospel be hid,
it is hid to them that are lost:
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds
of them which believe not,
lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ,
who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:3–4, KJV
A lost person may be:
kind;
educated;
religious;
successful;
moral by human standards;
or respected by others.
But if he remains without Christ, he remains without the salvation Christ alone provides.
Being lost is not mainly a statement about social status, intelligence, or outward respectability.
It means the person has not been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
People Without Christ Have No True Hope
Paul reminded Gentile believers of their former condition:
“That at that time ye were without Christ,
being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel,
and strangers from the covenants of promise,
having no hope, and without God in the world:”
— Ephesians 2:12, KJV
A person may possess earthly hopes.
He may hope for:
better health;
financial security;
family happiness;
success;
or a longer life.
Those hopes may concern real needs.
But without Christ, he has no secure hope beyond death and no reconciliation with God.
This should move the Christian’s heart.
Caring About Souls Begins With Caring About People
A soul is not an abstract religious statistic.
It is a person.
Someone with:
a name;
a history;
fears;
wounds;
responsibilities;
sins;
questions;
and an approaching eternity.
The person may be your:
spouse;
child;
parent;
relative;
coworker;
neighbor;
friend;
or someone you meet only once.
Concern for souls means caring what happens to actual people before God.
Do not speak about “the lost” only as a distant category.
Look at the people God has placed around you.
Every Soul Has Immense Value
Jesus asked:
“For what shall it profit a man,
if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul?
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
— Mark 8:36–37, KJV
Jesus placed one soul against the entire world.
A person could gain everything the world offers and still suffer the greatest possible loss.
Money cannot purchase another soul.
Success cannot replace it.
Pleasure cannot recover it.
Human praise cannot redeem it.
This should change how Christians view people.
The world may judge a person mainly by:
income;
appearance;
influence;
usefulness;
or social position.
Jesus directs attention to the soul.
Christ Saw People With Compassion
Matthew writes:
“But when he saw the multitudes,
he was moved with compassion on them,
because they fainted, and were scattered abroad,
as sheep having no shepherd.”
— Matthew 9:36, KJV
Jesus saw more than a crowd.
He saw people who were spiritually weary, scattered, and without faithful guidance.
His response was compassion.
Compassion is deeper than passing sympathy.
It sees need and is moved toward help.
The Christian should ask:
“When I see people far from God, what moves within me?”
Contempt?
Irritation?
Fear?
Indifference?
Or compassion?
Lost People Are Not the Enemy
People may oppose Christianity.
Mock Scripture.
Reject the gospel.
Promote sin.
Or treat believers unfairly.
Their conduct may need to be answered truthfully.
But the person is still a soul who needs Christ.
Spiritual blindness should not be answered with personal hatred.
A Christian should never become so occupied with defeating an argument that he stops caring whether the person is saved.
Truth matters.
The person hearing the truth also matters.
Compassion Does Not Mean Approving Sin
Jesus’ compassion never required Him to call evil good.
He exposed hypocrisy.
Warned people.
Commanded repentance.
And spoke truth about judgment.
Likewise, concern for lost souls does not mean approving:
false religion;
sexual immorality;
dishonesty;
idolatry;
unbelief;
or rebellion against God.
Love does not hide the disease from the patient.
Compassion speaks truth because the danger is real.
Lesson 65 will explain how to warn about judgment with love.
The foundation here is that truth and compassion must remain together.
God Desires People to Be Saved
Paul writes:
“For this is good and acceptable
in the sight of God our Saviour;
Who will have all men to be saved,
and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
— 1 Timothy 2:3–4, KJV
God is not pleased by human destruction.
He commands the gospel to be carried into the world.
He calls people to repentance and faith.
The Christian’s concern for souls should reflect God’s revealed desire that people hear the truth and be saved.
If God cares about people knowing the truth, His children should not remain indifferent.
Jesus Sought the Lost
Jesus did not remain distant from sinners while congratulating Himself for being separate from their sin.
He went where people could hear Him.
He spoke with those whom religious society despised.
He entered homes.
Answered questions.
Taught publicly.
And called sinners to repentance.
His nearness to sinners was never participation in their sin.
He entered their lives to bring truth and salvation.
The Christian should not use holiness as an excuse for indifference.
Separation from sin should make us more useful to sinners, not less concerned about them.
Heaven Rejoices When One Sinner Repents
Jesus said:
“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven
over one sinner that repenteth,
more than over ninety and nine just persons,
which need no repentance.”
— Luke 15:7, KJV
One sinner matters.
A large crowd is not required before heaven rejoices.
One person turning to God is precious.
This protects Christians from measuring evangelistic value only through numbers.
A conversation with one person matters.
A prayer for one person matters.
A faithful gospel explanation matters.
Do not despise one soul because you hoped to reach many.
Remember That You Also Needed Mercy
Concern for the lost should grow from humility.
Paul reminded believers:
“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,
serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy,
hateful, and hating one another.
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour
toward man appeared,
Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
but according to his mercy he saved us…”
— Titus 3:3–5, KJV
You were not saved because you were naturally wiser or better than everyone else.
You needed mercy.
Remembering your former blindness should restrain pride when speaking to people who are still blind.
You are not a superior person offering advice to an inferior person.
You are a sinner who received mercy pointing another sinner toward the same Saviour.
No One Is Beyond the Reach of Christ
Paul wrote:
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;
of whom I am chief.”
— 1 Timothy 1:15, KJV
Paul had persecuted Christians.
He had opposed the name of Jesus.
Yet Christ showed him mercy.
Therefore, do not decide too quickly that someone is beyond hope.
A person may appear:
hardened;
hostile;
deeply sinful;
religiously deceived;
or completely uninterested.
God alone knows what may occur when truth enters the heart.
Concern for souls refuses to pronounce a living person unreachable.
Christ’s Love Should Move Us
Paul writes:
“For the love of Christ constraineth us;
because we thus judge, that if one died for all,
then were all dead:
And that he died for all,
that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves,
but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:14–15, KJV
The love of Christ constrained Paul.
It pressed and governed him.
Christ had died and risen again.
Those who now lived through Him should no longer live only for themselves.
A life spent entirely upon personal comfort, possessions, entertainment, and advancement has forgotten the needs of people without Christ.
Concern for souls challenges self-centered living.
Believers Carry a Message of Reconciliation
Paul says God:
“hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;”
— 2 Corinthians 5:18, KJV
He later says:
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,
as though God did beseech you by us:
we pray you in Christ’s stead,
be ye reconciled to God.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:20, KJV
Only Jesus Christ saves.
Christians do not possess power to regenerate another person’s heart.
But God entrusts believers with the message of reconciliation.
An ambassador represents another ruler.
The Christian does not invent the message.
He carries the message of the King.
Lesson 62 will explain how to present that message clearly.
This lesson establishes why we must care enough to carry it.
Concern for Souls Is Not Only for Preachers
Some believers assume evangelism belongs mainly to:
pastors;
missionaries;
evangelists;
or unusually bold Christians.
God does give particular ministries and gifts.
But every Christian knows people whom a pastor may never meet.
Your life places you near:
family members;
neighbors;
coworkers;
customers;
patients;
classmates;
and friends.
You may be the Christian they observe most closely.
You may receive an opportunity another believer will never receive.
You do not need a pulpit before caring about a soul.
Concern Begins With Seeing
Jesus said:
“Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields;
for they are white already to harvest.”
— John 4:35, KJV
People often fail to care because they fail to see.
Daily life becomes occupied with:
work;
bills;
appointments;
entertainment;
projects;
and personal concerns.
Meanwhile, people nearby live without Christ.
Jesus commands His disciples to lift their eyes.
Look beyond the immediate task.
See the person serving your food.
The relative who avoids spiritual conversation.
The coworker carrying hidden grief.
The neighbor whose life appears successful but has no hope in Christ.
Concern grows when believers begin seeing people spiritually.
Paul Was Stirred by Spiritual Blindness
When Paul entered Athens:
“his spirit was stirred in him,
when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.”
— Acts 17:16, KJV
Paul did not admire the city’s religion as though every form of worship led to God.
He recognized idolatry.
But his concern led him to speak truth.
When you see false religion, unbelief, and moral confusion, do not respond only with criticism.
Let the condition stir you toward compassionate witness.
Care Must Become More Than Conversation
Christians may discuss the condition of the world for hours.
They speak about:
declining morality;
false religion;
cultural confusion;
and approaching judgment.
But discussion alone does not reach anyone.
Concern should move toward:
prayer;
holy living;
relationships;
readiness;
and gospel witness.
The later lessons in this series will develop each of these responsibilities.
The question now is whether the heart truly cares.
Paul Desired That Others Be Saved
Paul said:
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is,
that they might be saved.”
— Romans 10:1, KJV
Paul’s concern was personal.
It was:
“my heart’s desire.”
He did not merely believe evangelism was doctrinally correct.
He wanted people to be saved.
Ask yourself:
“Do I genuinely desire that people come to Christ?”
“Or do I mainly want to prove that I am right?”
A burden for souls includes truth, but it seeks salvation rather than victory over another person.
Concern Should Produce Compassion
Jude says:
“And of some have compassion, making a difference:”
— Jude 22, KJV
Different people may require different approaches.
Some need a patient explanation.
Some need a direct warning.
Some need their questions taken seriously.
Some need to see that a Christian can listen without compromising truth.
Compassion pays attention to the person rather than using the same careless words in every situation.
The gospel does not change.
The manner of presenting it may require wisdom.
Concern Is Not Manipulation
Caring about someone’s soul does not give you permission to pressure, deceive, exaggerate, or control him.
Do not:
manufacture a conversion;
force someone to repeat words he does not understand;
promise blessings God has not promised;
or use fear merely to produce an emotional response.
The goal is not a quick report that someone “made a decision.”
The goal is that the person understand the truth and genuinely turn to Jesus Christ.
Only God can save.
The believer must speak faithfully and leave the heart in God’s hands.
Concern Is Not Constant Argument
Some Christians treat nearly every conversation as a contest.
They interrupt.
Overwhelm the other person with information.
Refuse to listen.
And measure success by whether they silenced an objection.
Arguments may sometimes need to be answered.
Lesson 64 will teach that responsibility.
But concern for souls is not demonstrated by quarrelsome behavior.
A person is not a target to defeat.
He is someone who needs truth.
Concern Must Not Become Self-Righteousness
A burden for souls can be corrupted by spiritual pride.
A believer may begin viewing himself as the enlightened person surrounded by foolish people.
He speaks with contempt.
Mocks unbelievers.
And forgets the mercy that saved him.
True concern says:
“But for the grace of God, I would still be blind.”
Humility does not weaken the message.
It makes the messenger more consistent with it.
Concern Must Not Become Panic
The condition of the lost is urgent.
Life is brief.
No one is promised unlimited opportunity.
But urgency must remain governed by faith.
You cannot force open every heart.
You cannot speak to every person.
You cannot carry responsibility for results God has not given you.
Do not let concern become frantic self-condemnation.
Pray.
Watch.
Speak when God provides opportunity.
Live faithfully.
Trust God with what only He can do.
Lesson 70 will explain how to remain burdened without becoming discouraged.
Concern Must Include Those Closest to You
It may feel easier to care about distant strangers than about a difficult relative.
Family relationships carry history, fear, and emotional pressure.
You may worry that speaking about Christ will create tension.
Wisdom is necessary.
But do not become so focused on reaching unknown people that you ignore those God placed near you.
Your family needs:
prayer;
consistent Christian conduct;
patient love;
and the truth of the gospel.
Concern Must Extend Beyond People Like You
The gospel is not only for people who share your:
race;
culture;
political views;
income;
education;
personality;
or social background.
Jesus Christ commands the gospel to go to all nations.
A Christian should not decide that some category of people is less worthy of hearing.
Every person bears the need created by sin.
Every person needs the same Saviour.
Prejudice and evangelistic concern cannot live comfortably together.
Concern Must See Beyond Outward Success
A person may appear to have everything:
money;
health;
family;
education;
influence;
and confidence.
Do not assume he has no spiritual need.
The rich and respected can be just as lost as the poor and broken.
Outward success may hide:
fear;
emptiness;
guilt;
or deep uncertainty about death.
Do not judge spiritual condition by visible comfort.
Concern Must See Beyond Outward Ruin
Another person may appear to have destroyed his life.
He may be trapped in addiction, crime, sexual sin, anger, or despair.
Do not assume the gospel is too weak for him.
Christ came to save sinners.
The depth of the person’s sin does not exceed the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice.
Speak truth without minimizing consequences.
But do not remove hope.
You Cannot Care Properly While Hating People
A Christian may oppose sinful ideas while developing hatred toward the people who hold them.
That is dangerous.
You cannot meaningfully desire someone’s salvation while delighting in his destruction.
Ask God to correct your heart toward:
political opponents;
members of false religions;
hostile unbelievers;
and people whose sins deeply offend you.
They need truth.
They also need to see that the truth has produced something other than hatred within you.
A Burden for Souls Should Change Priorities
Concern for the lost affects how a believer uses:
time;
conversation;
resources;
relationships;
and opportunities.
It may lead you to:
learn how to explain the gospel;
support faithful gospel work;
invite someone to church;
share a biblical resource;
begin a conversation;
or make time for a person who has questions.
A burden that never affects any decision may exist mainly as religious language.
Begin With Specific People
A general statement such as:
“I care about everyone,”
can remain too vague to produce action.
Begin with names.
Who in your life may not know Christ?
Who has never heard you explain why you believe?
Who has asked spiritual questions?
Who is experiencing a circumstance that may open a conversation?
Write down specific names.
Bring specific people before God.
Watch for specific opportunities.
Your Responsibility Is Faithfulness, Not Conversion
You cannot save anyone.
You cannot open blinded eyes through human power.
You cannot force repentance.
Your responsibility is to:
care;
pray;
live faithfully;
speak truth;
and point people to Jesus Christ.
God gives the increase.
This protects the Christian from both pride and despair.
You cannot boast if someone believes.
You should not assume every rejection proves you failed.
The later lessons will address rejection and discouragement fully.
A Practical Concern-for-Souls Pattern
1. Remember Christ’s Mission
He came to seek and save the lost.
2. Remember Your Former Condition
You also needed mercy and truth.
3. See People as Souls
Look beyond appearance, usefulness, disagreement, and inconvenience.
4. Identify Specific People
Move from general concern to names.
5. Ask God for Compassion
Do not settle for cold duty or religious pride.
6. Pray for Their Salvation
Begin bringing them before God regularly.
7. Live Consistently Before Them
Do not let hypocrisy contradict the message.
8. Prepare to Explain the Gospel
Learn the message clearly rather than depending upon vague religious language.
9. Watch for Natural Opportunities
Listen, ask questions, and remain available.
10. Leave the Result With God
Be faithful without attempting to control the heart.
A Lost-Souls Examination
The people near me who may not know Christ are:
The reason I have avoided thinking seriously about their souls is:
The fear, indifference, irritation, or prejudice I need to confess is:
The person for whom I will begin praying consistently is:
The opportunity I should watch for is:
The area of the gospel I need to understand more clearly is:
Discipleship Questions
- What does Scripture mean when it describes a person without Christ as lost?
- How should Christ’s compassion toward spiritually scattered people shape the believer’s attitude?
- Why should remembering our own need for mercy prevent pride in evangelism?
- What is the difference between genuine concern for a person’s soul and attempting to manipulate that person into a religious response?
- Which specific person has God placed near you whose salvation you should begin caring about more deliberately?
Closing Exhortation
Care about lost souls.
Not merely as a doctrine.
Not merely as a church program.
Not merely as a subject for sermons.
See people.
Remember that they have souls.
Remember that gaining the whole world cannot compensate for losing one.
Remember that Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
Remember that you also needed mercy.
Do not despise people who are blind.
Do not approve the sin that is destroying them.
Do not reduce them to political enemies, social categories, or arguments to win.
Pray.
Live faithfully.
Prepare yourself.
Watch for opportunities.
Speak truth with compassion.
You cannot save anyone.
But you can point people toward the Saviour who can.
A Prayer for Concern for Lost Souls
Father,
Thank You for seeking me when I was lost and showing me mercy through Jesus Christ.
Forgive me for indifference toward people who remain without Him.
Forgive me for selfishness, fear, pride, prejudice, contempt, and spiritual laziness.
Teach me to see people as Jesus saw the multitudes.
Give me compassion for those who are spiritually scattered, blinded, deceived, or without hope.
Help me remember that I did not save myself.
I needed Your grace, Your truth, and the gospel.
Place specific people upon my heart.
Help me pray for them faithfully.
Let my conduct before them honor Jesus Christ rather than contradict the message.
Give me wisdom to listen, courage to speak, and humility to admit when I do not know an answer.
Keep me from manipulation, quarrelling, panic, and self-righteousness.
Teach me the gospel so clearly that I can point others faithfully toward Christ.
Open doors for truthful conversations.
Open blinded minds to the light of the glorious gospel.
Remind me that only Jesus Christ saves.
Use my life, words, prayers, resources, and opportunities for the salvation of others and the glory of Your name.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Next Step
Write the names of three people who may not know Jesus Christ:
Person 1:
Person 2:
Person 3:
For each person, identify:
What I know about his or her spiritual condition:
How I can begin praying:
What opportunity I should watch for:
Do not attempt to force a conversation.
Begin by seeing the person differently.
Pray.
Care.
Listen.
And prepare yourself to explain the gospel clearly when the opportunity comes.
Previous Lesson: Lesson 60 — How to Be Faithful When Others Are Not
Next Lesson: Lesson 62 — How to Share the Gospel Clearly