LESSON 15: THE LOST WORLD

“What Is My Responsibility Toward The Lost World?”

The Bible clearly states that it is the responsibility of every Christian to win the lost to
Christ. However, it should be very obvious that not all Christians are winning souls. In fact, it
has been said that less than 5% of all Christians have ever led a soul to Christ.

The purpose of this lesson is to convince the Christian of his or her personal
responsibility to win souls, and to understand the principles involved in leading a soul to Christ.

I. What is Personal Soul Winning?

A personal message delivered by a person to a person. I Peter 3:15

A. The Message to be delivered:

The Gospel. I Corinthians 15:1-4

a. “Christ died for our sins”

b. “He was buried”
c. “He rose again”
d. “according to the scripture”

(I Corinthians 15:1-4) (Ephesians 1:12-13) (Romans 10:9-17)

1. The gospel delivered The gospel heard The gospel
heard 2. The gospel received The gospel believed Believe in
heart 3. The gospel saves They trust Christ They call upon
Him to save them

B. Not all responses will be positive.

Three responses in Acts 17:32-34

a. Some mocked
b. Some delayed
c. Some believed

II. What is the Foundation for Personal Soul Winning?

The Great Commission – Matthew 28:18-20

a. Win them
b. Baptize them
c. Train them (discipleship)
 The liberty you have in Jesus Christ gives you freedom to do what is right without the
constraints of the Old Testament law, as opposed to giving you license to sin or do what
you want.

Liberty is freedom:

A. To have a personal relationship with God and the ability to please Him.
Romans 5:1-2; 7:4

B. From eternal punishment and condemnation.

John 5:24; Romans 8:1

C. From the power of sin.

Romans 8:2; 6:14-15, 22-23

D. From the law as a means of gaining God’s favor.

Galatians 2:16; 3:24-25

The “law” = Old Testament laws, such as the 10 commandments.

Romans 7:7

II. What is the basis of my liberty?

My liberty has its foundation in the grace of God. Grace is God’s unmerited favor. We
can’t earn it, and we don’t deserve it, but God gives it to us anyway.

A. It is the opposite of works of human merit.

Romans 11:6

B. It was manifested in the gift of God’s Son to die on the cross for our sins. Liberty
from the penalty of sin.
Titus 2:11

C. Jesus came to display the grace of God in the changed lives of His people. Liberty
from the power of sin.
Titus 2:12-14

D. It is the basis of our salvation.

Titus 3:5; Ephesians 2:8-9

III. Liberty is contrary to legalism.

Legalism is a position which seeks to exalt self for what we have done, rather than glorify
God for what He has done. It does this by strictly adhering to a set of standards or code of
conduct. Legalism manifests itself in two basic ways:
 A. Their view of a relationship to God as based upon human merit and keeping the
law.
Galatians 3:1-3; 5:1-4

“fallen from the grace” means to be “driven off course” like a ship out of control. They
are seeking to be justified by legalism, rather than by grace. They are going the wrong
way.

B. Their view toward others.

A condemning attitude toward others because they feel others don’t quite measure
up to their personal standards.
Galatians 6:2-3, 14; Romans 12:3; 14:4

God hold us accountable for our own convictions, not the convictions of others.

IV. Liberty is not license.

Christian liberty is not a license to sin or to do whatever we want.

Galatians 5:13-16

Christian liberty is not:

A. Freedom to finding the flesh. (v. 13b)

B. Freedom to exploit others. (v. 13b)

Contrast with (v. 15), “bite” “devour” “consumed”

C. Freedom to disregard the needs of others. (v. 14)

Romans 10:13

The Holy Spirit is able to give us control over the flesh. (v. 16)

LIBERTY-----------------------LEGALISM-----------------------LICENSE
“ye have been “the yoke of “an occasion to
called unto liberty” bondage” the flesh”
(Galatians 5:13a) (Galatians 5:1)
(Galatians 5:13b)

The answer to legalism: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ
hath made us free, . . .”Galatians 5:1
The answer to license: “. . . Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the
lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16

V. Christian liberty is restrained by love.

Love restrains liberty when:

A. My liberty would hurt another Christian. Romans 14:1-3, 13-15; 15:1-2

 B. My liberty would hinder God’s work. Romans 14:16-20; I Thess. 5:22

C. My liberty would keep someone from being saved. I Corinthians 10:31-33

VI. What about questionable areas concerning my liberty?

Romans 14:22-23

From time to time, certain things may arise that you may question as to whether you
should be involved. In times like these, ask yourself some questions.

A. Am I being brought under the power of something that should not be controlling
my life?
I Corinthians 6:12

B. Am I edifying myself or others?

(Does is build up or tear down?)
I Corinthians 10:23

C. Can I ask God to bless it with clear conscience?

Acts 24:16

D. If the Lord returned at this moment, would I be ashamed?

I John 2:28

E. Could I witness to a lost person while I am doing this?

I Peter 3:15

VII. Basic Questions.

How do I achieve a balance between my liberties, my limitations, and other people’s

needs?

A. By walking in the light of God’s Word.

I John 1:7

B. Through the power of the Holy Spirit as you walk with Him.
II Corinthians 3:6, 17; Galatians 5:16

NOTE: Among many Christians today, the following attitudes prevail:

1. Once I am saved, I can live any way I want to.

2. There is a “set of rules” a Christian must live by in order to stay saved.
3. You are free to do whatever you want regardless of how it affects other people.

From the Bible principles taught in this lesson, you should understand that these beliefs are false,
and why.