The phrase Lost and Found could be taken in a few different ways:

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1 Subject: Discipleship Title: Lost and Found Text: Matthew 10:28-39 The Text: Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. Introduction Introduction The phrase Lost and Found could be taken in a few different ways: * When one reads a sign or banner that says Lost and Found, we immediately think of a designated depository for items that have been misplaced or left behind. * In the context of a church setting, one may think of the Lost defined as those without Christ as their Savior and their personal need to be found or saved. (Explain the Gospel). * Maybe you are a fan of Bluegrass music, and consequently a fan of The Lost and Found Band - They will be at Musselman High School in Bunker Hill, West Virginia, April 29. * Maybe you are thinking of Ellie Goulding s song Lost and Found published October

2 What I am speaking of is a statement that Jesus made several times and is recorded in all four of His Gospels. What Jesus is speaking of is losing something to ultimately find it! What does He mean by this? The true disciple of Christ lives is a paradox, a seemingly contradictory position. He can only find life by losing it, and he can only live by dying. Resurrection life can only come by taking up your cross and following Jesus. * This is the essence of Galatians 2:20, I am crucifi ed with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the fl esh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. * This is the essence of Paul s statement, I die daily (I Corinthians 15:31). * This is the essence of II Corinthians 5:14, The Bible sets a high standard for the disciple, For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead. What we read here in Matthew 10 is not a good recruitment piece of literature: * sheep amidst wolves (16) * when they persecute you (23) * fear them which kill the soul (28) * a sword (34) * foes of your own household (36) THAT BIBLE SETS THE BAR HIGH: Matthew 6:33 But seek ye fi rst the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. II Corinthians 5:15 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. Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Look at Matthew 10:38-39, And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that fi ndeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall fi nd it. This is a familiar statement: a statement like this occurs six times in the N. T. * The importance of anything said once! 2

3 * I challenge you to find something said six times! 1. Matthew 10:39 2. Matthew 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24 3. Luke 17:33 4. John 12:25 Matthew 16, Mark 8 and Luke 9 are three reports of the same event, however, Jesus said this on four different occasions. He that loves his life shall lose it (Explain). Losing your life - One of the greatest promises in the Word of God! * Christ is more valuable than your family. * Christ is more important than your own personal wishes and desires. * Christ is more important than life as it has been lived including places, things, people, etc. * Christ is more important than your life. James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. * Die to self, arise to Christ. The bar is set high. This is all about establishing priorities. Our walk is our attempt, by God s grace, to achieve commitment, worthy commitment. Christ has designed us for losing our lives to find life in Christ. I take this to mean that meaning, purpose, satisfaction and fulfillment are found in the abandonment of self and the embracing of Jesus purpose for our lives! This is a decision that we must make - often. Matthew 6:33 - My testimony. Salvation / Circle 7 / Liberty Thomas Road Conference 3

4 1. Matthew 10:39 Matthew 10:16 to the end is only found in Matthew. Jesus addresses and warns His disciples at their commissioning. - sheep in the midst of wolves (16) - brother shall deliver up brother (21) - persecute (23) - fear them which can kill the soul (28) - sword (34) - man s foe - his own household (36) - cross (38) Your relationship with Christ is worth more than any human relationship - in spite of the obstacles you will certainly face. 2. Matthew 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24 * Not found in John * Found in the synoptic Gospels * Followship = come after me - deny self * Cross = self denial and following Christ (Matthew 16:24) * For the Gospel s sake (Mark 8:35) * For what shall it profit a man? (Matthew 16:26) * Followship + come after me + deny self - your cross = salvation saving of the soul. Come after me here implies SALVATION 3. Luke 17:33 * Only found in Luke s Gospel * Remember Lot s wife (v.32) * Luke 13:10-18:14 - only found in Luke * Lot s wife hesitated to follow orders. She was tempted to turn back. She was turned to a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:17, 26), Look not behind thee neither stay in the plain. * Losing your life - willingness to leave behind your old life with the Divine promise of a new one! * Losing your life is a constant and daily decision. 4. John 12:25 * Only found in John. * Except a corn of wheat die (v.24) - if it dies it bringeth forth much fruit. * If any man serve me, let him follow me (26). * I am crucifi ed with Christ... (Galatians 2:20). * I die daily (I Corinthians 15:31). * Death to self will produce fruit that will abound. 4

5 * One grain of corn can produce up to 2,000 new ones. * Lose your life so that many others will gain theirs. * Christ died so that we might live. * Die to self that others may live. Relationships / Salvation / Old Life / Die to Bear Fruit Invitation Losing your life - daily decision - Repent and believe. - Seek first - Set your affection - Love God, Love People, Serve Others, Tell Everyone - Serve - Give - Pray - Support (your partner, fellow helpers) Encourage your children: - Know what they believe & why. - Belong - Cause - Hope 5