Purpose 2012: Reaching Out
1. What comes to your mind when you think of begging?
-How many of us find the concept rather demeaning?
-Does it bring to your mind the pathetic looking person leaning against a wall hoping to be given enough money for the next meal?
-Is it hard for you to see that image without suspicion? Is it a scam? Will the money be spent on alcohol/drugs instead?
2. How does your emotional reaction change when you read of the father in Luke 9:37-43?
-What kind of circumstances can you imagine that would lead you to “beg” on behalf of your child?
-What could possibly keep you from pleading for your child if they circumstances became reality in their life? Could anything stand in your way?
3. The urgency felt by the rich man in Luke 16:27,28 (context Lk 16:19-31) is much more difficult to relate to.
-Have you ever wanted to insure that someone you loved could be spared suffering that you yourself were experiencing?
-Imagine the increase of passion if you knew there would be no end to that suffering… that it would continue as an unending state of existence.
4. Read over 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, noticing especially the “beg” in verse 20.
-When was the last time you felt the kind of urgency described in #2 and #3 about people who don’t know Jesus?
Spurgeon said it best: “If sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. And if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay. If Hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for.”
