“This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth”. 1 Tim 2:3,4 NIV
Central to God’s mission on earth, the purpose for sending his son, Jesus, and the primary mission of the church, (believers), is the redemption and salvation of the lost. The foundation of God’s desire for the salvation of humanity is His profound love for man, whom He created in His very own image (Gen 1:27). John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”This scripture demonstrates how God’s love drives Him to provide salvation to humanity.
The condition of the unsaved man exposes him to the greatest threat mankind and the world might possibly encounter: an eternal torment and a permanent separation from God (2Thesselonians 1:9). Given the level of danger he faces, he is a top priority rescue target. The desperate spiritual state of the lost is a major reason we must pray for them.
The Spiritual State of the Lost Man
1. Separation from God
“But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.” Isaiah 59:2 ESV
The lost are separated from God because of sin. This separation creates a void that cannot be filled without reconciliation through Christ. The place that belongs to God in the heart of man cannot be substituted.
2. Spiritual Death
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked… by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” Ephesians 2:1-3 ESV
The unsaved person is described as spiritually dead. This inability to respond to God highlights the dire need for salvation.
3. Under Judgment
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” John 3:18 ESV
The lost are already judged and walking in condemnation due to their unbelief. This underscores the urgency of the gospel message.
4. Enslaved to Sin
“But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed.” Romans 6:17-18 ESV
Without Christ, individuals are enslaved to sin, further emphasizing their need for salvation.
The Mission of Jesus and the Church
Jesus Came to Save the Lost:
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 ESV
This verse encapsulates the primary mission of Jesus, which should also be the mission of the Church.
The Great Commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19-20 ESV
The Church is commanded to go out into the world to share the gospel, making disciples of all nations.
God’s Desire for All to be Saved:
“This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3-4 ESV
God’s will is for everyone to come to salvation, highlighting the universal scope of His mission.
4. The Role of the Church:
“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation… Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 ESV
The Church has been given the ministry of reconciliation, to act as God’s representatives on earth.
Prayer Points
1. Pray for Spiritual Awakening:
Ephesians 1:17-18 “…that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened.”
Prayer Point: Pray that the eyes of the lost would open to the truth of the gospel and their need for salvation and a saviour.
2. Pray for Conviction of Sin
John 16:8 “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.”
Prayer Point: Ask the Holy Spirit to convict the hearts of the unsaved, bringing them to repentance.
3. Pray for Laborers
Matthew 9:37-38 “Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’”
Prayer Point: Pray for more labourers, workers, missionaries, evangelists, preachers, churches and ministries with a heart for the lost that will rise up, evangelize and disciple the lost.
4. Pray for Open Hearts
Acts 16:14 “One who heard us was a woman named Lydia… The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.”
Prayer Point: Pray that the Lord would open the hearts of the unsaved to receive the message of salvation.
5. Pray for Salvation
Romans 10:14,15 “And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news”
Prayer Point: Pray for willing hearts that will freely support and sponsor the preaching of the gospel and give generously for the gospel, missions etc.
