Introduction

Sometimes we hear the question, “Did you drop something?” or once in awhile someone will say, “Did you lose something?” This morning, we are considering the second question, “Did you lose something?” Did you lose something and you don’t even realize it?

Turning through the pages of the Bible, we find that on occasion, someone lost something and needed to be reminded that they had lost it.

Body

I. The churches of Galatia had lost the blessedness they once had.

(Gal 4:15 KJV) Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

(Gal 4:15 NASB) Where then is that sense of blessing you had? For I bear you witness, that if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.

(Gal 4:15 NIV) What has happened to all your joy? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

A. A joy they once had had been lost because of Judaizing teachers.

B. Have we lost a joy and excitement that we once had?

II. The church at Ephesis had lost its first love.

(Rev 2:1-4 NKJV) "To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, 'These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: {2} "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; {3} "and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. {4} "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

A. How do we lose a first love?

1. The excitement and newness wears off.

2. Christ did not accept a missing first love as being okay.

B. How do we regain a first love?

(Rev 2:5 NKJV) "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place; unless you repent.

· Remember therefore from where you have fallen;

· repent

· and do the first works,

III. What have we lost?

A. A passionate concern for those who are lost.

1. It is all too easy to be wrapped up in our daily routine, and lose track of what really matters.

2. It is too easy to think that the judgment day is a long way off.

3. The Lord is holding up His return to give us time to seek and save those who are lost.

(2 Pet 3:7-9 NKJV) But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. {8} But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. {9} The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

B. An excitement about being a Christian.

1. David said he was excited about worshipping God.

(Psa 122:1 NKJV) I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the LORD."

2. In the midst of misery, Jeremiah could sing of God’s great faithfulness.

(Lam 3:21-23 NKJV) This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. {22} Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. {23} They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. Hymn #47

3. Have we forgotten the joy of our salvation?

David had lost his: (Psa 51:12 NKJV) "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit."

4. David had lost his because he had become deeply involved in sin.

C. An excitement about being a child of God with a blessed hope?

(Titus 2:11-13 NKJV) "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, {12} teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, {13} looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,"

D. Have we lost our closeness to God?

Recently, Julie Franklin sent me a picture of a little girl about Abby’s age. She was kneeling by her bed, and beside her are two of her dolls. I was so impressed by the story that this picture told that I put it on my website. In a single picture, I see the sweetness of this little girl. I know there are parents who taught her this. I know the little girl is impressed with this: she wants her dolls to share in this.

Have we lost the closeness to God?

Conclusion

I. Did you lose something?

II. Have you lost your way?

III. Are you living day by day with the joy of salvation?

IV. Is there something you need to make right in a public way?

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