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TITLE: Curiosity Killed the Cat (but it saved Zacchaeus)

TEXT: Luke 19:1-10

PROPOSITION: Curiosity is the first step toward salvation.

QUESTION: What?

KEY WORD: Steps

Introduction:

  1. Children sing song about Zacchaeus – wee little man

  2. Curiosity killed the cat – satisfaction brought it back

  3. Why did he climb the tree along the roadside?

  4. Curiosity brought salvation to him and his house.

 

He had heard some amazing things about Jesus

  1. Jesus' fame was spreading rapidly

  2. In every city there were crowds of people to see and hear him

  3. Many “stories” preceded Him

    1. Virgin birth

    2. Walked on water

    3. Healed blind, deaf, lame

    4. Raised the dead

    5. Water turned into wine

Many came to see this “curiosity” in their city

  1. Most of us came to Jesus on this level – just curious

  2. What is the fuss all about?

It is good to curious about spiritual things

  1. Acts 17:11 – searched the Scriptures to see if things taught were so

  2. Babies express wonder at everything they experience

  3. 2 – 4 year olds favorite word – WHY?

  4. No man becomes a fool until he stops asking questions.

  5. It is better to ask questions than to think we know all the answers.


STEPS TO SALVATION:

Curiosity leads to investigation

  1. Thomas – John 20:25

  2. Jesus does not want us to have doubts

  3. Investigate – learn – confirm – know for sure

Investigation leads to knowledge

  1. When confirmed and proven – we have knowledge

  2. Jesus is not LESS than we have heard – HE is MORE!

  3. Know whom you have believed.

Knowledge leads to Faith

  1. Some think faith is a “leap in the dark” - NO.

  2. Faith is based on our knowledge.

  3. Romans 10:17 – faith comes by hearing the Word of God

Faith leads to Obedience

  1. Jesus gave Zacchaeus two command – make haste, come down

  2. He obeyed both commands

  3. Zacchaeus was ready to do whatever Jesus commanded.

  4. Are you ready? Faith leads to obedience.

Obedience leads to Salvation

  1. Salvation comes to his house

  2. Salvation is for those who obey Jesus.

  3. Hebrews 5:8-9 “to all them that obey Him”



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