Seeking the Lost

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Seeking the Lost

A Sermon based on the hymn by William A. Ogden

Introduction

“Seeking the Lost” is a hymn that brings to life the urgent mission of evangelism. Written by William A. Ogden, this stirring song echoes the heart of Jesus, who said in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Every Christian is called to imitate Christ in this mission—to seek the wandering, to share the message of salvation, and to rejoice when souls come home.

This hymn reminds us of the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to find the one (Luke 15:4–7). It reminds us that our duty is not confined to the church building but reaches into “paths that are drear” and “wanderers on the mountain astray.” The gospel is for all, and the fields are white for harvest (John 4:35).

Through vivid imagery and joyful assurance, “Seeking the Lost” compels us to action. It teaches us that the work of soul-saving is not only Christ’s—it's ours, too. Let us walk through each stanza and renew our commitment to the great commission.

Stanza 1

“Seeking the lost—yes, kindly entreating
Wanderers on the mountain astray;
Come unto Me, His message repeating,
Words of the Master speaking today.”

The first stanza places us squarely in the mission field. Like Jesus, we’re to “kindly entreat” those who’ve wandered far. Galatians 6:1 says to restore such a one “in a spirit of gentleness.” We are not to judge from afar—we are to go and speak the same loving call Jesus gave: “Come unto Me” (Matthew 11:28). His message is timeless and urgent.

Stanza 2

“Seeking the lost and pointing to Jesus,
Souls that are weak and hearts that are sore;
Leading them forth in ways of salvation,
Showing the path to life evermore.”

Here the evangelist’s role becomes clearer. We do not merely seek—we point. We lead. We show. Like Philip with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:35), we must open our mouths and teach Jesus. Many are hurting, broken, and searching. Romans 10:14 asks, “How shall they hear without a preacher?” The path of life (Psalm 16:11) must be made visible through our words and walk.

Stanza 3

“Thus I would go on missions of mercy,
Following Christ from day unto day,
Cheering the faint and raising the fallen,
Pointing the lost to Jesus the way.”

This final stanza is a declaration of lifestyle. It’s not a one-time event but a daily walk—“following Christ from day unto day.” Jesus’ life was filled with mercy (Matthew 9:36), and ours must be too. We encourage the fainthearted (1 Thessalonians 5:14), lift up the broken, and always remember John 14:6—He is the way. If we love Him, we’ll show others the path to Him.

Chorus

“Going afar upon the mountain,
Bringing the wand’rer back again,
Into the fold of my Redeemer,
Jesus the Lamb for sinners slain.”

The chorus captures the shepherd’s heart. Jesus left heaven to go “afar” for us. Now we go “afar” for others. The goal is restoration—bringing wanderers back to the “fold” (John 10:16). The Redeemer’s blood was shed not for the righteous, but for sinners (Romans 5:8). Our mission is to lead the lost back to the Lamb.

Seeking the Lost Sermon Outline:

Introduction

• Author: William A. Ogden

• Theme: Evangelism and compassionate outreach

• Key Verse: Luke 19:10 – “The Son of Man has come to seek and save the lost.”

Stanza 1 – Kind Invitation Like Christ’s

• Luke 15:4–7 – The parable of the lost sheep

• Matthew 11:28 – “Come unto Me…”

• Galatians 6:1 – Restore in gentleness

Stanza 2 – Teaching and Leading to Salvation

• Acts 8:35 – Philip preached Jesus

• Romans 10:14 – “How shall they hear?”

• Psalm 16:11 – The path of life

Stanza 3 – A Life of Mercy and Discipleship

• Matthew 9:36 – Christ had compassion

• 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Encourage the fainthearted

• John 14:6 – Jesus is the way

Chorus – Seeking and Restoring the Wandering Soul

• John 10:16 – One fold, one Shepherd

• Romans 5:8 – Christ died for the ungodly

• James 5:19–20 – Turning a sinner from error

Call to Action

Are you actively seeking the lost? Have you obeyed the gospel yourself? Jesus gave His life so the lost could be found. If you’ve not yet come into the fold, now is the time. Believe in Christ (John 8:24), repent of your sins (Acts 2:38), confess His name (Romans 10:10), and be baptized for the remission of sins. Then go—go and seek the lost.

Scripture Reference List

• Luke 19:10 – Jesus seeks and saves the lost

• Luke 15:4–7 – Joy over one sinner who repents

• Matthew 11:28 – “Come to Me” for rest

• Galatians 6:1 – Restore the fallen gently

• Acts 8:35 – Preaching Jesus

• Romans 10:14 – How can they believe unless they hear?

• Psalm 16:11 – The path of life

• Matthew 9:36 – Jesus had compassion on the crowds

• 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Encourage and help the weak

• John 14:6 – Jesus is the only way

• John 10:16 – One flock, one Shepherd

• Romans 5:8 – Christ died for sinners

• James 5:19–20 – Turning back the sinner saves a soul

Song History

“Seeking the Lost” was written by William A. Ogden, a gifted composer and choir leader in the 19th century. Ogden wrote many hymns centered on Christian service and hope. This hymn was especially embraced by churches of Christ for its faithful call to evangelism. Rooted in scripture and vibrant in tone, “Seeking the Lost” has been sung for generations to stir hearts toward fulfilling the great commission. Its rhythm, harmony, and theme still move Christians to reach out and bring souls to Christ.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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