THE WAYWARD SON
Luke 15:11-24

October 25, 2005

Pastor William Underwood

A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly meaning. Luke 15 has three stories of lost things - a Lost Sheep; a Lost Coin; and a Lost Son. This story makes us think of the Son but Jesus intends us to think about the Father. He begins with, "There was a man who had two sons." GOD is the Father and WE are the lost Son. Let us look at ourselves in this story.

I - His Rebellion - "I want to be free!"
A- His Determination - "Give me my share"
1-He felt restricted and limited at home. 2-He resented parental control. 3-Life in the "far country" was more exciting. 4-He took all he owned and left for a "far country"
B- His Discovery - 3 things
1-New Cost - Sin is expensive. a-"A fool and his money are soon parted" 2-New Companions -Fair-weather friends are temporary. 3-New Conditions - poverty and famine - vs.14 a-He tried to help himself - vs. 15 b-He lost his self-esteem - vs. 16 c-"No one gave him anything" - vs. 16

II - His Recollections
A- His Memories - "He came to his senses" - vs. 17
1-Home life looked much better - but HOW do I go back?
B- His Misery - "I am starving to death!" - vs. 17b
1-His job was dirty and disgusting. 2-The longer he stayed the worse things became. 3-There is no help until we get desperate - we must act
C- His Meaning - "I will go to my Father" - vv. 18-19
1-He makes a sensible decision - "I will go back" 2-He admits his sinfulness - "I have sinned" - vs. 18 3-He admits unworthiness - "I am not worthy" - vs. 19a 4-"I will do anything -please take me back!" vs. 19b 5- He took action - "He got up and went back" - vs. 20

III - His Return
A- His Reception - vs.20b
1-How many mothers and fathers are pacing the floor and praying for the safe return of their wayward child? 2-"His father was full of compassion for him" -vs.20c 3-God has been waiting for YOU to come home! 4-God loves you more than you can ever know. 5-His Father hugged and kissed him!
B- His Repentance - vs. 21
1-"If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgitve us our sins ---" I Jn. 1:9 2- "I am not worthy" -"By grace you are saved" Eph. 2:8 3-Without God's love, mercy, and grace we are hopeless.
C- The Result
1-New Love - "My son" 2-New Life - "He was dead - now he is alive" - vs. 24 a-He was "Dead in trespasses and sin" - Eph. 2:1 b-"He was lost - now he is found" - vs. 24 c-Salvation - a new way of life d-Celebration - vs. 23 - "Angels in heaven rejoice" e-Satisfaction- "a Feast" - better than starving to death! f-Status - "SON"

Are you tired of living in sin? Why don't you come home to God today?