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Father Of The Prodigal Son Luke 15.11-32 Introduction:
Everyone has a father. We celebrate “Father’s Day” for the job they either
have done, are doing, or will do in the future. I have heard it said that one
gets their concept of God from their father. In that vein we want to study one
of the fathers in the Bible that is often over looked. That is the father of the
prodigal son. Keep in mind why this parable is given, Luke 15.2 I)
The Father A)
Had great wealth 1.
Those in his household had plenty of food, shelter and clothing. That is what
the wayward son later on remembered and it drew him back to his father. Vv.
17-19 2.
He wealth was not diminished by what he gave to his sons. B)
He was willing to share with his sons. V. 12 1.
The young son asked for his portion of the inheritance. 2.
The father also gave the older son his portion of the inheritance. 3.
One son’s blessings did not determine what the other received. C)
He saw his youngest son leave in rebellion, v 13 1.
The youngest son went to a far away country, and wasted his goods. 2.
The oldest son remained at home and was working but we see his attitude was
wrong. V. 25ff D)
He rejoiced to see the younger son return, v20 1.
Saw his son a far distance off; perhaps he was watching and hoping for his
son’s return. 2.
No parent wants to see their children suffer; sometimes it is the suffering that
brings about repentance. V. 15-16 3.
As part of the rejoicing the father receives his son, kills the fatted calf,
puts a robe and ring on the son, and wants others to celebrate. Vv. 22-24 4.
Brother Ken Green described the joy he and his wife had when their daughter
returned home. E)
The father saw his oldest son reject the son and therefore reject the father, v
26ff 1.
Did not talk about his brother but “your son” 2.
Refused to rejoice or enter the house. He was harboring a grudge and remained
outside the house. II)_Our
Father A)
Has blessed us 1.
Provides us with food, shelter, and clothing, Acts
14.17 2.
He blesses Christians and non-Christians alike, 1
John 5.11-12 3.
He provides His children with every spiritual blessing, Ephesians 1.3 B)
He is willing share, Jesus tasted death for everyone, Titus 2.11 1.
Jews saw people as worthy and unworthy.
Luke 15.2 2.
They had been serving God for a long time and view the gentiles as being
unworthy of life. 3.
Your blessings do not diminish mine and vice versa. C)
God saw the gentiles drift into sin (Romans 1) and the Jews harden their hearts,
Romans 2.17ff 1.
Gentiles worshipped idols and the Jews worshipped themselves. 2.
Man has often drifted away from God.
Ezekiel 18.20 3.
This is an argument against once saved always saved. 4.
We need to remember this when a young person becomes unfaithful. D)
God rejoices when we repent, Luke 15 is about the lost, 2 Peter 3.9 1.
Lost coin, lost sheep, and lost son(s). 2.
We should rejoice when we hear of salvation. Acts
3.19 3.
We should rejoice when others are being saved. E)
God sees the outward and inward rebellion 1.
Some are openly rebellious such as the younger son. 2.
Some are inwardly rebellious such as the older son. 3.
We need to be careful of being the son that worships God and does the right
things but inside we are corrupt. Conclusion:
Thankfully we have a Father in heaven that disciplines us and corrects us so we
can go to heaven. |