THE PRODIGAL-Finding Home
Luke 15:11-32
Pastor Trevor
I. INTRODUCTION (THE WORLD - Worldly/Church challenges)
A. Falling Away from the Faith
- feel hurt by God and/or religion (including the church)
- desire to live “free” without restraints, leave the faith of the family
- too shameful to return, feel unworthy of God’s forgiveness
II. BIBLICAL CONTEXT (THE WORD - God’s address to such challenges)
A. Father Loses Two Sons
- one stayed (inward sin) – resentful, unforgiving
- one strayed (outward sin) – rebellious, unloving
B. Come Back Home to the Father’s Love & Grace
- reflection to one’s condition (why am I in this state)
- repentance (change of mind-attitude-perspective for reconciliation)
- receive the Father’s forgiveness who rejoices over your return
- restoration into the Father’s family (God’s Family)
C. Implications/Applications
- love and pray for our prodigals
- be warned of judgment when God welcomes prodigals
III. REFLECTION (THE WAY – our response as guided by God)
- Write down/discuss what stood out to you from today’s message.
- Who do you most relate with in this parable? What do you believe Jesus is making specifically known to you? Will you now respond?
- Pray for those you know are struggling or have walked away from their faith in the Lord (pray Ephesians 1:8 over them).
- Will you be ready to rejoice or will you judge when the prodigal returns home? Pray for God to open your heart to rejoice.