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Reforming – The path will change SERMON.pptx
- 1. REFORMIN G – THE PATH WILL CHANGE Luke 15: 11-32
- 2. THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON LUKE 15:11-30
- 4. HISTORY Who? A physician When ? Most scholars date the composition of the combined work to around 80–90 AD, although some others suggest 90–110. Where? Scholars speculate on whether the gospel was written in Antioch, which would have been a significant Hellenistic city, or in Asia Minor, in places like Ephesus or Smyrna.
- 5. WHY ?
- 6. THE MAIN THEME “JESUS’ LOVE”
- 9. CONTEXT
- 12. Chapter recap
- 13. PERSPECTIVE
- 15. SATAN’S WEAPONS AGAINST US ARE DECEPTION & DISCONTENT
- 16. Sometimes God will give us what we think we want for us to realize it’s not what HE intended for us at that time
- 18. Sometimes we have to let people go completely to have them back fully.
- 19. 1 CORINTHIANS 5:1-5 (AMP) 5 It is actually reported [everywhere] that there is sexual immorality among you, a kind of immorality that is condemned even among the [unbelieving] Gentiles: that someone [a]has [an intimate relationship with] his father’s wife. 2 And you are proud and arrogant! You should have mourned in shame so that the man who has done this [disgraceful] thing would be removed from your fellowship! 3 For I, though absent [from you] in body but present in spirit, have already passed judgment on him who has committed this [act], as if I were present. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I am with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to [b]hand over this man to Satan for the destruction of his body, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
- 21. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 (AMP) 13 No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy].
- 22. JAMES 5:16 (AMP) 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].
- 24. A child's rebellious decisions are not always a reflection of your parenting
- 27. THE REALIZATI ON 17 But when he [finally] came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough food, while I am dying here of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] treat me like one of your hired men.”’ Luke 15:17-19
- 29. THE RECEIPTIO N So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. Luke 15:20
- 30. GOD will ALWAYS respond to a heart of repentance no matter how far you’ve fallen
- 31. The father models how we are to receive those who show true and genuine repentance
- 32. THE RECEPTIO N “Now his older son was in the field; and when he returned and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he summoned one of the servants and began asking what this [celebration] meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ Luke 15:25-27
- 39. THE PATH IS NEW 31 The father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But it was fitting to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was [as good as] dead and has begun to live. He was lost and has been found.’” LUKE 15:31
Editor's Notes
- The prodigal could not return to the garden of innocence, but he was welcomed and reinstated as a son. The errant son's dramatic change from grief and guilt to forgiveness and restoration express in picture language the resurrection from the dead, a rebirth to new life from spiritual death. The parable also contrasts mercy and its opposite – unforgiveness. The father who had been wronged, was forgiving. But the eldest son, who had not been wronged, was unforgiving. His unforgiveness turns into contempt and pride. And his resentment leads to his isolation and estrangement from the community of forgiven sinners. In this parable Jesus gives a vivid picture of God and what God is like. God is truly kinder than us. He does not lose hope or give up when we stray. He rejoices in finding the lost and in welcoming them home.
- Matthew was written primarily for a Jewish audience, which is why it uses a lot of Old Testament references and Jewish lingo. Matthew knew his audience would understand the references. - Matthew includes more details like Jesus's genealogy and birth narrative because his Jewish audience cared about Jesus's origins and relatives. - Mark was written primarily for a Roman audience. That's why it's much shorter, has fewer parables, and no genealogy - things Romans wouldn't have cared about. Mark focuses on who Jesus was and what he could do. - Mark has a very short birth narrative because his Roman audience cared more about Jesus's actions than his family history. - John was written to a more general audience. - John aims at a broad audience rather than tailoring the message to a specific group.
- This book highlights Jesus' love for sinners, outcasts, and Gentiles more than all of the other gospels. So if you are somebody that's made a lot of mistakes in your life, you've messed up your life, you've jacked up your life, you've made bad decisions, then Luke's gospel is the one for you. Notice here that Luke's gospel is very unique because Luke, highlights certain groups. And so out of all the different stories that were floating around about Jesus and his interaction with people, Luke decided to choose, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to use some of the stories that highlighted Jesus' love for some of these groups that were considered outcasts.
- Here are bullet points for the 4 things to consider when reading a parable: Context - What was happening before and after the parable? What is the actual context you are looking at? Catalyst - What set Jesus off to tell this parable? What statement or event inspired or motivated him to tell this story? Characters - Who do the characters in the parable represent? What real groups of people do they stand for? It's your job to interpret this. Core Lesson - What is the biggest idea or takeaway God wants us to learn from the parable? What is the parable ultimately trying to teach us?
- Jesus hanging out with 4 different groups: Tax collectors: Hated for overcharging taxes for personal gain "Sinners": Prostitutes, criminals, sexually immoral - outcasts Pharisees: Strictly religious Jews who obeyed the law Teachers of the law/scribes: Interpreted and taught the OT law Tax collectors and sinners often came to listen to Jesus This upset Pharisees and teachers that Jesus associated with such sinful people "Rebellious" outcast groups attracted to Jesus "Religious" groups upset Jesus spends time with outcasts Pharisees saw themselves very righteous for obeying the law Scribes/teachers were experts in interpreting the OT law
- Jesus hanging out with 4 different groups: Tax collectors: Hated for overcharging taxes for personal gain "Sinners": Prostitutes, criminals, sexually immoral - outcasts Pharisees: Strictly religious Jews who obeyed the law Teachers of the law/scribes: Interpreted and taught the OT law Tax collectors and sinners often came to listen to Jesus This upset Pharisees and teachers that Jesus associated with such sinful people "Rebellious" outcast groups attracted to Jesus "Religious" groups upset Jesus spends time with outcasts Pharisees saw themselves very righteous for obeying the law Scribes/teachers were experts in interpreting the OT law
- Parables in Luke 15: - Parable of the Lost Sheep (verses 3-7) - A shepherd leaves 99 sheep to find 1 lost sheep - Jesus's message to religious leaders: - Good shepherds seek lost sheep - You should rejoice over "lost" people - Parable of the Lost Coin (verses 8-10) - Woman searches rigorously for a lost coin - Rejoices when she finds it - Jesus's message: - People rejoice over lost coins - Heaven rejoices even more over lost people The parables emphasize heaven's joy over those "lost" in sin, challenging the religious leaders' attitude.
- the two main character types in the parable that Christians identify with: Character Types: The Rebellious Represented by the prodigal/rebellious son The Religious Represented by the elder, obedient son Jesus sets up this dichotomy in the parable. As we unpack the parable, think about: Which character type you currently identify more with Which you've identified with more in your Christian life Most Christians relate to one of these two types Consider if you trend more toward the rebellious or religious mindset and characteristics.
- qualities about the rebellious son in the parable: Impatient Asked for his inheritance before his father died Went against custom of younger son receiving inheritance after older – NEVER HAPPENED Basically saying he wished his father was dead to get the money Wanted what he wanted immediately No concept of delayed gratification Not willing to give anything up now for later reward So a key quality highlighted is the rebellious son's impatience and demand for immediate reward/money while dishonoring his father.
- Satan's two greatest weapons against us are deception and discontentment Deception makes us think there must be something better out there than our current situation Discontentment makes us believe where we are now is not where God wants us to be Satan tempts us to think there is a better spouse, job, church, etc out there This deception and discontentment can lead us to move ahead of God's timing and plan for our lives In essence, Satan uses lies and fosters a feeling that what we have is not enough. He makes us buy into the notion that something better awaits, causing impatience, ingratitude, and rebellion against God's will. Staying rooted in truth and contentment counters these schemes.
- - The father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons and let the younger son leave - He did not fight or forbid his son from going - This shows sometimes God gives us what we earnestly ask for, even if it's not his timing - We often desperately beg God for certain things - spouse, kids, job, ministry role - We think we know better than God's timing and will - In response, God may let us have our way fully to teach us a lesson - He allows us to realize over time that what we demanded wasn't best for us after all - God knew better all along what we truly needed in that season So God may grant our impatient demands, not to indulge us but rather to steer us back to trusting his wisdom and timing through life experience.
- The next key point about the rebellious son: - Lacked accountability - After getting money, he went far away to a distant land - Wanted to get away from family/servants monitoring his life - Did not want anyone holding him accountable in how he lived - Many people today do the same thing - Don't want others asking hard questions about their choices - Don't want accountability about internet use, love in relationships, finances - Want to live life independently without anyone's input - Results in trying to be a "Lone Ranger Christian" without community or accountability So the rebellious son rejected accountability by isolating himself with his money and choices. This describes many Christians today who shun accountability about various areas of their lives.
- - The father released his son completely rather than trying to control or stop him - Sometimes we need to let people fully go in order to get them back fully - We often try to hold on too tightly to people to control the situation - Instead we need to release them and trust them to God - Trying to control or play the Holy Spirit usually backfires - Letting people have space allows God to work on their hearts - The father's total release of his son paved the way for reconciliation So an important lesson is that completely letting go of our grip on others is often necessary if we want to see their hearts change and reconcile fully in the end.
- Here is a summary of the key benefits of accountability: 1. Reminds you that you are not alone. It helps with not feeling isolated in your struggles, since others share similar issues. Takes away secrecy and shame that the enemy tries to burden us with. 2. We perform better when we know someone will ask hard questions of us. Accountability helps motivate and keep us on track since we know we'll be pressed about our choices. 3. Exposes our blind spots. Others see issues in our lives that we can't or won't see. They identify areas of pride, lack of love, and unhealthy patterns that we are oblivious or in denial about. Proverbs 14:12 says, there is a way that seems right to a man, but the end leads to destruction. In summary, accountability helps eliminate isolation, improves performance, and opens our eyes to problem areas we are unaware of or unwilling to acknowledge ourselves. We all need it!
- Third point key point about the rebellious son: - He wasted his money and time on wild, worldly living - Once he got the inheritance, he engaged in wild living - Spent it all indulging the pleasures of the world - Many Christians today do the same - Live for the temporal pleasures of the world - Clubbing, partying, sleeping around, doing drugs, pornography - Wasting time and resources on worldly pursuits - The Bible says friendship with the world is hostility toward God James 4:4-8 - Can't be worldly and have an intimate relationship with God - Lesson for parents: - The son was able to waste his life away - Sets the importance of not just giving money/resources alone So a key sign of a rebellious life is squandering what God gives us on shallow worldly pleasures instead of honoring Him. Our life can be wasted away if we allow it.
- - Many parents feel guilty when their kids go astray, thinking: - If only I had taken them to church more - If only I had taught them more Bible - If only I had gotten them into youth group - But this father likely did the best he could raising both sons - Yet one still went completely astray - So don't burden yourself with guilt if your kids rebel - It may not be the result of your parenting decisions - Kids have their own free will that is beyond parents' control The rebellious child's choices are ultimately their own responsibility. Though good parenting is important, sometimes kids rebel despite the best efforts.
- The fourth point about the rebellious son: - The rebellious son was empty inside despite trying to find fulfilment through worldly pleasures. He ended up feeding pigs and desiring their food, showing how unfulfilled he still was. - Rebellion and sin will take you further than you intend to go and cost you more than you intend to pay. The son's rebellion led him to a very low point. - Things can fill you temporarily but not fulfil you ultimately. Only a life of purpose in Christ can genuinely fulfil you. - The rebellious son serves as a cautionary tale about the emptiness of a selfish, indulgent life apart from God. His story underscores the importance of living for God's purposes, not our own fleeting pleasures.
- - The rebellious son finally comes to his senses and realizes even his father's hired servants have food while he is starving feeding pigs. - He decides to return home to his father and repent, admitting "I have sinned against heaven and you." - In his repentance, the son realizes he is no longer worthy to be called his father's son. - He plans to ask his father to let him return as a servant, as he knows he has lost the right to be treated as a son. - The son's repentance shows he understands the error of his rebellion and wants restoration, even if only as a servant, in his father's household. - His humility in asking for servant status reveals his understanding of the gravity of his rebellion against both his father and God. - Overall, the passage depicts the beginning of the son's true repentance and desire for reconciliation with his father, despite knowing he forfeited his rights as a son.
- - Before someone can reconcile with another, they must first "come to themselves" and realize the error of their ways. - The prodigal son came to his senses before deciding to return to his father. He realized his rebellion had led him to a low point. - Often in relationships, people try to change others before the other person has self-realization. This usually backfires. - We cannot play the role of the Holy Spirit - people must have their own moment of internal realization and repentance first. (GOD WHO CALLS) - The prodigal son illustrates that reconciliation requires self-reflection and a change of heart. People need space for this process to happen before reconciliation can occur. - It's important in relationships to allow people room for self-reflection rather than trying to force change. Internal motivation is more powerful than external pressure.
- to notice just how the father receives his son. He does several things for him. It says, while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming, which lets me know that regardless of where you are, it says he's a long way off. Some of you watching this video right now, you feel like you are a long way off. You feel like you are so far away from God. You feel like you've done some things that you are so ashamed of that you can't share with anybody else and you've been distant from God, just like this young man was distant from his father, right? And you're so embarrassed about it that you just can't seem to share with anyone. And you think that even God won't receive you. But notice how the father receives him. He says, the father is filled with love, number one, filled with compassion, number two, he ran to his son, number three, he embraced his son, number four, he kissed his son, number five, and then he says, bring out the finest robe in the house, number six, and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger, number seven, put sandals on his feet, number eight, and then kill the fattened calf, the best calf that we have, the calf that we've been waiting to eat for all this time. Go and slay that one and we're gonna eat. Number eight, celebrate with a feast, and number nine, let's throw a party. My friend, this is how God feels about you whenever you repent. He's not trying to bring up things from your past. He's not trying to make you feel worse than you already feel about your own particular sin. He is saying, hey, you know what? I welcome you in. I welcome you back. Listen, God will always respond to a heart of repentance no matter how far you have fallen. I
- - God will always respond to sincere repentance, no matter how far we have fallen. - Some feel they have gone too far or done unforgivable things. But it's never too late to turn back to God. - Others feel they should just continue in sin since they already angered God. But repentance always brings blessing. - There can be a temptation to think our situation is hopeless. But God's grace knows no bounds. - No matter how far down any path we've gone, there is always hope in repenting and returning to God. - Repentance always restores our relationship with God, who rejoices over our restored relationship. - We must trust that God eagerly awaits our repentance, no matter our sins. He seeks to restore us as His children. - We can have complete assurance in God's unconditional grace through sincere repentance.
- about receiving those who repented , for us as Christians, leaders - We should emulate the father's reaction to genuine, sincere repentance. - The father did not shame, isolate, or make the son beg - he embraced him. - When people genuinely repent, we shouldn't dredge up their past sins. - Nor should we make them earn their way back or grovel for our forgiveness. - The father interrupted the son's rehearsed apology - repentance was enough. - We should be quick to forgive, not force elaborate shows of repentance. - The key is responding to authentic change, not superficial shows. - True repentance just requires joy and grace to restore the relationship. - We shouldn't hold grudges or continue to punish - restoration should be complete. - The parable models instant, unconditional forgiveness of the sincerely repentant.
- points about the religious son: - The religious son believed working earned him more favor and rewards from his father. - He resents his brother being welcomed back despite his own years of faithful work. - This represents people who feel they earn God's love by following religious rules and doing good works. - They can judge others who don't follow the same rules or have seasons of rebellion. - Thinking we earn salvation through works is as faulty as open rebellion against God. - It's a rejection of God's free grace to try to work our way into salvation. - No amount of religious works can earn us salvation - it's only through Christ's sacrifice. - Looking down on repentant sinners because we are religious misses the heart of the father. - The parable reminds us our works don't merit salvation - it's a free gift to the humble. - Trying to earn God's favor through performance is as empty as the rebellious path.
- The second points about the religious son feeling he deserved more: - The religious son felt entitled to greater rewards because of his years of obedient service and work. - He resented his squandering brother being welcomed back with open arms. - He thought his obedience and service made him deserving of higher honor than his brother. - This represents people who feel their religious devotion merits rewards from God. - They can feel superior to new believers or those with seasons of rebellion. - But God's grace is not earned by our good works or obedience. It's a free gift. - Thinking our obedience makes us more deserving than others goes against God's lavish grace. - Our righteousness comes only from Christ, not our own religious efforts. - Like the laborers in the vineyard, God graciously rewards whom He chooses. - We must avoid feeling superior or more deserving because of our good works.
- Here's a summary of the points about the religious son not celebrating others' blessings: - The religious son couldn't celebrate his brother's blessing of being welcomed home. - He was resentful because he felt the honor should have gone to him instead. - This represents failing to celebrate when God blesses others, especially those we think are less deserving. - It takes spiritual maturity to celebrate others' blessings when we desire the same blessings. - Examples include infertility while friends get pregnant, and singleness while others marry. Prosperity ( wealth , job, so forth) - Also ministry growth for others when we desire the same growth. - The religious are tempted to resent "less deserving" people's blessings from God. - But we are called to share in the father's joy when anyone repents and is restored. - Failing to celebrate God's grace to others reveals spiritual immaturity and pride in ourselves. - The parable reminds us to share the father's heart, rejoicing when anyone returns to Him. - We must celebrate even if we think we are more deserving of those blessings.
- Fourth point blind to his own sin: - The religious son claimed he never once disobeyed his father, showing blindness to his own sin. - Religious people often don't see their own sins because they focus on avoiding external sins. - They feel righteous by not doing "obvious" sins like partying or sleeping around. - But they can overlook inner sins like pride, envy, lust, greed, self-righteousness. - Outward religiosity doesn't equal inner purity. Obeying rules doesn't mean a changed heart. - Like the son, religious people claim perfection but are blind to inner sins. - Looking down on outward sinners can betray inward corruption. - We all have sin that needs confessing, whether outward or inward. - No one is righteous on their own - our holiness comes from Christ in us. - The parable warns against self-righteousness and minimizing our own need for repentance. - We must examine our hearts, not just check off external boxes of obedience. MAT 7"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
- Final point religious son being judgmental: - The older son judged his brother as worthless for squandering money on prostitutes. - Religious people often judge those who commit "worse" sins than their own. - They feel superior by looking down on those with different outward struggles. - An example is heterosexuals judging those with same-sex attraction. - They see that as worse than their own sexual sins like premarital sex. - But we all struggle with sin, even if the type differs. - Looking down on others' sins exposes our own spiritual pride. - Thinking some sins are unforgivable contradicts God's grace. - The father doesn't judge the prodigal son, but welcomes him. - The parable warns against ranking sins and feeling superior. - All sin separates us from God apart from Christ. - Our self-righteous judgment of others misses our own need for grace. - We must humbly acknowledge our struggles and extend grace.
- Here's a summary of the key differences between the rebellious and religious sons: - Rebellious sin is visible, religious sin is invisible. - Rebellious break rules, religious focus on keeping rules. - Rebellious take advantage of grace, religious try to earn salvation by works. - Rebellious are aware of their sin, and religious are unaware due to self-righteousness. - Rebellious sins are like stones - obvious and visible. Religious sins are like sand - small and hidden. - New believers see "stone" sins clearly. Growing believers see "sand" sins as God reveals more. - Rebellious know they need grace. Religious think they don't need much grace. - Rebellious sins are outward lifestyle choices. Religious sins are inward attitudes. - Key is to avoid both extremes: rebelling against God or self-righteousness. - Need to humbly acknowledge sin and need for grace, without defining self by sin. - Parable reminds us of universal need for repentance and dangers of self-righteousness. - Calls all to admit their failures and trust God's grace, not religious achievement.