PROBLEMS OF THE PRODICAL
Our Lord gave three parables concerning lost things:
The lost sheep…..Stupidity (sheep are dumb)
The lost coin………Carelessness
The lost son……….Deliberate self-centered pride
It’s interesting that all were restored.
Looking at the lost son … Note that both boys were members of the same family. Both were given their portion. Put yourself in the traditions of the time. Now let’s look at the younger son:
SEVEN STEPS DOWN
15:12 SELF WILL He wanted to do his own thing (today he’d be called “a free spirit”.
He was a non-conformist, he rejected the good things, he decided he knew best.
He wasn’t about to be molded (Self Will in young usually leads to sin)
SINS OF YOUTH
Jeremiah 3:25 Shame and remorse
Psalm 25:7 Bitter memories
Job 20:11 Disease and death
15:13 SELFISHNESS Total disregard for others (What about his fathers dreams)
What about his brothers plans? 2nd step away from God – All About Me!
SEPERATION I’ll do as I please! I’ll move out. Away from authority.
Why do we think we can run away? (Remember Jonah? He tried it.) When God has His hand on you, where are you gonna hide? (Christians in sin try to hide from God).
SENSUALITY Please self. Nothing around to stop me from doing what I want!
Remember Sins of Youth. There is a price to pay … and it will be paid. These steps (sins, problems) can only lead in one direction – DOWN. Down takes us to the next step:
15:14 SPIRITUAL DESTITUTION Moral Poverty! What was the cause?
Self Will, Selfishness, Separation, Sensuality… The young man knew what was best for Him:
He didn’t want to work at home. Proverbs 19:15, 20:4
He had a love of pleasure. Proverbs 21:17
He had a love for drinking and gluttony. Proverbs 23:21
He ran with the wrong crowd. Proverbs 28:19
The troubles sin brings us into. Out of God’s will, no fellowship, it’s time to turn back, admit failure…WRONG!
15:15 SELF ABASEMENT I’ll do it myself! I’ll pay my own way. He sells himself into slavery.
How many young people today do the same thing!
Proverbs 26:11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
Yes, our young man is a fool, and so are believers who refuse God’s forgiveness.
All these steps lead to the final problem:
15:16 STARVATION Yes, he was hungry, for food and fellowship. But the husks of this world are deceitful (not filling), like ashes (dry), unsatisfying (tasteless), perishable (don’t last).
When you reach this place, no one cares. Friendless.
The Believer, out of God’s will soon finds himself in this same state.
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