Running Away

Introduction

Story of Jesus and the rich young ruler.

He left

Cain

King (Solomon’s son)

Judas

Text

Luke 15:11–13 ESV

11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.

Transition

Why do people leave God?

Doubt

Authority of God’s Word

Relevance of the Church

Explanations without God

Disappointment

Case for Christ - Magazine Cover

Allen and his mother-in-law

Shame

DUI - leave the church

Ashamed of the Gospel

Idolatry

Materialism, fame

Bordem

Seeking to be entertained rather than be transformed

Enticements

Persuasive people who deny the faith

Opposition

Persecution and unpopularity

Attraction of the World

Redefining right and wrong

What feels good, do it

Legalism and self reliance (false religion)

What happens when people leave God?

Luke 15:14–16 ESV

14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

Leaving God is costly.

Leaving God does not lead to a problem-free life.

Leaving God leads to losing dignity.

Leaving God is lonely.

Leaving God leads to a dead end.

The satisfaction of worldliness is unsustainable.

Conclusion

Isaiah 1:18 ESV

18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

1 John 1:9 ESV

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Luke 15:7 ESV

7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Main point: Some people drift from God, others run. Call it backsliding, rebellion, or apathy - it is an ever-present reality. But God continues to love, continues to seek, and continues to offer restoration. God does not give up!