Which Son Are You?

Which Son Are You?

Series: The Gospel Truth

Text: Luke 15: 11-31

Introduction: (What?)

Today we are doubling back in Luke 15 because in my study God opened my eyes to some truths I had not considered. Last message we saw how the Prodigal Son had an AHA moment. He became AWARE of his sin; he was HONEST about his condition and what he needed to do; he ACTED by returning (repenting) without any demands.

In this message we will dig into 3 reasons to repent and then look at one thing revealed by a lack of repentance.

1. You are precious in God’s sight.

Luke 15:20 “So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.”

There is a song titled “The Saviour is Waiting” that captures the picture that this verse shows. One stanza goes “If you’ll take one step toward the Saviour my friend, you’ll find his arms open wide. Receive Him and all of your darkness will end. Within your heart He’ll abide.”

Often you hear people talking about someone “finding God”. The truth is that most lost people are not seeking God. It is the exact opposite; God is seeking them. Jesus said, “I have come to seek and to save that which is lost.” John noted that God took the initiative. John 3:16 “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Paul reminded us in Romans 5:8 “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Also in John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

The parables of the Lost Coin and the Lost Sheep both showed that the woman and the shepherd were both pro-active in seeking what was lost. The reason? What was lost was precious to them. By the same token, every lost person on earth is precious in the sight of God our Heavenly Father. He never stops seeking the lost until the lost perishes without Christ. You are so precious in the sight of Heavenly Father that He devised a plan for His only begotten Son to pay the penalty that your sin deserves. God is always the initiator. The Good News is that if you ever have a desire to surrender to Christ it is because God has put it there because He loves you and wants you in the family.

2. Repentance brings joy to the heart of God and the church.

Luke 15:20–23 “So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast,”

Notice that the Father was watching for his son. It appears that this was something he did daily. On this particular day he recognized a familiar figure and gait. Joyfully he RAN toward the son while he was still a long way off. Normally we would think the Father would wait for the son to approach, and not make it easy for him because of his rebellion. Notice also that while the son was presenting the speech he had rehearsed, the father interrupted him by telling the servants to get the ball rolling for a welcome home party for his son. Not only that, he ordered new, fresh clothes and sandals and a ring that signified that he was part of the family.

That’s what happens when someone surrenders to Christ. The instant they make their initial move toward Jesus, God leaps into action, commands the angels to prepare the party, has them put the “robe of righteousness” on them and the ring that has inscribed on it “Mine”

Luke 15:10 “I tell you, in the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”” In the same way the church should make a big deal when anyone surrenders to Christ. It is time to join the heavenly party and CELEBRATE!

3. Repentance restores relationships.

Luke 15:24 “because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.”

Once the son came home, he did not have to earn his father’s approval or trust. He was restored immediately and completely. That doesn’t mean that he does not need to show his appreciation for being welcomed back into the family. He needs to take his place in the family by taking on the chores and responsibilities of his sonship. By the same token, the newly surrendered person needs to discover, develop and begin to use the spiritual gifts that God gave them when they were saved. Evangelist Vance Havner said, “Salvation is the end, but it is the FRONT end.”

Too often we fail as a church to let the new convert know what is expected (not by us, but by God) of those who are born again into His kingdom. We should get them into a SS class so that they can build relationships. We do assign a deacon to them who will maintain contact, minister to needs, and offer encouragement. We should get them to take a Spiritual Gifts survey so that they can begin to develop their gifts. Also we need to let them know of areas of service in the church where they can utilize those gifts. There will never be a more time when a person is more receptive to getting involved than when they first surrender to Christ. Remember, the invitation of Jesus to the first disciples was “Follow Me.” Inherent in that command is “follow my example and my teachings. Learn to do what I do so that you can also do those things.”

Although the relationship is restored, there is more involved in being a productive family member. For the one who is restored, their attitude should not be “what do I get out of this?” (or what will the church do for me?) Instead their attitude should be, as Paul said in Philippians 2:5– 8 “Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross.”

4. Lack of repentance reveals a sick heart

Luke 15:25–31 ““Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he summoned one of the servants, questioning what these things meant. ‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ “Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a goat so that I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’ “ ‘Son,’ he said to him, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.”

Finally we must give some attention to the son who remained at home, obediently fulfilling his role in the family. One would think that he would be happy when his brother came home, but his attitude was anything but happiness. He got mad. A lot of us here today would identify with him. We would say, “You are right to be upset.” But, as is always the case, an unforgiving spirit makes the heart grow colder and harder. Even though as the older son, he got the largest part of the inheritance, he still begrudged his repentant brother entrance back into the family. He wanted him to suffer for what he had done.

Jesus warned about anger in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:21–22 ““You have heard that it was said to our ancestors, Do not murder, and whoever murders will be subject to judgment. But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister, will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire.”

None of us gets a pass when our response to a new Christian is anger instead of rejoicing. When that happens it just shows that we have a hard heart that can only be healed by repentance and forgiveness.

Application: (How do you stand in relationship to Your Heavenly Father?)

Have you surrendered to Christ? You can do that today.

Have you harbored an attitude that is not Christ-like? Today is the best day you have to repent and be restored to the “joy of your salvation”.