The Danger of Being Good

Series Review

2 preceding parables: Sheep (pet) and Coin (cell phone, keys)

2 preceding parables: Sheep (pet) and Coin (cell phone, keys)

We are that pet - loved so much that God focuses his attention on desperately looking for us

We are that coin - that item of value that God desperately seeks

3) The language gets stronger: we are that lost (or prodigal) son, who has made a regrettable decision, embarrased and humilated his family, brought harm upon himself, but God, because of his extravagant love, wants you back.

Last week’s focus: the son who left

Luke 15:21–22 NIV

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

Last week’s focus: the son who left

Issue: stories of pain: so much caused by others (e.g. toxic family member; theft, abuse; violence; deceit;

family is supposed to be a place to go; instead a place to avoid;

You’ve done right; kept your integrity, but the other person hasn’t, and they’ve damaged you (and family); even in church (at best v. at our worst)

ever been hurt by someone else’s mistake? rarely do our personal mistakes affect only us: they hurt others;

Today: the good son. faithful, hardworking, honoring his family;

Today: the good son. faithful, hardworking, honoring his family;

the son who made regrettable mistakes; the father who loves;

son’s reaction - the level of anger, not just a son leaving and not talking; humiliation, slap in the face, not caring about dad’s health

son’s reaction - the level of anger, not just a son leaving and not talking; humiliation, slap in the face, not caring about dad’s health

righteous son - good to be right before God, there’s danger in that; but there are three dangers, three mistakes we make:

Focusing on Our Own Righteousness

1. Focusing on Our Own Righteousness

All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. v.29

All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. v.29

preacher - not my sin, but preach on; I know one of their sins

Spiritual Concern for Our Offenders

But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’  v.32

I know what it is like to dwell on our offense (relive; feel the anger and resentment; - want them to experience the grace of God? I want you to experience the love of God; grow to be like Jesus

Celebrating Our Offender’s Blessings

But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ v.32

want retribution

2) lack of concern, not caring about the condition of one’s soul

I want you to grow

3) lack of celebration

why join the church - #1 reason the church, friendly, love, acceptance

why leave? - #1 reason the pastor; many opportunities for conflict; common reason - politics, conflict

concern for spiritual grown AND celebrate blessings;

exciting to be able to do this: you have experienced the grace of God