Scripture: Luke 15:11-32

1. The Self-Centred Younger Son (vv.11-19)

A. His Attitude: "Give Me, Give Me" (v.11)

• Entitlement Attitude
• Vocabulary: "I", "Me", "Myself"

B. His Philosophy: "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" (v.13)

• Epicurean: Pleasure is the highest good
• Prodigal: "Water" of gifts and resources

C. His Downfall: Broke & Humiliated (vv.14-16)

• From his height of wealth
• Reduced to a destitute
• Broken and humiliated state, he came to his senses (v.17-19)
• Learn from the prodigal son:
• His prayer of true repentance: sin toward God, sin toward his earthly father
• His change of heart: resulting in his desired action

2. The Self-Righteous Older Son (vv.25, 28-32)

A. His Attitude: Mean and Loveless (vv.25, 28-30)

Revealed when:

• Addressing his younger brother as "this son of yours"
• Highlighting his younger brother's life of sin - "squandered your property with prostitutes"

God's Grace = we receive what we do not deserve: forgiveness, salvation, eternal life.

God's Mercy = we do not receive what we deserve: punishment, condemnation and hell.

B. His Philosophy: No 2nd Chance to His Younger Brother

Would not:

• Acknowledge his younger brother
• Celebrate his return to the family
• His resentment and unforgiving attitude led this elder brother to:
• Make foolish and pointless accusations towards his father's treatment (v.29)
• Blinded to his actual portion (v.31)
• Show no joy on the current condition of his younger brother (v.32)

3. The Benevolent Father (vv.20-24)

A. His Stubborn Love

The father's longing for the prodigal son's return is filled with:

• Hope
• Optimism
• Compassionate Love
• A love that waits for his son's return

Claim and believe God's Promise for our unsaved loved ones!

Acts 16:31; James 5:19-20

B. His Restoring Love

• Throws a grand dinner celebration
• Gives him:
• The best robe = honour
• The ring = authority
• Sandals / shoes = status as a son
• The father made a declaration of joy (v.24)
• Likewise our Heavenly Father rejoices (Luke 15:7)