Are you a prodigal? Most Christians would say "No". I am not lost.... But, what does it mean to be a prodigal son?

1. The Prodigal Sons of God Lessons from Luke 15

2. Luke 15 - a parable of lost things A lost coin A lost sheep A lost boy

4. Application: we should also rejoice when sinners repent

6. Luke 15 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12 and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of thy substance that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together and took his journey into a far country; and there he wasted his substance with riotous living.

7. Luke 15 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that country; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

8. Luke 15 17 But when he came to himself he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: 19 I am no more worthy to be called your son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

9. Luke 15 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But while he was yet afar off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight: I am no more worthy to be called thy son.

10. Luke 15 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 and bring the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and make merry: 24 for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

11. Questions What made the son to be a "prodigal"? Are we prodigal sons of God? How can we avoid being prodigal sons?

12. Definition of PRODIGAL 1 : characterized by profuse or wasteful expenditure :lavish <a prodigal feast> <prodigal outlays for her clothes> 2 : recklessly spendthrift <the prodigal prince> Origin of PRODIGAL Latin prodigus, from prodigere to drive away, squander, from pro-, prod- forth + agere to drive — more at pro-, agent

13. THE YOUNGER SON Wanted money Asked his father for his portion (inheritance) Had a plan for it, a plan that did not include staying close to home Wanted to leave home To be away from his father? His brother? Wasted his substance With riotous living With harlots? - vs. 30 Wanted… something to eat Had everything; now, he has nothing Wanted to return to his father Wanted to confess his sins Wanted to be restored (as a servant)

14. THE FATHER Provided for his son Gave him life, sustained him, loved him Did not force his son to stay Did not follow / or send after the son Watched for the return of his son Had compassion Ran to him, embraced him and kissed him Restored him (as a son) - as returned from the grave

15. What makes a prodigal son of God…. Today? By definition - it is one who is wasteful. What do we have to waste? TIME Ephesians 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. PRESENCE James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water AFFECTION 1 Chronicles 29:3 Moreover also, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, seeing that I have a treasure of mine own of gold and silver, I give it unto the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, DEVOTION Matthew 22:37-38 And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment.

16. EFFORT Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. John 9:4 We must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.