Anchor Verses
Luke 15:1-32, Deuteronomy 7:7-8
Focus Statement
The way you respond to God’s grace today changes everything.
Introduction
- Luke 15 contains three parables:
- Lost Sheep
- Lost Coin
- Lost Sons
- The first two involve property.
- The third involves people.
- Property can be found.
- People must respond.
- This story is not just about a prodigal son.
- It is about two lost sons and a gracious Father.
Lost in Rebellion
- Luke 15:11-24
- Authentic repentance includes:
- Conviction – Seeing the reality of our condition.
- Confession – Owning our sin before God.
- Correction – Turning and moving toward the Father.
- The son prepared to earn his way back.
- The Father restored him through grace.
- Key Truth: Repentance brings us home. Grace restores us.
Lost in Self-Righteousness
- Luke 15:25-32
- Trusted his merit.
- Resented grace given to others.
- Believed his obedience earned favor.
- Deuteronomy 7:7-8
- God’s people are not chosen because they are impressive, but because God loves them.
- Key Truth: While the younger son was lost in rebellion, the older son was lost in self-righteousness.
A Picture of God’s Heart
- The Father
- Pursued the younger son.
- Pursued the older son.
- Extended grace to both.
- The story does not focus on the Father’s past.
- It focuses on how he responds in the present.
- Key Truth: The Father welcomes both rebels and religious people home.
Walking it Out
- You may be the younger son.
- Come home.
- You may be the older son.
- Join the celebration.
- You may be a father with wayward children.
- Extend grace.
- You may be carrying regret.
- Receive grace.
- Remember: The way you respond to God’s grace today changes everything.
Next Week…
- Why do we practice baptism and communion? Discover how these sacred practices remind us of the Gospel, strengthen our faith, and unite us as the Church.
