The Realities of God’s Grace Luke 15:11-32 “… Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. …”
Seeing the prodigal son in us Prodigal son’s … “give me my share” (v12) “set off for a distant country” (v13) “squandered in wild living” (vv13-14) “a severe famine” (vv14-15) “long to fill stomach with the pods …” (v16) Our conditions … Quick fortune Self-reliance Spend everything Hired oneself out Filled with the unclean
The Truth of God’s Grace Is … An awakening grace Awakening mind - “Come to ones senses” (Luke 15: 17) Returning home - “Set out and go back to my father” (Luke 15:18) Repenting heart – “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.” (Luke 15:18b; Psa. 51:17) Humiliating spirit - “No longer worthy” (Luke 15:19;1 Peter 5:5) In action – “So he got up and went to his father” (Luke 15:20)
The Truth of God’s Grace Is … A loving grace When we still far away - “Still a long way off” (Luke 15: 20; Eph. 2:13) He sees us - “Saw us” (Luke 15:20) God is love - “Filled with compassion” (Luke 15:20; 1 John 4:8) He takes the initiative - “Father ran to son” (Luke 15:20;1 John 4:10)
The Truth of God’s Grace Is … A forgiving grace When we repent, He shows His grace - “Quick!” (Luke 15:21-22; Num. 14:18; Eph. 1:7) Christ is our righteousness - “Bring the best robe” (Luke 15:22; Isa. 61:10; 1 Cor. 1:30) Sonship restored - “Put the ring and sandal on” (Luke 15:22; Haggai 2:23; Ezekiel 16:10) Jesus’ sacrifice - “Bring the fattened calf and kill it” (Luke 15:23; Heb. 10:9-10) His Salvation - “Let's have a feast and celebrate” (Luke 15:23; Rev. 3:20)
The Truth of God’s Grace Is … A special grace Resurrected life - “This son of mine was dead and is alive again” (Luke 15:24a; I Pet. 1:3) Rejoicing moment - “He was lost and is found” (Luke 15:24b; Luke 15:3-7;8-10) Abiding and abundant grace – “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” (Luke 15:31; 1 Tim. 1:14)
The Realities of God’s Grace Are … God is at work in/around you God forgives and invites you to join Him God takes the initiative God pursues a loving relationship with you God rejoices when the lost was restored