The Lost Parables -Luke 15 Luke 15 7-4-2010 The “Lost” Parables Luke 15 Outlined from material in STUDIES IN LUKE, The Schertz Lectures, 2003—chp by Lynn Parker-JESUS PRESENTS THE “LOST” PARABLES AND SUNDRY LESSONS N.T. Exp - Salvation

Introduction Lk. 15:1-2----Publicans and sinners came to hear Jesus The Pharisees and Scribes came to complain

Introduction They charged Jesus with receiving and eating with sinners Lk. 5:30, 32, Lk. 7:34 Jesus once again shows God’s desire that all men enjoy salvation

Introduction The three parables in Luke 15 are designed to answer these charges

The Lost Sheep JUST ONE IS LOST-Note the Lord’s interest in one soul Men become lost by wandering away from God into sin Sin clouds the judgment, and makes decisions that would normally be clear-cut become difficult

The Lost Sheep The one living in sin runs in circles—aimlessly and without guidance 2 Tim. 2:24-26 Gal. 6:1 “Overtaken” = caught off guard by temptation and falling into sin

The Lost Sheep Personal neglect causes many souls to be lost Lk. 15:6 The friends and neighbors rejoice---While the Pharisees and Scribes did not really care about the souls of others-Jesus did and still does!

The Lost Sheep Lk. 15:7 The actions of men affect the emotions of heaven Ezk. 33:11 Repentance is a cause for joy—it marks a turning point in the life of a precious soul!

The Lost Parables -Luke 15 7-4-2010 The Lost Coin LOST AND DID NOT KNOW IT –like so many precious souls today In verse 8 – light, sweep and seek-------”diligently” Compare this with so many who like the Pharisees and Scribes are unconcerned about lost souls N.T. Exp - Salvation

The Lost Parables -Luke 15 7-4-2010 The Lost Coin “As a lost coin is of no use to its owner, the lost sinner can render no service to God. Though lost, however, it still has value and the owner (God) wants it back.” Taylor as quoted by Wayne Jackson N.T. Exp - Salvation

The Lost Coin God uses His word, the workings of His providence, faithful Christians, etc., for recovering the lost Note the love of God in His joy over the lost being found Lk. 15:10

The Lost Boy HE WAS LOST, KNEW IT AND KNEW THE WAY BACK HOME Father = The Heavenly Father Sons = Represent humanity Lk. 5:31

The Lost Boy Elder brother = anyone whose heart is unsympathetic toward the terrible state of the lost The younger son = one living in sin ----“went the limit of sinful excesses” NOTE THE STEPS IN HIS DEPARTURE:

The Lost Boy 1. His request He wanted his father’s goods but not his presence He wanted his “freedom” – but did not realize the blessings of being a son

The Lost Boy He thought all the good things were in the “far country” and did not see the blessings at hand 2. The father’s response – He gave the son his portion—God gives us our portion and tells us how to use it – but He does not force us

The Lost Boy 3. The Journey – Only one sentence tells of his journey The downgrades of life are steep He left unhindered-the father could have forced him to stay-but that would be treating him like a slave and not a son

The Lost Boy The father did not follow “All who depart for the ‘far country’ must go alone – without God” Frank L. Cox Is. 59:2 Here is a tragic fact---time spent in sin is wasted Is. 57:20-21 Jer. 8:20

The Lost Boy HIS RETURN 1. He reflected – memory has been called the lever of repentance 2. He made a determination - ”I will arise and go to my father”

The Lost Boy 3. He put his determination into action – “He arose and came to his Father” We can drift away from God—but we cannot drift back—a determined effort is required!

The Lost Boy God not only seeks, but receives the sinner Life apart from God is a waste Remain away from God and you will perish We must admit our sinful and unworthy condition to return to God

Conclusion There is an urgency behind repentance for at least three reasons: 1. Christ is coming 2. Our lives are uncertain 3. Our hearts may never be as receptive as they are now

Conclusion Heb. 3:12-13---Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.