1. The Lost Parables -Luke 15 Luke 15
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

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

3. 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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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!

9. The Lost Parables -Luke 15
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

10. The Lost Parables -Luke 15
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

11. 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

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

13. 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:

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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”

19. 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!

20. 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

21. 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

22. Conclusion
Heb. 3: 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.