2. The Lost Son We all have lost loved ones
Some have never known the Lord,
2 Thes. 1:7-9
Others have known, but turned away,
2 Pt. 2:18-22

3. The Lost Son When one falls away, there are two outcomes
Remain in that condition; lost in the end
Repent & turn back; restored to fellowship

4. The Lost Son Why did he depart? Where did he go? What did he find?
Why did he return?
How was he received?

5. The Lost Son Why did he depart? Not due to father’s fault
Human fathers make mistakes, Heb. 12:9, 10
Our heavenly Father does not, Heb. 12:5-11

6. The Lost Son Why did he depart? He left on his own accord
Prov. 1:10-19
Curiosity?
Adventure?
Lusts?
Seeking more?
To find himself?

7. The Lost Son Why did he depart? Some children leave to ease the pain
Abusive parents
Neglectful parents
Devastating problem

8. The Lost Son Where did he go? He went away from home Loving father
Blessings, comfort
Stability, security
Work
Accountability

9. The Lost Son Where did he go? He went to a “far country” Strange land
Strange people
Strange culture
Instability, insecurity
Where he could be his own man

10. The Lost Son What did he find? Prodigal living, the “high life”
Fun, for a time, Heb. 11:24-26
Wasteful
Needed more and more

11. The Lost Son What did he find? He found famine & want
Temporary pleasures ended
Nothing left
Empty
Lonely
Pain

12. The Lost Son What did he find?
He found a false solution for his problem; A citizen of that country
Provided
Hard work
Dirty work
Unclean work

13. The Lost Son What did he find?
He found a false solution for his problem; A citizen of that country
Provided
No relief; wanted pigs’ food
No one gave him anything!
No help
No compassion
No mercy

14. The Lost Son What did he find? He found himself
Had to hit rock bottom – pain & suffering
Some realize on their own
Others forced to it, caught

15. The Lost Son What did he find? He found himself
God’s way of pushing him back

16. The Lost Son What did he find? He found himself
Could have stayed miserable
Pride
Shame
Fear

17. The Lost Son What did he find? He found himself
Thought of compassionate father
Remembered upbringing
Remembered blessings
Remembered love

18. The Lost Son What did he find? He found himself
Believed he could go back
Though only as a servant
Guilt was good, humbling
Should not sell-short our Father

19. The Lost Son Why did he return? He was broken In dire need
In need the whole time
Satan blinded him with pleasures

20. The Lost Son Why did he return? He was humbled, 2 Cor. 7:9, 10
Genuine sorrow
True repentance
Complete confession

21. The Lost Son How was he received? With love by his father
Looking for him
Recognized him
Ran to him
Bestowed blessings on him
Rejoiced

22. The Lost Son How was he received? With resentment by his brother
Wrong attitude
Admonished by his father