2. 27 “And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 “But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him. 29 “But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends;
Luke 15:27–29 (NASB95)

3. The Brother That Never Entered
This parable describes a fatal heart condition
Two sons are described, the “good son” and the prodigal
The “good” son’s stubborn heart kept him from participating in the Father’s grace
28 “But he became angry and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him.
Luke 15:28 (NASB95)

4. Sin Separates… What Prevents Our Return? Pride is at the root of sin
The fruit of pride is often an obstinate disposition
It was stubbornness that ultimately led to Israel’s judgment
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
1 John 2:16 (NASB95)

5. Sin Separates… What Prevents Our Return? Pride is at the root of sin
The fruit of pride is often an obstinate disposition
It was stubbornness that ultimately led to Israel’s judgment
8 …A stubborn and rebellious generation, A generation that did not prepare its heart And whose spirit was not faithful to God.
Psalm 78:8 (NASB95)

6. Sin Separates… What Prevents Our Return? Pride is at the root of sin
The fruit of pride is often an obstinate disposition
It was stubbornness that ultimately led to Israel’s judgment
11 “But My people did not listen to My voice, And Israel did not obey Me. 12 “So I gave them over to the stubbornness of their heart, To walk in their own devices…15 “Those who hate the Lord would pretend obedience to Him, And their time of punishment would be forever.
Psalm 81:11–15 (NASB95)

7. Sin Separates… What Prevents Our Return? Pride is at the root of sin
The fruit of pride is often an obstinate disposition
It was stubbornness that ultimately led to Israel’s judgment
16 Since Israel is stubborn Like a stubborn heifer, Can the Lord now pasture them Like a lamb in a large field?
Hosea 4:16 (NASB95)

8. What are the root causes of stubbornness?
Common Sense for a Common Problem
What are the root causes of stubbornness?
What is the difference between stubbornness and strong conviction?
What are some signs of sinful stubbornness?

9. Root Causes of Stubbornness
Pride - He could not see his brother as his equal
Rebellious Spirit - His service came from a desire for gain
Selfishness - I, I, I…he was so consumed with self he could not see the value of the Father’s grace

10. Stubborn or Convicted Two very different mindsets
The stubborn heart resists change as an insult against self
The convicted mind is constantly searching the Scriptures seeking to learn and grow

11. Stubborn or Convicted Why do you hold to your beliefs/practices?
The result of honest examination?
How do you study your Bible?
Do you study with an “I may be wrong” mindset?

12. You May be Stubborn If… Self-examination is uncomfortable
You stop your ears when your beliefs are challenged?
You have not changed your mind in…