2. Luke 15 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

3. The Redeeming of the Prodigal Son How do you compare?

4. James 1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full- grown, gives birth to death.

5. Where are you in the journey? rejoicing reclothing reconciliation return repentance resolution realization self-will selfishness separation sensuality spiritual- destruction self- abasement suffering

6. Comparison Shopping PART II

7. When I compare myself to…

15. So what does this have to do with the prodigal son? Let’s go back to Luke 15 and pick up the story from where we left off in verse 25… 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

16. What’s the older brother doing here? 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

17. The Father’s response… 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

18. The Joy We Seek is Often Found… In the failure of others… That’s why we compare ourselves like we do…

19. We do it with statements like: “Look at that …” “If I …” “I would …” “I wouldn’t …” “I can …” “Why did they do that …”

20. When I compare myself to Jesus I am impatient… I am selfish… I am out of control… I am unconcerned… I am a victim of Satan… I am a sinner… I am lost…

21. Comparing ourselves to Jesus reveals a lot James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

22. Something happens when we focus on Jesus John 4:29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”

23. This Samaritan Women Found… Hope Comfort Direction Acceptance Reason Understanding And so much more…, SALVATION

24. Comparing ourselves doesn’t have to be a negative thing… Comparison shopping can be a great way to make sure we are getting the best deal and value for our money…

25. Comparing ourselves doesn’t have to be a negative thing… 1 Corinthians 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. The examples of others may just be the compass we need in life…

26. Comparison Shopping for Eternal Life Heaven With God All Good Gives meaning & purpose to our lives now It’s eternal Life Hell Without God All Bad Life now has no purpose or meaning It’s eternal Death

27. It’s your choice, just remember, you have to choose, if you want a choice…