Luke 15:1-32
Signs of a need for honesty & confession before God
I. Signs for the non-Christian (15:1-17) of a need for honesty & confession
A. "Give me" used too often - self-centeredness (v.12)
B. Always leaving home (spiritually) for greener pastures instead of being content to stay & grow & work together (v.13)
C. Problems with authority figures - rebellious in nature - party spirit (v.13)
D. Always discontent & left wanting by his/her lifestyle - nothing replaces God in us (v.14)
E. Willing to do whatever it takes to not have to face the consequences of his or her actions (v.15-16)
F. Waits until forced to deal with reality & repent (change) (v.17)
G. Cannot & many times will not get along with family
II. Signs for the Christian (15:25-32)
A. Overly busy trying to impress people or family - lack of praise & encouraging when young (v.25)
B. Sees himself as better than others - they do his bidding (v.26)
C. Frequently gets angry with Christian brothers or sisters (v.28)
D. Throws pity-party, tantrums, & feels sorry for himself
E. Is not happy for someone when "good fortune" or "blessing" comes - jealous or envious instead (v.29)
F. Many times declares themselves "self-righteous"
G. Too busy to enjoy life & develops a sour attitude toward life itself
H. Not willing to share with others (v.30)
I. Has a limited sense of love & belonging in the family (v.32-32)
III. The Father waits...
A. To show compassion
B. To forgive
C. To welcome home
D. To restore that which was broken
Let God have these irritations and secrete His love and grace over them to give them eternal value (James 1:12-16; Romans 6:12, 10:9-13, 12:3; 1 John 1:9)
What to do... as individuals
1. Be honest about it before God
2. Confess it and be set free
3. Turn from it and move forward
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Bonnie Church of God
P.O. Box 134
Bonnie, IL 62816
(618) 244-1600
e-mail: bcog@bcog.us