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A Father's Love
Contributed by Carl Willis on Apr 14, 2001 (message contributor)
Summary: The enduring love of our Heavenly Father.
A Father’s Love
Luke 15:11-32
I. The father gave his son freedom to choose
A. Even though the son’s actions were impulsive, the father did not stand in the way
- The father respected his son’s independence enough to let him choose his
own way - man chooses his own destiny
- The father loved in spite of his loss - God loves us, even when we choose to reject
Him
B. Everything the son had was given by the father
- The son could have not even left, had it not been for the provision of his father - our
lives, our families, our health are all God given things
- The father took nothing back in spite of the son’s selfish behaviour - God even blesses
those who reject Him
- God divides the riches of his kingdom amongst us all
II. The circumstances of life bring about a need for the Father
A. When the son’s life was at it’s lowest his need for the father was the greatest - Our need for God is most apparent at the low points of our life
B. The son was left with nothing, but the memory of his father’s generosity - Reminders of God’s
grace and provision are never far from us.
C. The father made provision for his servants - God provides for those who faithfully serve Him.
III. A child in need yearns for the love of his father - A broken sinner realizes His need for the love of the
Creator
A. The son could not make it on his own
B. The ways of the son’s life had led to his ruin
IV. The father eagerly sought the return of his son
A. The father ran to his son as he saw him in the distance - God rushes to meet us where we are
B. The father had compassion
C. The father showed love in spite of the son’s failures
D. The son was repentant - a true heartfelt repentance
V. The father wiped the slate clean
A. Even though the son had squandered the father gave him the best of everything
B. The redemption of the son was a time of joyous celebration - The angels rejoice for the lost
who are found.
C. The son was restored and placed back to a position of honor
VI. Not even the accuser can waiver the father’s love
A. God’s love is stronger than all of life’s troubles
B. God always holds on to us, even when we let go
C. God’s love never fades