Lost Sheep

25, September 2005

Dakota Community Church

Lost Sheep

Proverbs19: 27

Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

1Peter 2: 25

For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Isaiah 53:6

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

John 10: 27

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

Luke 15: 11-16

Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ’Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

Getting Lost:

1. Self-will.

Luke 15: 11-12

Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ’Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

The first step to getting lost is taking control of our lives out of the hands of the Father.

- He wants control of his share of the inheritance.

- He feels the father is keeping something from him.

- It is not the proper time.

- The father honors his wishes – He isn’t keeping anything back.

2. Separation and Sinful Indulgence.

Luke 15: 13

"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.

Not long after taking control comes a desire to get away. There are things we want to do that we cannot do in the presence of the Father or the other brothers.

a.) From the Father.

- Bible reading, prayer, and worship.

b.) From the family.

- Church services, meetings, and fellowships.

3. Spiritual Bankruptcy.

Luke 15: 14-16

After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

a.) Loss of what the father had given.

b.) Willingness to do anything.

c.) Starvation, rock bottom, emptiness.

Coming home again:

Luke 15: 17-24

"When he came to his senses, he said, ’How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’ So he got up and went to his father.

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

"The son said to him, ’Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

"But the father said to his servants, ’Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

I.) Realization.

Luke 15: 17

"When he came to his senses, he said, ’How many of my father’s hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!

II.) Resolution.

Luke 15: 18

I will set out and go back to my father

III.) Repentance.

Luke 15: 19

Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.’

IV.) Reconciliation.

Luke 15: 20

So he got up and went to his father.

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.