THE PRODIGAL’S FATHER
LUKE 15:11-24
I. THE PROVIDER OF THE FAMILY
A. The father was the Master of the house
-he stood answerable to God for the well being of his family
-as dads, we need to realize we are the provider of our family and stand accountable to God
B. A working man who provided for His family and servants
-the hired servants had plenty to eat with food left over
-1 Tim 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
C. Dead Beat Dads - fail their family in every way, do not provide for them
D. The children suffer and pay the price
II. PROVIDED AN INHERITANCE FOR THE CHILDREN
A. Prov 13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children:
-a good father wants to leave an inheritance for his children - physical and spiritual
B. The oldest son received a double portion
C. (Vs 12) The youngest son wanted his inheritance
D. What kind of inheritance are we laying up for our children
III. RECOGNIZED HIS SON’S RIGHT TO CHOOSE HIS OWN PATH
A. The hardest thing to do is let our children make their own decisions
B. God allows us to choose our own path
C. If we choose the wrong path we must pay the price, hope that will bring us to our senses
D. (13-16) The prodigal son went as far into sin as a person could go
-wasted his inheritance
-sitting in a pig pen eating the scraps
E. This is the place sin will ultimately lead, but there is always a way out. Wayward children always need to know they can come home
IV. THE PRIEST OF THE FAMILY
A. Pointed the family in the right direction
B. Led the family in worship
C. The fathers were to pass their knowledge and experiences on to the children
-Isa 38:19 ...the father to the children shall make known thy truth.
D. (17) When the prodigal son came to himself he remembered his father and most of all he knew his father still loved him
E. Today, fathers need to the be priest of the home, giving spiritual guidance and love
V. THE INTERCESSOR OF THE FAMILY
A. The fathers offered sacrifices for the family
B. Father’s need to be the intercessors of the family. If we don’t pray for our family, who will?
C. When the prodigal came home his father was watching for him. He had been interceding in prayer for his son to return home
D. Do our children know that we are praying for them?
VI. DID NOT CONDEMN OR JUDGE HIS SON
A. The prodigal son came home with a repentant heart
-he was truly sorry for his actions and was not looking for a hand out to do it all again
B. Dad’s attitude was not
-you brought it on yourself son - tough
-don’t come crying back to me
C. (20) He had compassion on his son
-fathers need to be men of compassion
D. He was thankful his son had come home
E. Honored his return with a celebration
F. He restored him back to the family as a son rather than a servant
VII. LOVED HIS CHILDREN EQUALLY
A. Did not show favoritism between the two sons
B. He loved his older son who had chosen to stay with him
C. Even though the younger son had wasted his life his dad still loved him, did not hesitate to restore him
D. Regardless of whether our children choose right or wrong they still need to know dad loves them
E. Our Heavenly Father loves us even when we do wrong and when we repent His arms are open to restore us without grudge or hesitation
