The UN-Prodigal Son

The Un-Prodigal Son
Luke 15:25-32

Introduction:

A. In Luke 15:11-32 we read about a man who had two sons.

1. We are first introduced to the youngest son and we are told that he wasted his inheritance on “prodigal”—wild, frivolous—living.

B. I have heard many lessons about this “prodigal son”.

1. In fact I am sure that I have used the record of this prodigal son in many of my own sermons.

C. I may be wrong. But, I do not recall ever hearing a sermon about the other son.

1. So this morning we are going to consider together the un-prodigal son or the other son.

D. Let’s open our Bibles this morning and see what we can learn from the un-prodigal son.


I. He Was UN-Willing To Rejoice! (v.25-28)

A. The first thing we learn about this other son is that he became angry at his brother’s return and would not rejoice with the others.

1. The family and the servants were rejoicing with the father over the return of his youngest son.

a. But the older son was unwilling to rejoice.

B. Does this attitude ever present itself today?

1. Have you or I ever exhibited this attitude toward a brother of sister in the Lord?

a. Have you ever been like this older son—envious of another and therefore unwilling to rejoice with them?

2. The scriptures describe envy as…

a. A work of darkness (Romans 13:12-14)
b. Carnality (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)
c. Foolishness (Titus 3:3; James 3:13-18)

3. Can you imagine going to brother or sister in the Lord with good news of their return from sin back to the pathway of duty and they resent that something good happened to you?

a. It is not supposed to be that way is it?

C. We should love one another.

1. Brotherly love is described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

a. Verse 4, “…love does not envy…”

2. Rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15).

a. When a brother or sister succeeds we succeed.

b. The other side applies as well. We weep with those who weep.

II. He Was UN-Satisfied! (v. 29).

A. As we examine the text further we soon find out that there were more problems.

1. This older son lived as part of his father’s household.

a. A place where he had all that he could ever need. In fact in verse 31 the father openly declares that all that is his was at this son’s disposal.

2. He was not satisfied with what the father had provided him he wanted more.

a. In this particular place he said that his father had never given him a young goat to eat with his friends.

B. Does this attitude ever present itself today?

1. How many today are not satisfied with God’s has given?

a. Are there not those who are constantly seeking something new, something different, something more?

2. Paul warned Timothy to be watchful of this attitude (2 Timothy 4:2-5)


C. Our Father has provided us with…

1. His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16)

a. Through whom we have salvation (Colossians 1:12-18)

i. There is no other hope (Acts 4:12)
ii. There is no other way (John 14:6)
2. His word (Hebrew 1:1-2)

a. His word is a good and perfect gift (James 1:17-20)
b. His word can bring us to our completion (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

3. His constant care (1 Peter 5:7)

III. He Was UN-Forgiving! (v.30)

A. He was unforgiving of his brother’s transgressions.

1. How do we know this?

a. If he had forgiven his brother he would not have spoken of the things his brother had done.

B. Are we ever unforgiving?

1. We can go about it in two ways.

a. We can outright refuse to forgive one who asks for forgiveness.
b. Or we can harbor the wrongdoings to be used against the individual later.

i. Either way there is no forgiveness.

C. How important is forgiveness?

1. Perhaps I should ask this question, “Who here needs to be forgiven?” (Every one of us Romans 6:23).

a. Our willingness to forgive is a hinge on our own sins being forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 18:34-35).

i. We jeopardize our own forgiveness when we are unwilling to forgive and we actual commit a sin by refusing to their request (Luke 17:3-4)

D. When forgiveness is given God has declared that our sins He “will remember no more” (Hebrews 10:17). We must strive to put the “forgiven” sins, of others and our self, behind us.


Conclusion:

A. We learn three things not to do from the UN-prodigal son.
1. Do not be unwilling but rather have an attitude of. “My brother’s success is my success”
2. Do not be unsatisfied but rather search and know the blessing of God
3. Do not be unforgiving but rather forgiving and loving.

B. He is only in seven verses but we can learn from his mistakes and do better
C. Are you willing to become a Christian, no longer satisfied with the world, do you desire the forgiveness of your sins? Let us help you today.