You can discern and know the truth -- you can have a firm foundation!

https://prestonwood.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Doctrine-Week-2.pdf
The teaching of Jesus is a firm foundation we can build our lives on.
John 10:1–10, 14 and 14:6
Matthew 7:24–27 and James 1:22–25

1 Timothy 4:12–16 and 2 Timothy 4:1–5 

""I MAKE NO APOLOGY WHEN I SAY THAT THE WHOLE WORLD IS CAUGHT UP IN LIES AND DECEPTION, AND ONLY THE BIBLE HAS THE TRUTH. IT IS THE TRUTH." ~ John MacArthur

https://docs.google.com/document/d/0BxjeOXleU9LIclNhMXlEZFFYd0E/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114642890281206187312&resourcekey=0-pHNc9PUTbH74Xe3S6CrmPg&rtpof=true&sd=true

Luke 6:47–49; Matthew 7:24–27

https://docs.google.com/document/d/0BxjeOXleU9LIbnpOVXRDbFVTYU0/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114642890281206187312&resourcekey=0-aw3T-t6KtphNQkRzMauHkg&rtpof=true&sd=true

Recapin' it: In our first lesson, we talked about the “why” behind this series, why it’s
necessary to learn sound doctrine. Not just so we can defend our faith to opponents
who try to argue against it, not just so we can know intellectually why we believe what
we believe, but most of all, so we can experience the joyful, peaceful, abundant life that
comes from truly knowing Jesus and following His ways. Because when we live in the
way God designed for human beings to live, we can experience life as it was meant to be
lived, a life of peace, kindness, gentleness, love, and all the other Fruit of the Spirit. Not
only does this make our own lives better, but it is also a draw for those of the world who
are seeking what they understand as happiness. Human beings all seek happiness, but
they look for it in all the wrong places; their pursuit through the things of this world
leaves them empty, anxious and depressed. When people see believers living this kind
of abundant life in communities that reflect Christ’s love, joy, peace, and so on, they will
be drawn to our church communities and ultimately to Christ Himself.

Now in this lesson: we’ll learn why knowing sound doctrine creates a firm foundation on
which we can build our lives. Jesus said that because His words are true, right and good,
following what He taught is like building our lives on a stable rock, a firm foundation.
But following the lies the culture teaches is like building our lives on sand – when hard
times come, it falls down like a house of cards. Too many people are building their lives
on the lies of the world without even realizing it because they haven’t really studied
God’s Word. Learning sound doctrine gives us the discernment to tell the truth from the
lies of the world.

Here is an essential for you: we believe in the authority of the Scripture, which is another way of saying that the Bible is God’s inspired, infallible and inerrant Word. It’s the ultimate source for knowledge about God, as well as the definitive guide for our everyday lives.

“In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, and in all things charity.” ~ Rupertus Meldenius 

This quote, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity” is often attributed to Augustine of Hippo and sometimes to John Wesley, but it was first written down by Rupertus Meldenius in a in a tract 1627 or 1628. He was a German Lutheran theologian. 

Mr. Augustine (Aurelius Augustinus) lived from 13 November 354 to 28 August 430. He was born in Thagaste in Roman Africa

Rupertus Meldenius, aka Peter Meiderlin and Peter Meuderlinus (was born March 22, 1582, in Oberacker; died June 1, 1651, in Augsburg Germany).  The Bible is true and we all need to let the written Word of God dictate our faith and practice rather than supernatural experiences, feelings, or well-intentioned spiritual leaders and yet not cut off people for minor differences of opinion (regarding non-essentials). We simply need to look to the Lord in this as we prioritize our beliefs, tasks and our relationships.

We believers don’t ever want to break fellowship with other Christians just because we can’t come into a full agreement about the periphery doctrines of our faith that really aren’t pertinent to salvation (the non-essentials). Maybe like me, you've experienced a situation where a TV preacher was verbally elevating secondary teachings to the level of cardinal/essential Christian doctrine and then watching these folk go divide with other Christians over these. That’s so wrong and should be addressed!

Today religious leaders from prominent Christian denominations spout untruths, like even Muslims and Mormons will enjoy salvation apart from knowing the Bible Christ. But real Christians must form their unity around nothing more than the Bible Jesus and the truth of God's Essentials, since essential Christian doctrine forms the only line of demarcation between the Kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of the cults.

We can't connect with the Father without having God's living Word inside, and we won't trust Jesus Christ without knowing Him in a personal way. We can't know Him apart from His written word. His essentials, His whole Book and believing prayer to the Father in Christ are very important. 

Jesus’ teaching isn’t just something to be believed; it’s to be lived out.

Q: Why is following the teachings of Jesus like building your house on a rock?

Jesus’ parable about a wise man building his house on the rock comes at the end of the

Sermon on the Mount, His first and longest block of teaching in the Gospel of Matthew.

Jesus began this sermon by telling the assembled crowd that being “blessed” in God’s

kingdom looks very upside-down from what it means in the world. In God’s kingdom,

blessed are those who mourn, the meek, the merciful, the persecuted … (Matthew 5:1–

16). Then He corrected some misconceptions about God’s law, showing us that it’s not

just about following the letter of the law but about the heart behind it (Matthew 5:17–

48). He also focused on the heart behind the good works we do, making sure we aren’t

doing them to be praised by humans but because we have a heart like God for His

people (Matthew 6:1–18). He told us to store up treasures in heaven instead of on earth

(Matthew 6:19–24) and not to worry about material needs because the Lord would

provide (Matthew 6:25–34). He talked about showing grace, not judgment, toward

others (Matthew 7:1–6), asking God for what we need in prayer (Matthew 7:7–11), the

Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13–14), and false teachers

(Matthew 7:15–23). He covered a lot of ground in this sermon, things that are

foundational for understanding how to live as kingdom people in this world.

Then He closed with this parable, the lesson of which is, if you do these things I’m

teaching you, if you actually live this way, you will be able to withstand any storms that

come your way. No matter how hard life gets, your house will stand firm. But if you

don’t live your life this way, when the storms come, your life will crumble. This is similar

to what God said in Psalm 1, the foundational introduction to the book of Psalms and

what He said through the prophet Jeremiah. Blessed is the one who follows God’s law.

He will be like a tree planted by streams of water. Because he has the life source of this

stream, he will still bear fruit even in a drought. But those who follow the ways of the

world will be like chaff that the wind blows away, like a bush in the desert that withers

up and dies when hard times come (Psalm 1; Jeremiah 17:5–8).

The way of Jesus is a firm foundation you can build your life on. This study of biblical

doctrine isn’t just an intellectual exercise. It’s practical theology, truth that is meant to

be lived out in our day-to-day lives. Wisdom isn’t just knowing the truth; it’s applying

the truth to our lives. Proverbs tells us that wisdom begins with fearing God, not being

afraid of Him but submitting to Him as Lord (1:7); trusting in Him with all our heart and

following His ways instead of leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6). Like

Jesus, James implored us to be doers of God’s Word, not just hearers. Christianity isn’t

just about believing what Jesus said; it’s about doing what He said. The Greek word for

faith (pistis) isn’t just about believing in something; it’s putting our trust in it. It’s belief

in action. That is how we know we really believe in Jesus – because we live out His

teachings.

When you see broken beyond repair God's living Word sees healing beyond belief! ~ KurtwVs

Seven Thoughts on Reading Bible Truth

1) Read the Bible with an earnest desire to understand it and know the Lord.

2) Read the Scriptures with a simple, humble childlike faith and humility.

3) Read the Word with a teachable spirit of obedience and wise-application.

4) Read the Holy Scriptures everyday.

5) Read the whole Bible and read it an systemic orderly way.

6) Read the Word of God fairly and honestly.

7) Read the Bible with Christ constantly in view--what do You want of me today?

ARE YOU READY TO WISELY APPLY WHAT YOU'VE BEEN READING?

Q: Why did Paul tell Timothy it’s important to teach “sound doctrine”?

Both 1 and 2 Timothy (along with Titus) are pastoral epistles, letters written from Paul
to his “son” in the faith, a younger pastor he was mentoring/discipling (1 Timothy 1:2).
Paul met Timothy on his second missionary journey, saw in him potential to be a great
spiritual leader, and poured his life into training and equipping Timothy for ministry. As
both a Jew and a Roman citizen, Paul was in a unique position to be able to connect with
Jews and Greeks. In the same way, Timothy, whose mother was Jewish and father was
Greek, was able to connect to both Jews and Gentiles. When Paul wrote to Timothy,
Timothy was pastoring the church at Ephesus, where Paul commanded him to stay in
order to make sure they were well trained in sound doctrine and didn’t allow false
teaching to creep into the church (1 Timothy 1:3).

First Timothy was written when Paul had left Timothy in Ephesus to help correct their
teaching, and 2 Timothy was written about 10 years later, when Paul was in prison
awaiting the death penalty. Knowing the difference in time between the two letters
helps us understand his change in tone and urgency from 1 Timothy to 2 Timothy. In the
first letter, Paul was definitely encouraging Timothy to “be diligent” in teaching the
people sound doctrine and to be a positive example for them in what it looked like to
live out the faith. He told Timothy to watch both his doctrine and his life closely, both
what he taught and the way he lived it out.

But then in 2 Timothy, his sense of urgency had grown. Instead of just encouraging
Timothy, he gave him a “charge.” The tone is much more imperative, a series of
commands – preach the word, be ready, correct, rebuke, encourage. And he gave a
reason – because a time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine;
they will just believe it when people tell them what they want to hear.

Paul wrote this to his protégé almost 2,000 years ago. It was true then and it is just as
true now. We are living in a world of “relative truth” where people seem to think they
can just choose what is “true for me” and let others choose what is true for them. The
concept of an absolute standard of truth based on something outside ourselves is
considered antiquated, even laughable in some circles. People surround themselves
with those who tell them what they want to hear, even if it makes no logical sense.
People believe and follow what makes them feel good rather than what really is good,
true and right.

This is why it’s so important for us to study and know sound doctrine. If we want our life
to be built on the rock, for our life to withstand the storms of life, we need to know the
teachings of Jesus (Matthew 7:24–27). If we want to experience the joy and peace of
walking with our Good Shepherd even through the “valley of the shadow of death”
(Psalm 23), we need to be able to recognize His voice among all the voices of the world
(John 10:1–14). If we want to grow in the Fruit of the Spirit and live in love, joy, peace
and abundant life, we need to know how to walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–25).

According to Paul, this takes persistence, commitment and diligence to continue
studying and teaching sound doctrine regardless of what people around us are doing. A
Barna Research survey found that 64 percent of American adults and 83 percent of
American teenagers believe that “truth is always relative to the person and their
situation.” Even more staggering, only one in 10 of American teenagers who call
themselves born-again Christians believe in absolute moral truth.4 It’s difficult to
continue to stand for the absolute truth of Scripture when the culture – even some
Christians – tell us we can all choose our own “truth.”

It can also be hard to find the motivation to take time to study the context, background
and true meaning of Scripture and wrestle with the hard questions when we live in a
world that loves sound bites, instant gratification and quick and easy “answers.” But at
Prestonwood, we think it is worth it. This is the truth we are building our lives on. There
is nothing more valuable in which to invest our time and energy. Learning sound
doctrine is essential to our lives as believers. Not only so we can have theological
knowledge, but also so we can have abundant life, the way God intended us to live. As
Peter answered when many had abandoned Jesus, and He asked the Twelve, “‘Do you
want to go away as well?’ And Peter answered, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have
the words of eternal life’” (John 6:67–68).

ARE YOU READY TO BE CHALLENGED?

THINK: How have you grown in your understanding of God’s Word over the years of
walking with Jesus? What things have helped in your study of His Word? Certain types of
studies, specific people, listening to certain sermons or podcasts, reading particular
books, or something else? How can you trust that what you are learning is the truth?
How can discussing truth with other people help you to learn and grow? Which people
have been most helpful in your study of God’s Word and why? Which spiritual
disciplines have helped you grow the most and why? What other things have helped in
your understanding of God’s Word?

PRAY: for God to grow your understanding of His Word. Pray for the wisdom to apply His
truth to your everyday life. Ask God to help you hear His voice and follow it. Pray that
the Spirit would fill you with His presence and guide you on the path to following Him as
your shepherd, Lord and king. Pray that your life would be a light to the world around
you. Pray that our church community would stay faithful to His Word in the midst of a
relativistic culture.

ACT: Which of these truths would you like to deepen your
knowledge in? Commit to a plan to grow in this area. Utilize tools such as: The
Unshakable Truth by Josh and Sean McDowell, the works of our own Associate Pastor
Jeremiah Johnston, investing in trusted apologetics or systematic theology books (ask
your minister for suggestions).

++

Week 2: Truth as a Firm Foundation (PDF)

https://prestonwood.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Doctrine-Week-2.pdf

 The teaching of Jesus is a firm foundation we can build our lives on. 

John 10:1–10, 14 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber.

2But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

4When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

5A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

6This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

7
So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

8All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.

9I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

11I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

12He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.

13He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me,

15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Jn 14:6 - Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Matthew 7:24–27 

24“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

25And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

26And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.

27And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

I'm not deconstructing my faith, I've decided to be daily constructing what's food together with the Lord (he grew up around carpentry building). Builders (Matt 7:21–29). To “build on the rock” means to hear, understand and to obey the Word of God (to wisely apply the truth of God's word). Saying it is not enough; there must be the wise doing (James 1:22–25). If you claim to be born again as a disciple of Jesus Christ, expect to have your profession tested by storms and trials in this life. Storms, cyclones, rain, twisters (small & F5) come and go. Fair-weather faith will not pass the test. Fairweather followers are not what we need as close friends. 

James 1:22–25 

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

23For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.

24For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.

25But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

James 1: The Word of God (21–27) is living. The living Word gives us spiritual birth (v. 18; 1 Pet. 1:22–23). It is like seed planted in the heart that produces spiritual fruit (v. 21). It is a mirror that helps us examine ourselves (vv. 23–25) and cleanse our lives. We must wisely do the Word of God, not just read it or study it or tell of it; the blessing is in the doing. Be a good ans godly example.

 

“He is already half false who speculates on truth and does not do it. Truth is given, not to be contemplated, but to be done.” ~ F.W. Robertson

Our unity is around the Christ of the Bible, yes the real Messiah and Essential Christian doctrines. And around nothing else. Not around denominations or church traditions, not style of ministry or style of worship music. If a so-called Christian says they don't believe in one of the essential doctrines then I will pray and appeal and try to help them embrace the essentials Bible doctrines. If they still won't adhere to Christ in his essentials then I will break fellowship with them. I have friends and I have close friends and I don't let anybody into my close circle of friendship who is not saved, spiritual, growing or wanting to..and committed to Christ and his essentials.

I love the straightforward story of the lost son. Can relate to it. The subject is our perfect Father God -- it's about Him.

Don't you just love that Bible parable of the Lost (Prodigal) Son? I can relate to it. Hey, got a few moments to look at this parable with me ..starting with verse 11 in Luke 15.  

To illustrate the point further, Jesus told them this story: “A man had two sons. 12 The younger son told his father, ‘I want my share of your estate now before you die.’ So his father agreed to divide his wealth between his sons. 13 “A few days later this younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. 14 About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve. 15 He persuaded a local farmer to hire him, and the man sent him into his fields to feed the pigs. 16 The young man became so hungry that even the pods he was feeding the pigs looked good to him. But no one gave him anything. 17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’ 20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ 22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began. 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the fields working. When he returned home, he heard music and dancing in the house, 26 and he asked one of the servants what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother is back,’ he was told, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf. We are celebrating because of his safe return.’ 28 “The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him, 29 but he replied, ‘All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to. And in all that time you never gave me even one young goat for a feast with my friends. 30 Yet when this son of yours comes back after squandering your money on prostitutes, you celebrate by killing the fattened calf!’ 31 “His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I have is yours. 32 We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!’” Luke 15:11-32 nlt

Let's discuss three main points about the parable of the Lost Son:

1. The Father's Kind Love With Christ's Perception Of Sinners: Our Father God really is kindhearted! And His sinless Son Jesus felt real compassion. He saw sinners as lost sheep -- He still does. He saw how they had strayed and needed a descent shepherd to guide them home. They were like valuable lost coins (see verses earlier), bearing the image of God, but out of circulation. They were prodigal sons, squandering their inheritance and needing to return to their Father. Even the older ones.
2. The Father, the Son and The Holy Spirit Knew How Each Person Became Lost And God Cared Enough To Act: Yes, the text sheds light on how lost individuals thought, spoke and became so lost. Far far away! We're all prone to wander far off. Like sheep, being foolish animals, they naturally stray away (like we do), and the spiritual shepherds of Israel had thus far failed to guide them home to safety. The earlier coin mentioned was lost due to carelessness, and the younger son was lost due to his hard-hearted lust, blindness, selfishness and stubborn arrogant willfulness. Very disrespectful. The Father showed respect, but did not run after or beg or go search for the boy. He allowed him to bail out, to go learn his own lessons the hard way and to realize the goodness found at Home. Come Home all you sinners! I did and don't regret it. God loves us all with open hands giving us freedom to choose.
3. The Father, the Son Jesus And The Spirit Compassionately See The Great Value And Potential Of Each Sinner - God Made Us, God Gets Each One Of Us, And Jesus By His Spirit Seeks And Saves Us: Yes, God sees what every sinner could be (knowing "all have sinned and fallen short.." and that "the wages of sin is death." Certainly there are severe consequences). You know how with any flock, a straying lost sheep could get devoted by wolves, or could actually return to that flock and bring great joy to the shepherd. Are you away? Let's do that today! A lost son could return home to get right with and gladly serve his Father from a changed heart of love. Do you need your heart regenerated? You must be born again because the God in the Bible says you must be (Jn. 3:3)! There is hope for every sinner still sucking-air because Jesus the Rescuing (Chief) Shepherd hasn't changed. It's who He is - it's what he still does if you're willing. He turns away none, but welcomes everyone repentant and believing Him into His Kingdom -- Yes, He can forgive anyone from the uttermost to the guttermost.

Jesus boldly spoke of a Lost Son as a response to the criticism He was receiving from the dead-inside scribes and religious Pharisees. Why?..for associating and being friends with lowly sinners. These "sinners" were Jews who were not obeying the Law or the traditions of the elders and were therefore "outcasts" in Israel, but Jesus saw these "sinners" as lost sheep needing a shepherd, as lost coins that needed to be put into circulation, and lost sons who needed to be in fellowship with the Father. It didn't matter to God what these prideful sinner-Pharisees thought, said or did. Let's again take an even closer look!
The Parable of the Lost Son: A Deep Dive

In Luke 15:11-32 Jesus presented this parable of the Lost Son, a story that Jesus used to explain His ministry and why He loved and associated with sinners. Foolish religious folk were criticizing. This parable is a powerful illustration of how lost sons can finally "get it"..feel conviction, make a plan, and become found by God. Do you need to be convicted and brought back into God's fold so to speak? Jesus saw the sinners for what they truly were - not good per se, but really needing the One who is truly Good. He saw them as lost sheep that had strayed and needed a kind shepherd to guide them home. They were like lost coins, bearing the image of God, but out of circulation. They were prodigal sons, squandering their inheritance and needing to return to their Father. The parable also sheds light on how these individuals became lost. Sheep, being foolish animals, naturally stray, and the spiritual shepherds of Israel had failed to guide them. The coin was lost due to carelessness, and the son was lost due to his willfulness. The father did not search for the boy but allowed him to learn his lessons the hard way and to realize in order to return home.Jesus saw the potential in every sinner. The lost sheep could return to the flock and bring joy to the shepherd; the lost coin could be found and put back into circulation; the lost son could return home and serve his father with love. There is hope for every sinner because Jesus welcomes everyone.The parable of the Lost Son was a response to the criticism Jesus received from the scribes and Pharisees for associating with sinners. These "sinners" were Jews who were not obeying the Law or the traditions of the elders and were therefore "outcasts" in Israel. Jesus saw these "sinners" as lost sheep needing a shepherd, lost coins that needed to be put into circulation, and lost sons who needed to be in fellowship with the Father. The parable of the Lost Son teaches us about the boundless love and forgiveness of God, who waits patiently for His lost children to return home. It reminds us that no matter how far we stray, there is always a way back to the Father.  Let's slow down to look at Luke 15:11-32 in the Bible. These parables are basically Christ’s defense of His ministry. They explain why He fellowshiped with sinners and enjoyed eating with them. Lost sons far away can be found if they are willing to get right with their Father. He sees all and knows all. Jesus accurately saw what they were. They were sheep that had gone astray and needed a shepherd to bring them home. They were lost coins, stamped with the image of God, needing to get back into circulation again. They were disobedient sons who were wasting their inheritance and needed to come home to the Father.2. Jesus accurately saw how they got that way. Sheep are foolish animals and naturally go astray, but the spiritual shepherds in Israel had not faithfully ministered to them (Jer. 23; Ezek. 34). The woman lost the coin because of carelessness, and the son was lost because of his willfulness. The father did not his boys were good (like so many parents today say) and he didn't search for the boy. He let him go to that far country to learn his lessons the hard way and discover how good it was with the Father and back home. (See Rom. 2:4.)3. Jesus accurately saw what they could be. Jesus always saw the potential in people. The sheep could be brought back to the flock and bring joy to the shepherd; the coin could be found; and the son could return home and lovingly serve his father. There is hope for every sinner because Jesus welcomes everyone. The parables in this chapter were given in response to the criticism of the scribes and Pharisees that Jesus had received sinners and he even ate with them. These “sinners” were Jews who were not obeying the Law or the traditions of the elders and were therefore “outcasts” in Israel. Jesus had already made it clear that He came to save sinners and not self-righteous people like the scribes and Pharisees (5:27–32; 14:21–24). Jesus saw what these “sinners” really were: lost sheep who needed a shepherd; lost coins that had value and needed to be put into circulation; and lost sons who needed to be in fellowship with the Father.- People are searching to fill that inner void in so many wrong places. And Jesus lovingly searches for us when we are lost. (Luke 15:1–10). We people are in some ways like sheep. A shepherd is responsible for each of the sheep; and if one is lost or killed, he must make up for it himself. Sheep are lost because of their own stupidity; they wander away and fail to see the danger they are in. Jesus came to “seek and to save them that are lost” (Luke 19:10). - The Father didn't run after the younger son, or go take him a care package of goodies. He ran after there was repentance, but first He waited for him to grasp reality and understand.

Waiting and Then Welcoming (15:11–24) --

The Right Timing Is So Important!

It's a waiting that is not passive (pray, intercede, expect, cry out to God for). It's great for us to pray daily, and to simply wait upon the Lord in His presence. Don't go with your feelings and run ahead of the Lord. It is significant that the father did not go searching for his son, but waited at home for the boy to come back. When the boy did come back, the father ran to meet him. Like sheep gone astray, some sinners are lost through their own stupidity; and, like coins, some are lost by the carelessness of others. But the son was lost because of his own willfulness, and the father had to wait until that will was broken and submissive.For the younger son to ask for an early inheritance was like wishing His dad was dead. Never wish that your father would die! It must have broken the father’s heart, but he was wise and gave the boy his share of the wealth (even though it wasn't his property)! God likewise has shared His wealth with a world of lost sinners, and they have wasted it (Acts 14:15–17; 17:24–28). It was not the badness of his life that brought the boy to his senses but the goodness of his father (v. 17; Rom. 2:4).In the East, it is unusual for older men to run; but the Father had to run because of his compassion for the boy. Also, the son had disgraced his family and his village and could have been stoned to death (Deut. 21:18–21). If they threw any stones, they would have to hit the father! The best robe would be the father’s expensive festal robe; the shoes indicated that the son was not a servant (despite his request); and the ring was the proof of sonship. Again, there is joy, for the lost person who has been found!- There was some reasonable pleading (15:25–32)
The elder brother is the forgotten person in this parable, and yet he is the key to the story. If the prodigal son symbolizes the “publicans and sinners,” then the elder brother represents the scribes and Pharisees. There are sins of the spirit as well as sins of the flesh (2 Cor. 7:1). The religious leaders may not have been guilty of the gross things that the younger son did, but they were still sinners, guilty of a critical and unloving spirit, pride, and an unwillingness to forgive. Because the younger son had received his inheritance, the estate belonged to the elder brother; but it was run by the father, who benefited from the profits. If the younger brother came back home, it would confuse the inheritance even more, so the elder brother did not want him back, nor was he looking for him. Now we discover that the elder brother had a “hidden agenda” of his own, a longing to have a big party for his friends. He was angry with his brother for coming home and with his father for welcoming him and forgiving him. Like the scribes and Pharisees, he stayed outside the joy and fellowship of those who had been forgiven. By staying outside the house, the elder brother humiliated his father and his brother. The father could have commanded him to come in, but he preferred to go out and plead with him. That is what Jesus did with the Jewish religious leaders, but they would not be persuaded. They thought they were saved because of their exemplary conduct, but they were out of fellowship with the Father and needed to repent and seek forgiveness.Luke 15:11-32 The parable of The Prodigal Son. The younger son had a problem with self-pleasure and seeking pleasure. While the older son had a problem with self-pity. He always had the presence of the father with him, that's what matters. This Parable is about the subject who is "a certain father." Yes, the story is about a real and perfect Father, and you. 

A. I like How The father Had Open Hands.

He released the foolish, hardened, heartless, pleasure-seeking son. He was wisely generous but not too much and let the sinner go sin. He let the younger son go. That was tough love. Let them go. And, Find out for himself. Both Sons had a work ethic. They both were looking for work. If you say, I'll go away from the father, he'll let you The younger son was basically saying to his father, You're dead to me.I want your money. The father didn't guilt-trip him. What would your mother say about this? What would your mother think? The father. Compare play the comparison game. Why don't you be more like your older brother? The father didn't go there. And try to get him out of the pigsty or build a Chapel around the pigsty.He wasn't an enabler. The younger son squandered the wealth. He quickly just wasted it. He scattered it. Everywhere is what the original language implies. And no one gave him anything. The father didn't send him a care package.

Enablers aren't loving people rightly. They love people too much in a wrong way. Where I make an idol out of something other than God or someone other than God. The father didn't try to reform him because repentance has nothing to do with Reformation. We don't reform Sinners and let them go to another Idol. Pence doesn't have to do with regret Gret. Repentance is not remorse. Repentance is not making amends. 

B. The Father had open ears to hear the sons out.

I can't imagine the level of hurt the Father felt. He might not have felt like hearing them out. 

C. The Father had open arms to welcome the sinner back into the family. 

The Father received him back home when the younger son had repented (saving grace, not merely remorse and false repentance here). Yes, the Father actually ran to the son with open arms and the men do that in that culture. The tough love turned to Tender love, and then there was together love as the Father and son were reunited. This is a picture of our perfected Father God. The Bible says that love doesn't take into account a wrong suffered. Two things need to happen with this kind of reconciliation.

Aipic by Kurt

The offending party needs to repent from the heart. Yes, have a repentant heart. The offended party, that's the Father here needs to listen. Yes, an offended Father needs to have a receptive heart to listen to words of repentance and then forgive. The Father in this story did  -- he did it with and hugged his formerly clueless son. Many dads won't hear or forgive. They have been hurt too much. Can't forgive many sons, can't forgive, they don't have a receptive heart. The offender often never even asks for forgiveness. The father showed the sinner respect. To the older son as well -- the son who had an angry, resentful heart. The band was playing so to speak the meat was on the grill, and this older son wasn't having a pleasure party, he was having a pity party. The father told the older son: you're always with me."The older son became angry and refused to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30But when this son of yours returns from squandering your wealth with prostitutes, you kill the fattened calf for him!’" Luke 15:28-30This should matter most -- the Father's presence, just pleasing and being with Him. You know, his presence is what really matters.

Sup With Real Repentance Verses Fake?

1. You honestly have a change of mind.

2. Then your will and personal volition are changed.

3. Then from the mind to movement, your actions change.

This story sort of isn't completed here in the Bible. It's left as it is so that you can complete this story with the Father. So what are you waiting for? Have you takin' a stride from His side? Come to him, come back to him just as you are.. yet willing to be changed. You may come walking back to him if you want, but He will run to you! Back in the day and in that Middle Eastern culture men didn't such running. This wasn't normal in that culture. We each have three relationships. We all potentially can enjoy three right relationships:

A respectful relationship with your Father God.

A proper relationship with yourself. and..

A kind relationship with others.

You and I can enjoy harmony and peace in all relationships even if the other person chooses to stay out of fellowship with you. A goat over his father's presence? What really!? Sin makes people stupid -- it distorts one's values. The older son to his kind and generous father said, "‘Look! For so many years I have been serving you and I have never neglected a command of yours; and yet you have never given me a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends; but when this son of yours came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours." Lk. 15:29-31 What do you value most today? What do you do, think, and talk about the most? Sin not only distorts your values, but it will distort your virtues and vision for the future. "This son of yours".. but they were brothers! Where is any normal family love here? This older son wanted a goat more than a relationship with his own brother! Sin distorts, it deceives people. ((v.32). It'll deceive you about your relationship with God too. Don't let it.“All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends!”

Is this true.."slaving for"? No! Did the eldest son ever actually request a goat? An initial party invitation to the older son is not recorded. Maybe he was or was he not invited pre-party because, let’s be pragmatic here, it’s not always easy for ranchers or farmers to just drop everything and start a celebration right (v.28 is a direct invitation from the Father who wants all sons there and celebrating). Did the Father ever directly refuse to give the older son a goat? I doubt it. Probably not. No goat-request from the son is recorded. In the next verse the Father says: “Everything I have is yours” (and he wasn't dead) but his eldest son doesn’t seem to believe this. “You are always with me,” the father says. The Father wanted him with and in there with the younger .. right! Get right inside sons (all siblings), and live right (righteous, not self-righteous). You and I know some sons can actually bring WAY TOO MANY ISSUES into family celebrations and situations (I'm not referring to our two sons Stephan and Christian here, but we've all seen this). Sin deceased deceives you (v.32). It'll deceive you about your relationship with God even. Look at all the hardened religious leaders and false teachers today -- they seem to be the same yesterday, today, and forever! Read more...

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son?

What type of repentance is necessary for salvation? Sincere and honest! 

It's a gift - See what the Bible says about guilt. 

What is hyper-grace minus confession of sins and true repentance?

What is false guilt, and how can I avoid it?

How to repent—what does the Bible say?

How can I detect a false conversion?

What does it mean to rend your heart (Joel 2:13)?

What is repentance from dead works in Hebrews 6:1?

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Two Sons?

What is the meaning of the Parables?

What should Christian parents do if they have a prodigal son (or daughter)? Before they pass, not give up crying out to God and praying for them!