(This is the outline of my sermon for Father's Day. Maybe it can give you an idea for your sermon on this special day. I hope it makes sense to you, since I preach off of a rough outline.)
Luke 15 is all about grace. We read about the sheep that was found, the coin that was found and the errant son who came back. The parable about the return of the prodigal son is almost uncomfortable grace. To be honest, we might be inclined to side with the elder son. I. Verses 17-19 - The Condition of Saving Grace A. Vs. 17 - Realization B. Vs. 18 - Came to the conclusion of where his real security was. C. Vss. 19 and 21 - Confession of unworthiness. II. Verse 20 - The Waiting Father A. "Yet a great way off....." I picture the father gazing at the horizon each day for a view of his son. This gives us a picture of God's longing for us to return. B. Compassion (Could have been "I'll knock his block off.") This is how God looks at us - at you. C. Greeted with a hug and kiss.... great symbols of real love.... III.The forgiving Father "I forgive you" is not said by the father but is certainly impllied. He had already forgiven the son. In the case of our Heavenly Father, He knows what is in our hearts before we return.. IV. Vss. 22-23 - The giving Father A. "But" - meaning it was already done... B. He gave his errant son the best 1. The best robe which was saved for the most important guests. 2. The ring, which signified that he was still an heir. 3. The shoes, meaning he was not a slave but a son. (Slaves were usually barefooted.) 4. The fatted calf, culled, fed and fattened for very special guests. C. "Eat and be merry" God gave him a party....... Please understand that our holy God does not smile at sin, but when we repent, He invites us to a party, not a dull and drab life.
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Note: Father's Day is almost upon us. I am putting a sermon idea here to stiumlate your thinking about that important day.
Our earthly fathers are important, and I don't want to diminish their role, but on this Father's Day let's look at the ultimate Father - our Heavenly Father. I. He is our Heavenly Father. A. This means that He is holy, perfect - without flaw. B. Look at a description of Him. 1. Omnipotent (all-powerful) 2. Omnipresent (present everywhere) 3. Omnisicent (All-knowing) C. Is He your Heavenly Father? II. He is our loving Father. A. He loves enough to give. John 3:16 is proof of that, plus other places in scripture. B. He loves enough to give us His grace and mercy. 1. He gives us what we do not deserve. 2. Suppose He gave us only what we deserve. (We would be in trouble.) 3. He loves us enought to chasten (discipline) us. C. He loves enough to give us what we need. 1. Everything we have comes from God. 2. That is why we should be good stewards of what He gives us. III. He is our forgiving Father. A. He forgives our sins. 1 John 1:9 1. It is total forgiveness. 2. Accept His forgiveness. B. He cleanses us from sin. 1 John 1:9 C. He sets us free. 1. Free from sin's penalty. 2. Free from sin's grasp. 3. Free from sin's guilt. There is certainly more that we could say about our Heavenly Father, but what we have said should suffice to help us want to accept His offering of His Son for our salvation. We should be more determined to live for Our Heavenly Father. |
All of these materials are free of charge. There is no copyright on them and you are free to use them as you see fit. I am happy to be of assitance to you in your preaching/teaching minstry.
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