PASTORS OUTLINE

RLJ-663OL

THE BROTHER OF THE PRODIGAL SON

May 16,1999

The Pharisees and the Scribes believed that they were more righteous than the rest of the people in Israel. THE SPIRIT OF PRIDE HAD BLINDED THEM, AND THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND, THAT NO MAN IS RIGHTEOUS BEFORE GOD! Isaiah 64:6; Rom,3:23

Jesus did encounter this problem when he walked on this earth and he address it. Luke 18:9-14 When sinners encountered Jesus, they either repented or rejected Jesus. Luke 19:1-10
Remember this, REPENTANCE IS A GIFT FROM GOD! John 6:44; 65
For generations, many people have paid lip service to God, but in their hearts there is much sin. Matt.15:1-9; Isaiah 29:8-14

The brother of the prodigal son, is a typical example of people who cannot rejoice when a sinner is converted. This teaching was directed at the Pharisees:

1. The younger son wanted to go his own way, the older brother did not warn him. Luke 15:11-13
2. Once he had left his home he made a total waste of his life - verses 14-16
3. When he had reached the bottom of his misery, he repented of his sins - verses 17-21
4. The Father forgave him and restored his son ship - verses 22-24
5. When the elder brother heard the news, he BECAME ANGRY! verses 28-28
6. Instead of having a forgiving heart, he became bitter - verses 29-32

Jesus never told us if the older brother ever repented of his anger and bitterness. The human sinful nature is to ask for mercy for yourself but demand justice for others. Luke 9:51-58

There is only one reason why Jesus came to this earth, to pay for the sins of all human beings - Rom. 4:1-12. To call all people to repentance Matt.9:10-13 Mark 2:1-17

If a person is taking advantage of God's grace, the Lord himself shall handle that person, because VENGEANCE BELONGS TO GOD! Hebr.10:26-31

Saul of Tarsus was a murderer. Acts 7:54-60; 8:1-4
But God had a different plan for Saul - Acts 9:1-9
Ananias did not at first want to minister to Saul - verses 11-14
But God had other plans for Saul - verses 15-19
The apostles were afraid of Saul - verses 26-31
Saul's name was changed to Paul. His last words to us - 2 Tim.4:6-18

REMEMBER: OUR GOD IS A GOD OF MERCY! LET US WALK WITH GOD IN HIS MERCY! Psalms 103:1-12