Lord I'm Coming Home (Outline)
Introduction
Vance Havner said: “The far country is not hard to find. You can enter it right where you are; you do not have to go to Las Vegas. It is a state of the mind, of the heart and of the affections. It is rebellion against the Word and will of God.” This parable is about a lost son who needed to be saved.
I. LOST SON
A. CHOICE OF THE SON. (v. 12-13)
The young man demanded his rights to his inheritance. He failed to see his responsibilities to his father and family. He only thought of himself. “Give me” was his demand. The young man traveled into “a far county.” This young man wanted to be far away from his father. He did not want to be under his father’s disciple and guidance. He made a choice to live a life of sin. He “wasted his substance with riotous living.” The young man spent his money on sinful pleasure and godless pursuits.
B. CONSEQUENCES FOR THE SON.
1. His hardship. v. 14 “financially broke & in famine”
2. His helplessness. v. 14-15 “he began to be in want”
3. His hopelessness. v. 16 “no man gave unto him”
4. His hunger. v. 17 “I perish with hunger”
C. CHANGE IN THE SON. (v. 17-19)
The glamorous life style this young man expected was gone. He was sick of the life he was living and the pain he was feeling. He needed a change. Every sinner has to come to the place of knowing he is a sinner and that his life is in a mess. The young man came to his senses and acknowledged he had sinned against heaven (God) and against his father. True repentance is evident when there is a change in a person’s attitude that leads to a change in their actions. A person who has truly repented will want to make things right with God and with those he has sinned against on earth.
D. CONFESSION OF THE SON. (v. 21)
1. He confessed his sin against God.
2. He confessed his sin against his father.
3. He confessed his unworthiness.
a. We see his brokenness.
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Psa. 51:17
b. We see his humbleness.
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." James 4:10
II. LOVING FATHER
A. FATHER’S COMPASSION FOR HIS SON.
“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15
“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” Lament. 3:22-24
B. FATHER’S CELEBRATION FOR HIS SON.
“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
1. We make choices every day. We will either choose to live for God or for the pleasures of this world.
2. We shall reap from our choices. If we choose to live for this world, we shall reap suffering and sorrow either now or in eternity. If we choose to live for God, we shall have peace and joy now and forevermore.
3. If you are not saved, turn to Jesus in faith and repentance. Make that decision public. Jesus died and rose again so you could be forgiven.
LORD, I’M COMING HOME
I’ve wandered far away from God, Now I’m coming home;
The paths of sin too long I’ve trod, Lord, I’m coming home.
I’ve wasted many precious years, Now I’m coming home;
I now repent with bitter tears, Lord, I’m coming home.
I’ve tired o sin and straying Lord, Now, I’m coming home;
I’ll trust Thy love, believe Thy Word, Lord I’m coming home.
My soul is sick, my heart is sore, Now I,m coming home;
My strength renew, my hope restore, Lord, I’m coming home.
Coming home, coming home, Never-more to roam,
Open wide Thine arms of love, Lord, I’m coming home.