WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.260 Go ahead and turn to Luke chapter 15, if you're not already there. 00:00:03.520 --> 00:00:07.299 I think this is a good picture of the older brother with his arms crossed. 00:00:08.919 --> 00:00:11.080 Last time we talked about the younger brother, 00:00:12.000 --> 00:00:15.439 and for sake of time we'll just do a really quick recap. 00:00:16.199 --> 00:00:23.160 But the younger brother went and sowed his wild oats, 00:00:23.339 --> 00:00:27.440 and the Bible says that he'd wasted his substance of riotous living, 00:00:27.440 --> 00:00:32.079 and he ends up needing money, needing food, 00:00:32.219 --> 00:00:34.460 and he gets a job working with pigs, 00:00:34.800 --> 00:00:37.140 and he finds himself thinking, 00:00:37.780 --> 00:00:41.799 you know, my dad has servants that are treated better than this. 00:00:42.240 --> 00:00:44.680 I just need to go make things right with dad, 00:00:44.740 --> 00:00:46.380 and at least I can have a job as a servant. 00:00:47.180 --> 00:00:49.219 And, of course, we know when he comes back, 00:00:49.939 --> 00:00:52.700 his dad says, forget the servant stuff. 00:00:52.780 --> 00:00:56.480 You're my son. We've reconciled, and he has a place for him. 00:00:56.479 --> 00:00:59.079 And during this time, this all happened. 00:00:59.659 --> 00:01:01.219 The older brother is out in the field, 00:01:01.719 --> 00:01:05.299 and so the dad said, you know, we're going to have a party. 00:01:05.759 --> 00:01:08.399 We dressed the younger son up with the robe. 00:01:08.719 --> 00:01:09.679 We gave him the ring. 00:01:09.780 --> 00:01:13.219 We put on the shoes and killed a fatted calf. 00:01:13.299 --> 00:01:14.060 We're going to have a party. 00:01:14.739 --> 00:01:16.000 And so this is going on, 00:01:16.060 --> 00:01:20.019 and this kind of starts us off here in verse 25 of our text. 00:01:20.340 --> 00:01:22.879 The older brother is starting to come up from the field. 00:01:22.879 --> 00:01:24.899 So verse 25, it says, 00:01:25.060 --> 00:01:27.459 Now his elder son was in the field, 00:01:27.780 --> 00:01:29.819 and as he came and drew nigh to the house, 00:01:30.219 --> 00:01:32.079 he heard music and dancing. 00:01:32.799 --> 00:01:36.439 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 00:01:37.019 --> 00:01:37.859 And he said unto him, 00:01:38.219 --> 00:01:41.099 Thy brother is come, and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, 00:01:41.299 --> 00:01:43.399 because he hath received him safe and sound. 00:01:44.259 --> 00:01:46.819 And he was angry and would not go in. 00:01:47.179 --> 00:01:49.799 Therefore came his father out and entreated him. 00:01:49.799 --> 00:01:52.219 And he answering said to his father, 00:01:52.519 --> 00:01:54.679 Lo, these many years do I serve thee. 00:01:55.099 --> 00:01:57.780 Neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment. 00:01:58.120 --> 00:02:02.120 And yet thou never gavest me a kid that I might make merry with my friends. 00:02:02.560 --> 00:02:06.719 But as soon as this thy son was come, 00:02:06.939 --> 00:02:10.120 which hath devoured thy living with harlots, 00:02:10.479 --> 00:02:12.379 thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 00:02:12.599 --> 00:02:13.579 And he said unto him, 00:02:14.039 --> 00:02:17.139 Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. 00:02:17.139 --> 00:02:19.979 It was meet that we should make merry and be glad. 00:02:20.599 --> 00:02:23.159 For this thy brother was dead and is alive again, 00:02:23.579 --> 00:02:25.419 and was lost and is found. 00:02:25.899 --> 00:02:26.539 Let's pray. 00:02:27.699 --> 00:02:30.779 Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you, Lord, for the stay you've given us. 00:02:31.219 --> 00:02:34.560 Lord, I thank you for the opportunity that we have to meet together. 00:02:35.159 --> 00:02:37.779 Lord, I just ask that you would be with the prayer requests 00:02:37.779 --> 00:02:39.179 that were mentioned earlier. 00:02:39.819 --> 00:02:43.099 Lord, I pray that you especially be with the Manson family 00:02:43.099 --> 00:02:45.000 and just all that's going on. 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:48.340 Lord, I ask that you would just speak to our hearts tonight 00:02:48.340 --> 00:02:52.340 and just ask that you would help us be in our place on Sunday 00:02:52.340 --> 00:02:54.740 and those that aren't here, that they'd be there as well. 00:02:54.939 --> 00:02:56.360 I thank you and I love you in Jesus' name. 00:02:56.719 --> 00:02:56.960 Amen. 00:02:58.539 --> 00:03:01.460 So, just real quickly here, 00:03:02.639 --> 00:03:05.580 I noticed kind of three things about this older son. 00:03:06.719 --> 00:03:10.439 Firstly, the vision, his vision was lost. 00:03:10.439 --> 00:03:13.319 He did not share the same vision that his father had. 00:03:14.419 --> 00:03:16.960 The father had been watching for his son's return 00:03:16.960 --> 00:03:20.139 and showed forgiveness when the younger son came. 00:03:20.680 --> 00:03:23.000 The older brother, he'd been working in the field 00:03:23.000 --> 00:03:25.079 and all he showed was frustration. 00:03:26.520 --> 00:03:28.599 You would think that the older brother would have been excited 00:03:28.599 --> 00:03:30.740 to see his younger brother return, 00:03:31.280 --> 00:03:32.840 and I would think for a couple different reasons. 00:03:33.259 --> 00:03:36.219 First off, he probably wouldn't have to do so much work by himself. 00:03:36.360 --> 00:03:38.180 He'd have the younger brother helping. 00:03:38.180 --> 00:03:43.960 Secondly, you would think that having your younger brother 00:03:43.960 --> 00:03:46.099 who had gone wayward come back, 00:03:46.159 --> 00:03:48.099 you'd think that that would be a time of rejoicing, 00:03:48.180 --> 00:03:50.500 but for this older brother, it wasn't. 00:03:51.060 --> 00:03:54.620 He instead chose to focus on himself. 00:03:56.340 --> 00:04:02.379 I have a verse here in Psalm 86, verse 15. 00:04:04.219 --> 00:04:04.760 It says, 00:04:04.759 --> 00:04:09.340 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion and gracious, 00:04:09.679 --> 00:04:12.840 long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and in truth. 00:04:13.659 --> 00:04:17.699 One thing I mentioned as I was kind of setting up 00:04:17.699 --> 00:04:19.800 the first lesson on the younger brother 00:04:19.800 --> 00:04:22.500 is these two boys, 00:04:22.959 --> 00:04:24.620 these two young men at this time, 00:04:25.139 --> 00:04:28.439 they were grown up in a house where this kind of stuff, 00:04:28.719 --> 00:04:30.620 they probably knew Psalms and Proverbs. 00:04:30.719 --> 00:04:31.719 They'd been taught these things. 00:04:31.720 --> 00:04:34.920 So this is something that would have been familiar with this older brother. 00:04:35.400 --> 00:04:37.620 He should have been showing this compassion, but he didn't. 00:04:38.560 --> 00:04:42.600 The older son, his relationship, it was all works-based. 00:04:43.180 --> 00:04:44.720 You know, he says that he'd been working, 00:04:44.800 --> 00:04:45.740 he'd been doing all this stuff. 00:04:46.080 --> 00:04:47.620 He believes that he should have a party, 00:04:47.900 --> 00:04:49.140 not his undeserving brother. 00:04:50.020 --> 00:04:51.400 He didn't understand grace, 00:04:51.399 --> 00:04:54.500 and he had no room for forgiveness in his heart. 00:04:56.959 --> 00:04:58.120 We even see here, 00:04:58.299 --> 00:05:00.379 he went as far to disown his brother. 00:05:01.419 --> 00:05:02.579 In verse 30, he says, 00:05:02.919 --> 00:05:05.839 But as soon as this thy son was come, 00:05:05.919 --> 00:05:06.539 he didn't even say, 00:05:06.939 --> 00:05:07.939 When my brother came back, 00:05:07.979 --> 00:05:08.199 he said, 00:05:08.259 --> 00:05:09.039 Your son. 00:05:09.579 --> 00:05:10.759 He's disowning him. 00:05:11.099 --> 00:05:13.179 He's so frustrated with his younger brother. 00:05:14.039 --> 00:05:16.699 He didn't show the same compassion that his father showed. 00:05:17.500 --> 00:05:18.039 He also, 00:05:18.239 --> 00:05:19.819 he didn't hear the same confession. 00:05:19.819 --> 00:05:22.439 In verse 21 of our text, 00:05:22.800 --> 00:05:23.519 it says, 00:05:24.040 --> 00:05:24.500 And the son, 00:05:24.579 --> 00:05:25.959 this is talking about the younger son, 00:05:26.339 --> 00:05:26.920 said unto him, 00:05:27.040 --> 00:05:29.120 Father, I have sinned against heaven, 00:05:29.339 --> 00:05:30.399 and in thy sight, 00:05:30.519 --> 00:05:32.779 and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 00:05:33.819 --> 00:05:36.300 The older brother wasn't there when this happened. 00:05:37.500 --> 00:05:40.139 I think it's interesting that the older brother, 00:05:40.639 --> 00:05:43.680 he claims to know his younger brother's sins. 00:05:44.899 --> 00:05:47.740 Not once did the younger brother mention anything 00:05:47.740 --> 00:05:49.459 about harlots. 00:05:50.399 --> 00:05:52.699 But in Proverbs chapter 29, verse 3, 00:05:52.800 --> 00:05:53.159 it says, 00:05:53.699 --> 00:05:56.920 Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father, 00:05:57.159 --> 00:05:58.819 but he that keepeth company with harlots 00:05:58.819 --> 00:06:00.180 spendeth his substance. 00:06:00.860 --> 00:06:01.839 Again, this is a verse, 00:06:02.399 --> 00:06:04.339 this type of stuff he would have been familiar with, 00:06:04.379 --> 00:06:05.620 so he probably is just assuming, 00:06:05.800 --> 00:06:07.740 hey, because he wasted his inheritance, 00:06:08.000 --> 00:06:09.300 this is what he wasted it on. 00:06:10.379 --> 00:06:11.000 A side note, 00:06:11.060 --> 00:06:12.339 I think this is probably indicative 00:06:12.339 --> 00:06:14.399 of what his true heart was 00:06:14.399 --> 00:06:16.079 if he had been in that situation, 00:06:16.199 --> 00:06:17.659 what he would have spent the money on. 00:06:17.660 --> 00:06:20.700 1 Samuel chapter 16, verse 7 says, 00:06:20.820 --> 00:06:22.460 For the Lord seeth not as man seeth, 00:06:22.580 --> 00:06:24.180 for man looketh on the outward appearance, 00:06:24.520 --> 00:06:26.040 but the Lord looketh on the heart. 00:06:27.260 --> 00:06:28.620 We see here that the older brother, 00:06:28.820 --> 00:06:32.740 he had only developed a selfish attitude, 00:06:32.740 --> 00:06:35.079 but also a self-righteous one. 00:06:35.819 --> 00:06:37.199 He had a preconceived idea 00:06:37.199 --> 00:06:39.000 of what the younger son 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:40.480 had spent his inheritance on, 00:06:41.079 --> 00:06:43.500 and he believes that the younger son 00:06:43.500 --> 00:06:45.699 is undeserving of his father's favor. 00:06:45.699 --> 00:06:47.240 I can tell you, 00:06:47.719 --> 00:06:50.659 I'm first off an older son, 00:06:51.519 --> 00:06:52.079 but also, 00:06:52.339 --> 00:06:54.319 we'll get a little into this later, 00:06:54.839 --> 00:06:55.939 with this parable, 00:06:56.139 --> 00:06:58.439 the audience that it's geared toward 00:06:58.439 --> 00:06:59.519 is the Pharisees, 00:07:00.039 --> 00:07:00.699 and I'm telling you, 00:07:00.759 --> 00:07:02.519 I've been raised in church long enough 00:07:02.519 --> 00:07:05.539 where I was never like the younger son. 00:07:05.740 --> 00:07:08.439 I didn't go out and sow my wild oats 00:07:08.439 --> 00:07:10.680 and have the big dramatic comeback. 00:07:11.219 --> 00:07:12.480 I was the older brother. 00:07:12.480 --> 00:07:13.120 I stayed. 00:07:13.660 --> 00:07:15.040 I did my duty, 00:07:15.879 --> 00:07:16.780 and I can tell you, 00:07:17.400 --> 00:07:19.660 it did frustrate me 00:07:19.660 --> 00:07:22.180 when I saw people who did leave. 00:07:22.420 --> 00:07:23.160 I've been old enough. 00:07:23.600 --> 00:07:24.680 I've seen it so many times. 00:07:24.920 --> 00:07:25.860 It's usually teens. 00:07:26.200 --> 00:07:28.439 About the time that they get a job on their own 00:07:28.439 --> 00:07:30.379 is usually about the time that they split 00:07:30.379 --> 00:07:31.620 and want to do their own thing, 00:07:32.400 --> 00:07:33.420 and then sometimes, 00:07:33.660 --> 00:07:34.500 they would make things right, 00:07:34.560 --> 00:07:35.180 and they'd come back, 00:07:35.220 --> 00:07:36.660 and the whole church would be excited, 00:07:37.000 --> 00:07:38.020 which they should be, 00:07:38.400 --> 00:07:39.800 and they're congratulating, 00:07:39.939 --> 00:07:40.900 and they're excited. 00:07:41.040 --> 00:07:41.100 They're, 00:07:41.180 --> 00:07:42.420 oh, we've been praying for you. 00:07:42.939 --> 00:07:43.520 And I remember, 00:07:43.780 --> 00:07:45.759 I'm just being very transparent with you. 00:07:45.819 --> 00:07:47.040 I remember sitting in the pew, 00:07:47.700 --> 00:07:48.460 burning up, 00:07:49.420 --> 00:07:50.160 because it was like, 00:07:50.220 --> 00:07:51.600 man, they're getting a lot of attention, 00:07:52.420 --> 00:07:54.480 but they were the ones that went out and did things. 00:07:55.200 --> 00:07:56.600 I've been here this whole time. 00:07:57.400 --> 00:07:59.080 I remember having to pick up slack 00:07:59.080 --> 00:08:00.160 because people left, 00:08:00.660 --> 00:08:02.220 and so I can totally understand 00:08:02.220 --> 00:08:03.680 where this older brother's coming from. 00:08:04.640 --> 00:08:05.680 He's not having it. 00:08:06.340 --> 00:08:08.240 Frankly, he thinks his dad is stingy. 00:08:08.620 --> 00:08:09.900 He thinks his dad is unfair, 00:08:09.899 --> 00:08:12.519 and God is not either one of those things. 00:08:14.120 --> 00:08:15.799 So he didn't hear the same confession. 00:08:17.379 --> 00:08:19.839 He also, in verse 23, 27, 00:08:19.839 --> 00:08:22.759 we see he didn't sing at the same celebration. 00:08:24.359 --> 00:08:25.620 The father is merry and glad. 00:08:25.739 --> 00:08:27.199 This should be an exciting time. 00:08:27.620 --> 00:08:29.199 The younger son came back. 00:08:29.459 --> 00:08:31.079 The Bible says he came to himself. 00:08:31.579 --> 00:08:34.340 He realized he had done wrong, 00:08:34.340 --> 00:08:35.860 and he went to the right person, 00:08:35.980 --> 00:08:36.720 who was the father. 00:08:37.220 --> 00:08:38.420 He said the right things. 00:08:39.379 --> 00:08:40.120 I'm sorry. 00:08:40.240 --> 00:08:40.920 I've sinned. 00:08:41.060 --> 00:08:41.960 He made things right. 00:08:42.040 --> 00:08:43.280 This should be a joyous occasion. 00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:45.139 But the older brother was angry, 00:08:45.460 --> 00:08:47.120 and the Bible says he would not even go in. 00:08:48.420 --> 00:08:50.759 He had bought into his own self-righteousness 00:08:50.759 --> 00:08:53.620 and believed that he had not transgressed 00:08:53.620 --> 00:08:55.060 any commandment. 00:08:56.720 --> 00:08:58.980 Matthew 6, verse 1, 00:08:58.980 --> 00:08:59.560 says, 00:08:59.560 --> 00:09:04.039 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men 00:09:04.039 --> 00:09:04.980 to be seen of them, 00:09:05.039 --> 00:09:06.800 otherwise ye have no reward of your father 00:09:06.800 --> 00:09:07.519 which is in heaven. 00:09:09.200 --> 00:09:10.700 Again, this older son, 00:09:10.820 --> 00:09:13.720 his whole relationship with his father, 00:09:13.940 --> 00:09:15.399 it was works-based. 00:09:15.879 --> 00:09:18.139 He was doing these things to get notice of his dad. 00:09:18.920 --> 00:09:21.120 The Pharisees, they would give their alms. 00:09:21.360 --> 00:09:23.600 We have that tithe and offering area back there. 00:09:24.480 --> 00:09:26.899 And can you imagine if someone was like, 00:09:27.180 --> 00:09:30.000 everybody, I need everybody's attention here real quick. 00:09:30.340 --> 00:09:31.399 Just want to let you know, 00:09:31.659 --> 00:09:33.120 the Mansons are needing some money, 00:09:33.560 --> 00:09:36.040 and I'm going to give them $10,000. 00:09:36.460 --> 00:09:37.680 So I just want you all to know, 00:09:38.100 --> 00:09:39.779 if you want to give more than that, that's great, 00:09:39.899 --> 00:09:41.200 but I'm giving the $10,000. 00:09:42.180 --> 00:09:44.560 You know, that would be giving your alms, 00:09:44.659 --> 00:09:47.080 making applause to let everybody know. 00:09:47.080 --> 00:09:49.540 And that's what these Pharisees would do. 00:09:49.680 --> 00:09:51.139 They'd want everybody to know. 00:09:51.440 --> 00:09:53.120 And God says, well, then that's your reward. 00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:55.700 There's nothing up in heaven for that. 00:09:56.740 --> 00:09:58.480 That's what this older son, 00:09:59.240 --> 00:10:03.159 he believed his works are what gained favor. 00:10:04.419 --> 00:10:06.539 God isn't concerned about our works. 00:10:07.179 --> 00:10:08.379 It doesn't really matter. 00:10:08.919 --> 00:10:11.740 The Bible says our good works are as filthy rags. 00:10:14.039 --> 00:10:16.860 God is more interested in just faithfulness. 00:10:17.060 --> 00:10:19.060 He didn't even get a goat at his party, 00:10:19.060 --> 00:10:22.539 is what he's whining about when he talks to his dad there. 00:10:23.120 --> 00:10:28.639 And there in verse 29, he says, 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:30.340 yet never thou gavest me a kid. 00:10:31.240 --> 00:10:34.259 You know, you killed the fatted calf for the younger son, 00:10:34.340 --> 00:10:36.419 but I don't even get a goat for my party. 00:10:38.419 --> 00:10:40.740 But the rebel, he gets a party with the fatted calf. 00:10:40.820 --> 00:10:42.060 Everyone gets to come and celebrate. 00:10:42.840 --> 00:10:45.899 He believes, again, his father's being stingy and unfair. 00:10:45.899 --> 00:10:50.600 Earlier in this chapter, in verse 10 of chapter 15, 00:10:51.240 --> 00:10:51.419 it says, 00:10:51.519 --> 00:10:52.659 Likewise, I say unto you, 00:10:52.740 --> 00:10:55.139 there is joy in the presence of the angels of God 00:10:55.139 --> 00:10:56.720 over one sinner that repenteth. 00:10:57.819 --> 00:10:59.600 We know in this chapter, 00:10:59.759 --> 00:11:02.559 there's a parable about a lost sheep. 00:11:02.659 --> 00:11:04.480 There's a parable about a lost coin. 00:11:05.059 --> 00:11:08.600 And now there's this parable about this lost son 00:11:08.600 --> 00:11:10.340 who'd gone wayward. 00:11:11.019 --> 00:11:12.360 This should be a time of rejoicing. 00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:15.060 Even the angels rejoice with one sinner that repents. 00:11:15.300 --> 00:11:16.120 But then the older brother, 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:18.560 we see him sulking outside. 00:11:18.779 --> 00:11:19.820 He doesn't even want to go in. 00:11:20.659 --> 00:11:21.740 It reminds me of Jonah. 00:11:22.940 --> 00:11:25.139 You know, Jonah was given the opportunity 00:11:25.139 --> 00:11:26.840 to go and preach to Nineveh, 00:11:27.060 --> 00:11:29.100 which really should have been a great opportunity. 00:11:29.639 --> 00:11:34.240 The Bible says that the Ninevites turned around, 00:11:34.740 --> 00:11:36.680 and you would think that'd be something 00:11:36.680 --> 00:11:38.480 that Jonah would be excited for. 00:11:38.480 --> 00:11:40.200 And we see him just sulking. 00:11:40.639 --> 00:11:41.340 He's angry. 00:11:42.080 --> 00:11:44.200 He believes that God should have just destroyed them, 00:11:44.360 --> 00:11:44.639 something. 00:11:46.700 --> 00:11:48.360 Just an interesting thought. 00:11:49.060 --> 00:11:51.000 If you look at the book of Jonah, 00:11:52.120 --> 00:11:53.940 it ends with a question mark. 00:11:54.300 --> 00:11:55.560 That's how Jonah ends. 00:11:56.300 --> 00:11:59.539 And I think that's interesting about Jonah, 00:12:00.240 --> 00:12:01.500 because whatever did happen to him, 00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:03.620 you know, he really could have gone down 00:12:03.620 --> 00:12:05.360 as one of the greatest missionaries in the Bible. 00:12:05.360 --> 00:12:08.320 But what do we remember at the end of his life? 00:12:08.759 --> 00:12:10.840 He was upset because of the Lord's work. 00:12:12.060 --> 00:12:13.240 I was the same way. 00:12:13.340 --> 00:12:14.320 You could say I was a Jonah. 00:12:17.519 --> 00:12:19.200 It's not for us to judge things, 00:12:19.740 --> 00:12:21.100 but I've been around long enough 00:12:21.100 --> 00:12:22.600 when I'd see someone come back. 00:12:23.620 --> 00:12:25.180 My thought, initial thought, 00:12:25.240 --> 00:12:26.940 should have been, praise the Lord, they're back. 00:12:27.139 --> 00:12:28.779 But this is what my thought was. 00:12:29.139 --> 00:12:31.200 How long are they going to stick around? 00:12:32.159 --> 00:12:33.279 Some of you are nodding your head, 00:12:33.279 --> 00:12:36.419 because you know, that's not necessarily a bad attitude. 00:12:36.600 --> 00:12:37.720 That's just experience. 00:12:38.720 --> 00:12:39.959 But it should be our first, 00:12:40.079 --> 00:12:41.259 is praise the Lord that they're here. 00:12:41.559 --> 00:12:42.139 We're glad. 00:12:43.879 --> 00:12:46.559 So we've all, at one time, have been a Jonah. 00:12:47.480 --> 00:12:49.919 Secondly, not only was his vision lost, 00:12:50.240 --> 00:12:51.659 his viewpoint was lacking. 00:12:53.039 --> 00:12:55.959 We see here, and let's start reading verse 28 of our text. 00:12:55.960 --> 00:12:59.000 And he was angry and would not go in. 00:12:59.180 --> 00:13:01.340 Therefore came his father out and entreated him. 00:13:01.860 --> 00:13:03.080 And he answering said to his father, 00:13:03.240 --> 00:13:04.840 Lo, these many years do I serve thee, 00:13:05.180 --> 00:13:07.540 neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment. 00:13:07.580 --> 00:13:09.040 And yet thou never gavest me a kid 00:13:09.040 --> 00:13:11.019 that I might make merry with my friends. 00:13:11.160 --> 00:13:13.639 But as soon as this thy son was come, 00:13:13.980 --> 00:13:15.620 which hath devoured thy living with harlots, 00:13:15.720 --> 00:13:18.620 thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 00:13:18.620 --> 00:13:22.720 He was enraged by these circumstances. 00:13:24.580 --> 00:13:26.820 But one thing we learn as we read scripture, 00:13:27.200 --> 00:13:29.340 we are able to live above circumstances. 00:13:30.139 --> 00:13:33.000 One of my favorite instances of that is Joseph. 00:13:34.159 --> 00:13:34.879 Here he is. 00:13:34.960 --> 00:13:38.200 He's just supposed to go and tell his dad 00:13:38.200 --> 00:13:39.960 the report about his brothers. 00:13:40.659 --> 00:13:42.399 And one brother says, oh, here he comes. 00:13:42.879 --> 00:13:43.779 Let's kill him. 00:13:44.320 --> 00:13:45.940 And the oldest one is like, hold on, guys. 00:13:45.940 --> 00:13:48.720 Let's at least make a profit, right? 00:13:48.800 --> 00:13:50.060 We can sell him. 00:13:50.480 --> 00:13:51.600 They sell him into slavery. 00:13:52.100 --> 00:13:53.340 They think that they're rid of him. 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:56.900 The Bible says that he gets to Potiphar again. 00:13:57.000 --> 00:13:58.880 He's kind of sold again. 00:13:59.040 --> 00:14:02.220 And he ends up having an encounter with Potiphar's wife. 00:14:02.360 --> 00:14:03.180 She lies about him. 00:14:03.240 --> 00:14:04.300 He's thrown into prison. 00:14:04.960 --> 00:14:08.160 And you would think, this is rough, you know. 00:14:08.520 --> 00:14:10.500 But he was able to live above circumstances. 00:14:10.800 --> 00:14:11.720 You didn't see him complaining. 00:14:12.240 --> 00:14:14.480 He was just, whatever I need to do. 00:14:14.480 --> 00:14:16.379 He was really good at his job in the prison. 00:14:16.899 --> 00:14:18.500 And the Lord exalted him for that. 00:14:19.259 --> 00:14:21.259 We can live above circumstances. 00:14:22.560 --> 00:14:25.360 He was exaggerating the truth in verse 29. 00:14:25.740 --> 00:14:26.860 I kind of touched on this earlier. 00:14:27.440 --> 00:14:29.519 He claims that he had never transgressed. 00:14:30.659 --> 00:14:32.180 You know, pride is a slippery slope. 00:14:33.379 --> 00:14:34.259 And if you don't want to slip, 00:14:34.800 --> 00:14:36.320 stay away from slippery places. 00:14:37.420 --> 00:14:39.259 Proverbs 16, 5 says, 00:14:39.259 --> 00:14:43.419 Everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord. 00:14:43.720 --> 00:14:46.279 Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 00:14:47.480 --> 00:14:50.740 You know, this older brother is real bent out of shape. 00:14:51.840 --> 00:14:55.039 And the fact that he has to try and... 00:14:56.039 --> 00:14:59.679 I believe he had to pick up extra slack because of his brother's absence. 00:15:00.179 --> 00:15:03.460 Frankly, seeing the dad watching for the younger son, 00:15:03.580 --> 00:15:04.639 that could have been frustrating. 00:15:05.439 --> 00:15:07.860 Thinking, I should have a little more attention because I'm here. 00:15:07.860 --> 00:15:11.860 You know, I don't know everything that was going on in the heart of this older son. 00:15:12.600 --> 00:15:16.399 I also know he was being egotistical there in verse 29. 00:15:16.820 --> 00:15:17.700 It's all... 00:15:17.700 --> 00:15:18.740 He had an eye problem. 00:15:19.300 --> 00:15:20.500 Colossians 3, 23 says, 00:15:20.600 --> 00:15:24.680 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men. 00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:27.139 He was so wrapped up in himself. 00:15:27.639 --> 00:15:30.840 And he was so blinded by his self-righteousness. 00:15:31.220 --> 00:15:34.200 Frankly, his bitterness had crept in there. 00:15:34.200 --> 00:15:38.879 We don't know how long the younger son was gone, 00:15:39.379 --> 00:15:42.860 but this bitterness has definitely took a hold in the older brother's heart. 00:15:43.240 --> 00:15:44.000 And he's upset. 00:15:44.259 --> 00:15:54.920 He's really angry about the situation that he's found his dad and his brother in. 00:15:54.919 --> 00:15:59.779 And we see here he also entertained his imagination. 00:16:02.179 --> 00:16:08.679 Again, he said that his younger brother had wasted his substance with harlots. 00:16:08.679 --> 00:16:13.519 I remember one of the first verses I learned as a kid. 00:16:14.559 --> 00:16:16.819 I'd get scared at night or something. 00:16:17.279 --> 00:16:19.919 And I'd go running to my mom, my dad. 00:16:20.000 --> 00:16:20.779 Because my dad didn't. 00:16:20.939 --> 00:16:21.759 He was just like, go to bed. 00:16:22.199 --> 00:16:23.819 But my mom, she would say, 00:16:24.019 --> 00:16:25.799 Here's a verse. 00:16:26.459 --> 00:16:28.859 And it was 2 Corinthians 10, 5. 00:16:28.860 --> 00:16:39.100 So she said, 00:16:39.180 --> 00:16:42.539 When you would get scared and your mind would, you know, 00:16:42.899 --> 00:16:44.560 your imagination would run out of control 00:16:44.560 --> 00:16:48.800 and you think that there's a scary monster or something in your room, 00:16:49.279 --> 00:16:51.840 you need to bring those thoughts to the obedience of Christ. 00:16:51.960 --> 00:16:52.759 You need to be captive. 00:16:52.759 --> 00:16:55.799 And I remember even to this day, 00:16:55.899 --> 00:16:58.960 if there's times where I feel afraid, 00:16:59.439 --> 00:17:02.980 that's a verse that runs to my head now. 00:17:03.919 --> 00:17:05.740 Side note, it's just interesting. 00:17:06.140 --> 00:17:08.039 Your fears change as you get older 00:17:08.039 --> 00:17:11.720 because no longer am I afraid of the boogeyman. 00:17:12.279 --> 00:17:14.160 But there's other things. 00:17:14.920 --> 00:17:19.500 You know, sometimes financial stress bears on you. 00:17:19.640 --> 00:17:20.740 You know, stuff like that. 00:17:20.740 --> 00:17:24.000 And sometimes doing the tree work that we do. 00:17:24.579 --> 00:17:25.539 You know, there's just stuff. 00:17:26.019 --> 00:17:27.240 It's like, ooh, it's a little hairy, 00:17:27.440 --> 00:17:29.819 but give it to the Lord. 00:17:30.359 --> 00:17:31.559 And that's what this older brother, 00:17:31.819 --> 00:17:35.579 he should have trusted his father's experience. 00:17:36.660 --> 00:17:39.160 He should have taken notes of his father's love, 00:17:39.640 --> 00:17:43.180 the grace and mercy that he was showing to the younger son. 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:45.900 Lastly here, we see that number three, 00:17:46.059 --> 00:17:49.240 that the older brother's, his value was learned. 00:17:49.240 --> 00:17:52.640 First off, his faithfulness was acknowledged. 00:17:52.980 --> 00:17:54.940 Verse 31 says, 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:56.420 And he said unto him, 00:17:56.500 --> 00:17:59.299 Son, thou art ever with me, 00:17:59.440 --> 00:18:00.960 and all that I have is thine. 00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:06.720 It's very important to know that God sees the work that we do, 00:18:07.079 --> 00:18:08.380 even when other people don't. 00:18:09.680 --> 00:18:11.860 I can tell you being a teen, 00:18:12.120 --> 00:18:13.819 when I'd see everybody else run off, 00:18:14.519 --> 00:18:16.519 this isn't tooting my horn. 00:18:16.600 --> 00:18:17.240 I'm just telling you. 00:18:18.039 --> 00:18:19.019 I was 16, 00:18:19.259 --> 00:18:22.720 and I was in charge of our little bus ministry. 00:18:22.900 --> 00:18:24.799 We had a van that we drove around, 00:18:24.880 --> 00:18:25.860 and I'd pick people up. 00:18:25.859 --> 00:18:27.519 I'd sing in the choir. 00:18:27.759 --> 00:18:28.559 I was an usher. 00:18:28.939 --> 00:18:32.399 I'd teach the kids' classes. 00:18:33.740 --> 00:18:36.779 You know, I was busy doing things, 00:18:37.099 --> 00:18:38.699 and a lot of times, 00:18:38.839 --> 00:18:40.359 you wouldn't have anybody to do that with 00:18:40.359 --> 00:18:41.299 if that were your peers. 00:18:41.899 --> 00:18:43.759 And I remember that would upset me. 00:18:43.819 --> 00:18:44.759 It would frustrate me. 00:18:45.259 --> 00:18:47.059 And then they would come back, 00:18:47.059 --> 00:18:51.519 and it seemed like people would just not give it up. 00:18:51.619 --> 00:18:51.980 They're just like, 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:53.399 oh, we're so thankful that, you know, 00:18:54.059 --> 00:18:55.740 this person is back, 00:18:55.779 --> 00:18:56.740 and we've been praying for them. 00:18:56.819 --> 00:18:58.359 Oh, God has answered our prayers. 00:18:59.079 --> 00:19:00.220 And I would stew. 00:19:00.559 --> 00:19:01.299 I'd sit there, 00:19:01.359 --> 00:19:03.539 and they would just gnaw at me 00:19:03.539 --> 00:19:05.299 because I had done what was right. 00:19:05.399 --> 00:19:06.799 I'd done my duty. 00:19:07.419 --> 00:19:08.599 And we have to realize 00:19:08.599 --> 00:19:11.819 serving the Lord isn't, 00:19:13.099 --> 00:19:14.500 it shouldn't be a duty. 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:16.619 It should be something that we want to do. 00:19:16.619 --> 00:19:18.219 It shouldn't be a task, a chore. 00:19:18.759 --> 00:19:20.779 But frankly, you get jaded. 00:19:22.899 --> 00:19:23.899 You're serving, 00:19:24.479 --> 00:19:25.539 and there's sometimes, 00:19:25.679 --> 00:19:26.339 if you're not careful, 00:19:26.519 --> 00:19:28.000 if you're not putting on that armor of God, 00:19:28.839 --> 00:19:30.619 man, that's when those darks 00:19:31.239 --> 00:19:32.619 come flying from Satan, 00:19:32.859 --> 00:19:35.119 and he can see that complacency. 00:19:35.639 --> 00:19:37.079 And then you start thinking, 00:19:37.399 --> 00:19:39.259 well, no one's even noticed that I've done this. 00:19:39.439 --> 00:19:40.799 Well, I guess I won't do it anymore. 00:19:40.879 --> 00:19:41.619 And then they'll notice, 00:19:42.099 --> 00:19:43.419 that's the wrong attitude. 00:19:44.419 --> 00:19:45.099 You know, 00:19:45.099 --> 00:19:48.039 we should be one to serve Lord regardless. 00:19:48.859 --> 00:19:49.740 Sometimes I think to myself, 00:19:49.879 --> 00:19:51.679 regardless of if anybody else was here, 00:19:51.779 --> 00:19:52.480 what would I do? 00:19:52.740 --> 00:19:54.199 His faithfulness was acknowledged. 00:19:54.959 --> 00:19:56.939 Also, in verse 31, 00:19:57.079 --> 00:19:58.819 we see his inheritance was promised. 00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:00.480 He says, 00:20:00.619 --> 00:20:02.000 all that I have is thine. 00:20:03.379 --> 00:20:05.000 Man, that's awesome. 00:20:05.919 --> 00:20:06.619 You know, the younger brother, 00:20:06.699 --> 00:20:07.919 he had wasted his substance. 00:20:08.079 --> 00:20:08.539 It's gone. 00:20:08.819 --> 00:20:10.059 You can't get that back. 00:20:10.059 --> 00:20:12.700 So everything now that the father has, 00:20:13.220 --> 00:20:14.579 that's the older sons. 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:15.740 It's his. 00:20:15.879 --> 00:20:17.559 He doesn't have to compete with his brother anymore. 00:20:17.779 --> 00:20:19.279 It's all his. 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:21.519 First off, that's a huge blessing. 00:20:22.039 --> 00:20:23.039 But what a responsibility. 00:20:24.639 --> 00:20:26.319 You know, God has given us 00:20:26.319 --> 00:20:28.960 a responsibility 00:20:28.960 --> 00:20:31.839 to take care of what's his. 00:20:31.839 --> 00:20:33.799 I think we need to be 00:20:33.799 --> 00:20:34.939 reflections of Christ 00:20:34.939 --> 00:20:36.799 and show the grace and mercy 00:20:36.799 --> 00:20:38.679 that he shows us to others, 00:20:38.939 --> 00:20:40.839 whether or not we like them. 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:43.199 Thirdly here, 00:20:43.359 --> 00:20:45.459 we see his pride was checked. 00:20:45.859 --> 00:20:46.539 Verse 32, 00:20:48.659 --> 00:20:48.919 you know, 00:20:49.019 --> 00:20:49.799 the older son, 00:20:49.879 --> 00:20:50.299 he's pouting. 00:20:51.059 --> 00:20:52.240 The father comes out and it says, 00:20:52.399 --> 00:20:53.039 it was meat 00:20:53.039 --> 00:20:54.220 that we should make merry. 00:20:54.720 --> 00:20:55.099 That means 00:20:55.099 --> 00:20:57.139 we're going to have a party 00:20:57.139 --> 00:20:58.599 because that's the right thing to do. 00:20:58.939 --> 00:20:59.899 Your brother's back. 00:20:59.900 --> 00:21:02.300 It's a necessity. 00:21:04.300 --> 00:21:05.420 He needed to accept 00:21:05.420 --> 00:21:06.140 his younger brother 00:21:06.140 --> 00:21:07.259 as a part of the family. 00:21:08.920 --> 00:21:09.140 You know, 00:21:09.160 --> 00:21:10.160 it's interesting to me 00:21:10.160 --> 00:21:12.700 so many times, 00:21:12.740 --> 00:21:13.660 just like the older brother, 00:21:14.340 --> 00:21:15.960 we don't take advantage 00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:17.120 of what God has 00:21:17.120 --> 00:21:18.540 because the older brother 00:21:18.540 --> 00:21:19.460 could have gone to his dad 00:21:19.460 --> 00:21:20.300 at any time and said, 00:21:20.400 --> 00:21:20.580 hey, 00:21:21.320 --> 00:21:22.540 can I have a party? 00:21:22.840 --> 00:21:24.259 This father loved his son. 00:21:24.640 --> 00:21:25.100 He would have said, 00:21:25.180 --> 00:21:25.380 yeah. 00:21:27.040 --> 00:21:27.960 But so many times 00:21:27.960 --> 00:21:29.559 we let that bitterness 00:21:29.559 --> 00:21:30.700 get into our heart 00:21:30.700 --> 00:21:32.880 and we like to think, 00:21:33.279 --> 00:21:33.480 oh, 00:21:33.640 --> 00:21:33.920 you know, 00:21:34.120 --> 00:21:35.319 the father's unfair. 00:21:35.720 --> 00:21:36.620 God is just. 00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:39.559 And there's times 00:21:39.559 --> 00:21:40.519 where things happen 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:42.340 in your life 00:21:42.340 --> 00:21:43.660 and it's easy to say, 00:21:43.900 --> 00:21:45.140 why? 00:21:45.400 --> 00:21:47.039 Why did you let that happen to me? 00:21:48.059 --> 00:21:49.059 But God is just. 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:50.279 We need to take advantage 00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:51.740 of his blessings 00:21:51.740 --> 00:21:52.480 and resources. 00:21:53.019 --> 00:21:53.840 Grace and mercy 00:21:53.840 --> 00:21:55.019 was necessary 00:21:55.019 --> 00:21:56.140 and appropriate 00:21:56.140 --> 00:21:57.700 and it was meet 00:21:57.700 --> 00:21:58.840 that we should make merry 00:21:58.840 --> 00:21:59.520 and be glad. 00:22:01.640 --> 00:22:02.660 Romans 9, 00:22:02.860 --> 00:22:04.020 chapter 16, 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:04.980 so then, 00:22:05.220 --> 00:22:06.460 if it is not of him 00:22:06.460 --> 00:22:07.100 that willeth 00:22:07.100 --> 00:22:08.220 nor him that runneth, 00:22:08.440 --> 00:22:09.300 but of God 00:22:09.300 --> 00:22:10.440 that showeth mercy. 00:22:10.740 --> 00:22:11.460 That's an attribute 00:22:11.460 --> 00:22:13.320 that this father had. 00:22:13.640 --> 00:22:14.320 This parable 00:22:14.320 --> 00:22:16.520 was kind of geared 00:22:16.520 --> 00:22:18.380 toward the Pharisees. 00:22:18.540 --> 00:22:19.620 I believe we see that 00:22:19.620 --> 00:22:22.380 in our text verse there. 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:24.020 In the beginning, 00:22:24.240 --> 00:22:25.500 it says in verse 1, 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:27.759 then drew near unto him 00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:28.839 all the publicans 00:22:28.839 --> 00:22:29.380 and sinners 00:22:29.380 --> 00:22:30.339 for to hear him. 00:22:30.819 --> 00:22:31.359 And then verse 2, 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:32.039 and the Pharisees 00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:33.140 and scribes murmured, 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:33.500 saying, 00:22:33.579 --> 00:22:34.720 this man receiveth sinners 00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:35.920 and eateth with them. 00:22:37.160 --> 00:22:37.440 I mean, 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:38.400 you can put the younger brother 00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:39.019 and the older brother 00:22:39.019 --> 00:22:39.920 right in that spot. 00:22:40.460 --> 00:22:41.420 The younger brother 00:22:41.420 --> 00:22:42.019 would represent 00:22:42.019 --> 00:22:42.980 the sinners 00:22:42.980 --> 00:22:45.819 and the older brother 00:22:45.819 --> 00:22:46.720 the Pharisees. 00:22:48.279 --> 00:22:49.440 The Pharisees 00:22:49.440 --> 00:22:51.119 were likened 00:22:51.119 --> 00:22:51.880 to that older brother 00:22:51.880 --> 00:22:53.140 on the outside. 00:22:53.140 --> 00:22:54.540 They lived lives 00:22:54.540 --> 00:22:55.580 that were pious. 00:22:56.380 --> 00:22:57.460 They lived lives 00:22:57.460 --> 00:22:58.580 that seemingly 00:22:58.580 --> 00:22:59.380 on the outside 00:22:59.380 --> 00:22:59.960 were holy. 00:23:00.900 --> 00:23:01.560 But inside, 00:23:01.680 --> 00:23:02.320 the Bible says 00:23:02.320 --> 00:23:02.920 that it was just 00:23:02.920 --> 00:23:03.540 iniquity 00:23:03.540 --> 00:23:04.800 and hypocrisy. 00:23:05.580 --> 00:23:06.780 In Matthew chapter 23, 00:23:07.360 --> 00:23:09.360 starting in verse 25, 00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:09.720 it says, 00:23:09.720 --> 00:23:11.100 Woe unto you, 00:23:11.299 --> 00:23:12.440 scribes and Pharisees, 00:23:12.779 --> 00:23:13.319 hypocrites, 00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:14.700 for ye make clean 00:23:14.700 --> 00:23:15.980 the outside of the cup 00:23:15.980 --> 00:23:17.220 and of the platter, 00:23:17.400 --> 00:23:17.980 but within 00:23:17.980 --> 00:23:18.700 they are full 00:23:18.700 --> 00:23:20.480 of extortion 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:21.319 and excess. 00:23:22.440 --> 00:23:23.839 Thou blind Pharisee, 00:23:23.940 --> 00:23:24.539 cleanse first 00:23:24.539 --> 00:23:25.400 that which is within 00:23:25.400 --> 00:23:26.360 the cup and platter, 00:23:26.740 --> 00:23:28.220 that the outside 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:28.720 of them 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:29.779 may be clean also. 00:23:30.380 --> 00:23:31.039 Woe unto you, 00:23:31.100 --> 00:23:32.100 scribes and Pharisees, 00:23:32.299 --> 00:23:32.839 hypocrites, 00:23:33.240 --> 00:23:34.019 for ye are like 00:23:34.019 --> 00:23:35.559 unto whited sepulchers, 00:23:35.940 --> 00:23:36.539 which indeed 00:23:36.539 --> 00:23:37.660 appear beautiful outward, 00:23:37.660 --> 00:23:38.500 but are within 00:23:38.500 --> 00:23:39.860 full of dead man's bones 00:23:39.860 --> 00:23:42.460 and all uncleanness. 00:23:43.500 --> 00:23:44.140 It says, 00:23:44.240 --> 00:23:44.720 Verse 28, 00:23:44.820 --> 00:23:45.960 Even so ye also 00:23:45.960 --> 00:23:46.820 outwardly appear 00:23:46.820 --> 00:23:47.820 righteous unto men, 00:23:48.140 --> 00:23:48.940 but within ye are 00:23:48.940 --> 00:23:50.000 full of hypocrisy 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:51.160 and iniquity. 00:23:51.360 --> 00:23:52.040 They were focused 00:23:52.040 --> 00:23:52.759 on performance 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:54.160 and appearance, 00:23:54.540 --> 00:23:55.820 and they couldn't 00:23:55.820 --> 00:23:57.240 understand how God 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.019 would accept sinners 00:23:58.019 --> 00:23:58.820 into his family. 00:23:59.180 --> 00:23:59.940 I've been around 00:23:59.940 --> 00:24:00.759 Christians who are 00:24:00.759 --> 00:24:01.740 only focused on 00:24:01.740 --> 00:24:02.840 the outward, 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:04.500 only focused on 00:24:04.500 --> 00:24:05.380 performance 00:24:05.380 --> 00:24:06.340 and appearance, 00:24:06.339 --> 00:24:08.179 and frankly, 00:24:08.439 --> 00:24:10.159 my observation 00:24:10.159 --> 00:24:11.399 is that they've 00:24:11.399 --> 00:24:12.139 squandered 00:24:12.139 --> 00:24:13.339 what the Lord 00:24:13.339 --> 00:24:14.039 has given them. 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:15.159 They've had people 00:24:15.159 --> 00:24:15.819 who are willing, 00:24:16.299 --> 00:24:17.039 who have a servant's 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:17.359 heart, 00:24:18.059 --> 00:24:18.539 and they haven't 00:24:18.539 --> 00:24:19.419 used that individual 00:24:19.419 --> 00:24:20.220 because they don't 00:24:20.220 --> 00:24:20.959 look the right way 00:24:20.959 --> 00:24:21.579 or they don't say 00:24:21.579 --> 00:24:22.459 the right things. 00:24:23.379 --> 00:24:24.000 And I think that's 00:24:24.000 --> 00:24:24.559 a shame. 00:24:24.859 --> 00:24:25.299 That'd be like 00:24:25.299 --> 00:24:25.799 the older brother 00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:26.919 just wasting 00:24:26.919 --> 00:24:27.639 the substance 00:24:27.639 --> 00:24:28.319 that he's now 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:28.819 been given. 00:24:29.299 --> 00:24:30.500 God has given us 00:24:30.500 --> 00:24:31.039 an opportunity 00:24:31.039 --> 00:24:32.179 and we need 00:24:32.179 --> 00:24:33.059 to not squander it. 00:24:33.259 --> 00:24:33.659 I believe that 00:24:33.659 --> 00:24:34.139 this parable 00:24:34.139 --> 00:24:34.799 is one of the 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:35.379 Bible's greatest 00:24:35.380 --> 00:24:36.320 pictures of God's 00:24:36.320 --> 00:24:36.700 grace. 00:24:37.720 --> 00:24:38.840 Romans 3.23 says, 00:24:38.960 --> 00:24:39.540 For all have sinned 00:24:39.540 --> 00:24:40.080 and come short 00:24:40.080 --> 00:24:41.060 of the glory of God. 00:24:42.240 --> 00:24:42.980 I would say 00:24:42.980 --> 00:24:43.900 that all of us 00:24:43.900 --> 00:24:45.300 in our own time 00:24:45.300 --> 00:24:46.300 have probably been 00:24:46.300 --> 00:24:48.540 a prodigal son. 00:24:50.440 --> 00:24:51.400 Say we've all 00:24:51.400 --> 00:24:52.580 had our time 00:24:52.580 --> 00:24:53.760 wallowing 00:24:53.760 --> 00:24:55.920 in the pit 00:24:55.920 --> 00:24:57.800 of sin 00:24:57.800 --> 00:24:58.880 with those pigs. 00:24:59.160 --> 00:24:59.880 We've been guilty 00:24:59.880 --> 00:25:01.560 of squandering 00:25:01.560 --> 00:25:02.420 God's blessings 00:25:02.420 --> 00:25:03.120 and resources. 00:25:03.119 --> 00:25:05.559 but God 00:25:05.559 --> 00:25:06.279 can forgive 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:08.219 by grace 00:25:08.219 --> 00:25:09.299 through faith. 00:25:09.759 --> 00:25:10.839 Ephesians chapter 2 00:25:10.839 --> 00:25:13.139 says in verse 8, 00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:13.819 For by grace 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.399 are you saved 00:25:14.399 --> 00:25:15.079 through faith 00:25:15.079 --> 00:25:15.679 and that not 00:25:15.679 --> 00:25:16.219 of yourselves. 00:25:16.639 --> 00:25:17.199 It is the gift 00:25:17.199 --> 00:25:17.739 of God, 00:25:17.879 --> 00:25:18.739 not of works, 00:25:18.979 --> 00:25:19.539 lest any man 00:25:19.539 --> 00:25:20.159 should boast. 00:25:21.439 --> 00:25:22.039 I'm thankful 00:25:22.039 --> 00:25:22.679 that it's not 00:25:22.679 --> 00:25:23.719 based on works 00:25:23.719 --> 00:25:24.959 because I look 00:25:24.959 --> 00:25:25.799 at my own life 00:25:25.799 --> 00:25:26.339 and I think, 00:25:26.459 --> 00:25:26.559 man, 00:25:26.619 --> 00:25:27.299 there's been people 00:25:27.299 --> 00:25:27.859 who've done 00:25:27.859 --> 00:25:28.879 much more 00:25:28.879 --> 00:25:29.559 than I have 00:25:29.559 --> 00:25:30.939 that I ever could 00:25:30.940 --> 00:25:32.039 and when we 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:32.519 get to heaven 00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:33.100 we don't have 00:25:33.100 --> 00:25:34.220 to try 00:25:34.220 --> 00:25:35.240 and boast 00:25:35.240 --> 00:25:36.039 of ourselves. 00:25:37.299 --> 00:25:38.140 When we're in heaven 00:25:38.140 --> 00:25:38.779 we just get to 00:25:38.779 --> 00:25:39.420 thank God 00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:40.120 for what he's done 00:25:40.120 --> 00:25:40.860 in our lives 00:25:40.860 --> 00:25:41.799 and how good 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:42.660 he's been to us 00:25:42.660 --> 00:25:43.519 and that's something 00:25:43.519 --> 00:25:45.460 I know I'm looking 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:46.200 forward to. 00:25:46.779 --> 00:25:46.880 So, 00:25:47.940 --> 00:25:48.420 I appreciate 00:25:48.420 --> 00:25:49.559 your attentiveness 00:25:49.559 --> 00:25:50.740 and we'll go ahead 00:25:50.740 --> 00:25:51.620 and have a 00:25:51.620 --> 00:25:52.620 closing prayer 00:25:52.620 --> 00:25:53.220 and then I'll just 00:25:53.220 --> 00:25:53.759 turn it over. 00:25:53.759 --> 00:26:23.740 Thank you.