We come to the last of our sermons in the series entitled “Overcoming Distance”. Preaching from Nathan Gordon. Service led by Ian Stride.

Sermon details

The Situation

~ How does God feel about us being spiritually distant from Him?

• Throughout this series, we have covered several different situations and emotions of how distance from God makes us feel
• This morning, we are going to see how God feels and acts when we go astray and become spiritually distant
• Jesus tells three different stories with the same meaning that gives us a clear picture of how God feels about the lost and how heaven responds when the lost are found

The Complication

~ What if God viewed us through the lenses of a pharisee and a jealous brother? – Ch15v1-2 & v28-32

How do we treat others who are distant from God?

• The three stories illustrate people who are lost in sin or living in a backslidden condition

• The Pharisees and the older brother were focused on their own standing with God, but they lacked compassion and grace for those who were distant.

Life Application

~ “Make your own bed, now you have to lie in it!” Like the prodigal son, distancing ourselves from the Father can be the result of our own choices, but the Father still had compassion for his son.

Similarly, God has compassion for us when we create our own chaos or stray away on our own accord.

The Resolution & Celebration

~ Rejoice and celebrate when the lost are found – v6-7, 10, 22-2

• In contrast to the Pharisees and teachers of the law who criticised sinners and tax collectors, Heaven is full of joy when one sinner turns to God.

• Sometimes, people desire to reconnect and recommit to God but feel ashamed and guilty.

• In all three stories, God is portrayed as either going after the lost, even if it’s just for one or welcoming them home with open arms.

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:15-16

Life Application

~ If you feel distant in your relationship with God, there’s good news: you don’t have to remain distant like the prodigal son, but you can return home with confidence knowing that the father is waiting with open arms.

Additionally, through the story of the lost sheep and coin, we see that God actively searches for the lost until he finds them. Is it possible that God is knocking on the door of your heart, trying to get your attention?

Discussion Questions

1. What can we learn from the attitude of the Pharisees and teachers of the law when it comes to welcoming the lost? Please read Luke chapter 15, verses 1-2.

• What does the illustration of leaving the 99 to find the lost 1 teach us about the heart of God? Has this parable connected with you at various points in your life?

• Please read Luke chapter 15, verses 25-32 and discuss the actions of the older brother in the parable. What can we learn from his perspective concerning his brother’s return home?

• We also see the repentance of the younger son. What does it mean to repent, and how do we know we’ve truly repented of our sin towards God?

• How can the father’s actions in the parable of the prodigal son serve as a model for reconciliation and restoration in our relationships?

• What steps can we take to ensure our churches or communities are places of welcome and celebration, akin to the father’s house in the parable of the prodigal son?