June 15, 2025

A Godly Father #

Luke 15:11-32

Introduction

It is a lengthy portion, but an important passage. It is a story that Jesus gave. It may have been a true story, and it may have just been for the purpose of teaching, we are not directly told.

This Father very closely resembles that of the Heavenly Father! You cannot find a better example for Fathers. There is much to be learned from this passage. One of the things we notice, is not all children turn out right. We should do our human best to cause them to turn out, but here we have a GREAT father, and both his children had their flaws.

Teach, instruct, train, but in the end, every person has their own will, and you cannot control that!

Isaiah 53:6 “^6\ ^All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

I. Provides (Lu 15:11-13) #

A. Physically #

1. Work #

Proverbs 6:6–11 “^6\ ^Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: ^7\ ^Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, ^8\ ^Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. ^9\ ^How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? ^10\ ^Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: ^11\ ^So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.”

2. Portion #

Proverbs 13:22 “^22\ ^A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.”

B. Spiritual example #

Ephesians 6:4 “^4\ ^And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

II. Pious (Lu 15: 16-19) #

• Verses 14-15 describe the this young man absolutely wasting his inheritance.
• We find him in the pig pen, starving!

A. Good man (17) #

1. Employment of his father. “hired servants” #

Romans 2:4 “^4\ ^Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

2. Knew he would be accepted back (18-19) #

III. Pardoning (20-24) #

A. Watching (20) #

1. Hoping praying for a child to return. #

2. Looking down the drive #

3. “ran” – great anticipation #

James 4:8 “^8\ ^Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

B. Blessing (22) #

1. “best robe” – restoration #

2. Ring - authority #

3. Shoes – restoration – dress like a son #

C. Joy (23-24) #

1. Fatted calf – was used for special occasions! #

IV. Patient (28-32) #

A. Patience is Loving (28) #

1. went out to him (28) #

2. intreat – to make an earnest request (28) #

B. Patience is Listening (29-30) #

C. Patience is Lecturing (31-32) #

Ephesians 6:4 “^4\ ^And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

• Nurture – training
• admonition – gentle reproof, counseling against a fault, instruction in duties