Pastor Matt reminded us about the ways God has been lavishly generous with us. In this the Lord sets an example for us, in order to show that generosity to others. In addition, He's always ready to bless us in ways far more abundantly above & beyond what we could even imagine.
MY STORY
In what ways has God been generous with you that He has not been with others?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. ' But the father said to his servants, Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. ' And they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:21-24)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1:17)
What caused the prodigal son to come to his senses? What did he say that reflected a new-found penitence and humility?
How did the Father act in surprising ways when his remorseful son returned?
In what ways are many Christians today like the older brother, who resented his wild brother's repentance and restoration to God's Kingdom?
What does God want us to hear? What are some of the more factual "takeaways" from this passage for you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?
In what ways do outwardly "good and well-behaving" people need to come to their senses and return to God?
Once they realize their need to do this, why would some of these people not expect God to be merciful to them?
Extra credit: Read the parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16), which conclude with the words, "Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?"
In what ways might you be tempted to feel resentment over the ways God has been generous to others, but not to you?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit's leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
Make a list of ten things which you value, for which you feel deep gratitude toward God for generously providing.
How does God want you to be responsibly generous in response to His goodness toward you? Do that thing this week.
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
You can add your own personal sermon notes along the way. When you're finished, you'll be able to email or download your notes.