AN EXEMPLARY FATHER

Luke 15:11 “Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons.”

INTRO:

I.            A MAN REPUTATION – VS. 11

1.       “There was a man who had two sons”

                                                   i.      It is a great joy to be known as a man that has children

II.            A MAN OF COMMUNICATION – VS. 12

1.       “The younger one said to his father”

                                                   i.      There cannot be that much confidence if there wasn’t relationship

III.            A MAN OF TRUST – VS. 12

1.       “….so he divided his property between them.”

                                                   i.      He trusted and believed – though his son was the youngest

a)      Usually it’s the mother who encourages the children to believe in themselves

IV.            A MAN OF FAITH – VS. 13

1.       “…got together all he had, set off for a distant country.”

                                                   i.      The father didn’t stopped him

a)      How many of us discourage our children from taking steps of boldness

                                                 ii.      He had faith that he had done a good job

a)      We don’t have an instructional guide to raise children

b)      He puts his faith in God and believe that His word will come true

V.            A MAN OF PROSPERITY – VS. 17

1.       The son knew that the father could help him

                                                   i.      He knew that he won’t be ridiculed

                                                 ii.      He knew that he won’t be scold

                                                iii.      He knew that he won’t be rejected

VI.            A MAN OF SPIRITUALITY – VS. 18

1.       “… I have sinned against heaven and against you.”

                                                   i.      He is known as one that is heard from heaven

a)      Illustration: The son that didn’t want the father to pray

VII.            A MAN OF FORGIVENESS – VS. 20

1.       “ SO HE GOT UP AND WENT TO HIS FATHER”

                                                   i.      Our children know when they will be received or rejected

VIII.            A MAN OF PATIENCE – VS. 20

1.       “…But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him”

                                                   i.      A father waiting patiently for the son

IX.            A MAN OF COMPASSION – VS. 20

1.       “…. Was filled with compassion…”

                                                   i.      A father that is known with compassion not bitterness

X.            A MAN OF EMOTION – VS. 20

1.       “…he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him”

                                                   i.      Here we see something that doesn’t need much explanation

XI.            A MAN OF CELEBRATION – VS. 22 - 24

1.       “bring the best robe and put it on him..”

                                                   i.      The father covers your errors

2.       “..put a ring on his finger…”

                                                   i.      The fathers seals you with approval

3.       “…an sandals in his feet..”

                                                   i.      The father sets new goals for you

4.       “bring the fatten calf and kill it.” Vs 23

                                                   i.      The father will nourished his children (preparation)

5.       “…lets have a feast and celebrate…”

                                                   i.      Being a child of God involves enjoying life

XII.            A MAN OF DISCERNMENT – VS. 24

1.       “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.”

                                                   i.      He recognized the danger his son had been in

XIII.            A MAN THAT IS KNOWN FOR HIS FAIRNESS – VS 27

1.       “your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’’

                                                   i.      His servants knew the why’s on the celebration

XIV.            A MAN OF REASONING – VS. 28

1.       “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him”

                                                   i.      He didn’t had the attitude: “Well if you don’t want to, then I’m not begging you.”

XV.            A MAN OF HIS WORD – VS. 28

1.       “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.”

                                                   i.      You are always with me

                                                 ii.      Everything I have is yours”

CONCLUSION: