1. “The Truth Concerning the Elder Son!”
Truth Matters
“The Truth Concerning the Elder Son!”
Luke 15:23-32

2. Famous paintings of the prodigal son returning abound… Did I say everyone? Corner of many of these pictures stands a figure…

3. The Pharisees and scribes professed… They presented themselves as so pious and righteous; yet, despite their going through the motions of “staying home,” Jesus now says they were lost!

4. Purpose:
to better learn the truths there are for us to learn from the elder son

5. I Truth Behind His MOTIVES
A. His Motives Become CLEAR

6. R. C. Foster (Cincinnati Bible Seminary)
“Things which stir our wrath are as significant a revelation of our character as those which bring us joy.”
R. C. Foster (Cincinnati Bible Seminary)

7. I Truth Behind His MOTIVES
A. His Motives Become CLEAR
B. His Motives Are SELFISH

8. William Hendriksen (commentary)
“That was the spirit in which this grouch had been doing his work all these years. No wonder he was unhappy.”

9. I Truth Behind His MOTIVES
A. His Motives Become CLEAR
B. His Motives Are SELFISH
C. Do We Have SELFISH MOTIVES?

10. 1 John 5:3
“This is the love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome…”

11. II Truth Behind His SELF- RIGHTEOUSNESS
A. His ACTIONS Say Otherwise
B. His WORDS Say Otherwise

12. Galatians 6:3
“For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.”

13. II Truth Behind His SELF- RIGHTEOUSNESS
A. His ACTIONS Say Otherwise
B. His WORDS Say Otherwise
C. Are We SELF-RIGHTEOUS?

14. “You have to get a man lost before you can save him.”
Dwight L. Moody

15. III Truth Behind His JEALOUSY
A. Accuses the Father of FAVORITISM

16. The elder son wrongfully accused his father of favoritism…

17. III Truth Behind His JEALOUSY
A. Accuses the Father of FAVORITISM
B. Accuses His Brother of SIN
C. Are We JEALOUS?

18. IV Truth Behind the LACK OF LOVE
A. For His REPENTANT Brother
B. For His ENDURING Father
C. Are We LACKING IN LOVE?

19. 2 Peter 3:9
“…God desires that none would perish but that all would come back to Him in repentance.”

20. Conclusion and Summary:
The father gave a response to his elder son. He points out two things:
“All that is mine is yours…”
“This brother of yours was dead…”
What happened after this we’re not told… Which son are we?