Expository Sermon Outlines

Passage: Luke 15:11-32 Topic: Repentance and Redemption Title: The Prodigal Son: Repentance and Redemption Introduction: In this parable, Jesus tells the story of the Prodigal Son, a young man who rebels against his father's expectations and leaves home. The father, however, loves the son so much that he joyfully receives him back when he returns in repentance. Despite the son's rebellion and disobedience, his father's love and grace are greater.  I. The Prodigal Son Prepares to Leave Home (15:11-16) A. Explanation - The Prodigal Son took his inheritance and left his father's home. He is described as "squandering his wealth in reckless living" (v. 13).  B. Application - We can all relate to the Prodigal Son on some level. We too have rebelled against God and given into our own desires.  C. Illustration - From John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress: "I have forsaken the ways of my Creator, and so my heart is hard, and will not be broken by repentance." II. The Prodigal Son Realizes His Mistake (15:17-20) A. Explanation - The Prodigal Son comes to his senses and realizes how foolish he has been. He decides to return home and confess his sins to his father. A. Application - We can learn from the Prodigal Son's example of true repentance. We too must go to God and confess our sins and turn away from them.  C. Illustration - "Repentance is a change of mind, a change of heart, a change of life" (Charles Haddon Spurgeon). III. The Prodigal Son's Father Welcomes Him Home (15:20-24) A. Explanation - The father joyfully welcomes the Prodigal Son back into his home. He throws a feast in his honor and celebrates his return.  B. Application - We too can find peace and joy in returning to God. Despite our many mistakes, God's love and grace remain greater.  C. Illustration - From the hymn, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing": "Here I raise my Ebenezer, hither by Thy help I've come; and I hope, by Thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home." IV. The Prodigal Son's Older Brother Expresses His Resentment (15:25-32) A. Explanation - The Prodigal Son's older brother resents his father for welcoming the Prodigal Son back so joyfully. He has been obedient and faithful, yet his father has not celebrated him in the same way.  B. Application - We can learn from the older brother's example to not be resentful and envious of others. We must remember that God's love and grace are extended to all.  C. Illustration - From the Bible: "Love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude" (1 Corinthians 13:4). Conclusion: The parable of the Prodigal Son teaches us an important lesson about repentance and redemption. Despite our many mistakes and sins, God's love and grace are greater. We can find peace and joy in returning to Him, just as the Prodigal Son did. We must learn to be humble and grateful for God's forgiveness and remember to extend grace to others.