The Parable of the Good Father
(Luke 15:11-32)  

Introduction:
     A You many not recognize the title
     B. You probably know it as “The Prodigal Son”
     C. This is a story about a father's love, our Father
     D. From this parable, we can see some traits of a good father

I.   A Certain Man Had Two Sons (vs. 11)
     A. The Father/Child relationship
     B. Fatherhood is filled with many joys, and sometimes much grief
     C. It also entails much responsibility 2 Corinthians 12:14

II. He is the Provider (vss. 12-19)
     A. The father took care of the needs of his children
     B. The son took advantage of this
     C. When the son had no where else to turn, he turned to one on whom he could depend, his father
     D. 1Tim 5:8  we are to care for our own (this is not just for fathers)
     E. Our Father will provide for us Matt. 6:25-34

III. He Should Be Diligent  (vs. 20)
     A. The father was diligent in his love
     B. Only a parent could show this kind of diligence
     C. Deut. 6:6,7  (the father should be diligent in correct training of his children)
     D. Is. 41:17  Our Father is diligent in His love

IV. He Should Show Compassion (vs. 21-34)
     A. This means forgiving, even when it hurts
     B. This means understanding
     C. This means loving your children for who they are
     D. Our Father shows that kind of compassion 1 Peter 2:21-25

V. He Should Be a Peace Maker (vss.25-32)
     A. The older son felt resentment
     B. The Father was a peace maker in his home
     C. This requires wisdom
     D. Matt. 5:9 “Blessed are the peacemakers”
     E. 1 Tim. 3:4  One who desires the eldership must control his

Conclusion:
     Our Father, God, has given us an example of His love in this parable. He has also
     given us an example of the qualities of a good Father, a godly Father. Father's, be
    careful with God's commision to you and strive to be a "good father".

Michael E. Grooms