Introduction : The life of a prodigal son and the consequences of legalism


1. Legalistic attitudes of life
    1) Self-centeredness-being possessed with the illusion that self is justice and law
        (Lk 15:12)
    2) Proud and arrogant-self centeredness    (Pr 16:18, Ps 5:5)
    3) Unkind and indifferent to others    (Hos 6:6, Mt 9:13)
    4) Ungrateful-always complaining    (Ps 106:25-17)

2. Legalism that breaks
    1) Famine breaks into the world of the prodigal    (Pr 11:28, 23:5)
    2) A matter of course    (Pr 1:30-32)
    3) A life is lowered to the very bottom    (Jer 17:5)
    4) A past life and grace    (Ps 77:4-5, 8-9)

3. Eyes opened by trials
    1) A cutting wind of suffering strips off legalism    (Ps 25:7, 71:20)
    2) When broken down by suffering, one´s eyes open up to grace
        - God´s great grace has brought us all this way in faithfulness    (Isa 33:2, Ps 80:7)
    3) Grace produces a humble attitude-make me like one of your hired men
        (Pr 28:13, Jas 4:6)

4. Grace given to those who realized
    1) The best robe - the robe of righteousness    (Eph 2:4-5)
    2) A ring - the protection of the Holy Spirit    (Eph 1:13, Gal 4:5-6)
    3) Sandals - the Threefold Blessing    (Ps 103:2-5)
    4) The fattened calf - glory, faith, hope, love, righteousness, peace, and the joy of
        heaven    (Jn 10:10, Ro 5:2)


Conclusion : Only people whose legalistic self is broken can comprehend the grace of the Cross of Jesus, be transformed, and become the people of heaven.