God's Relentless Pursuit: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Summary
In Luke 15, Jesus shares three parables: the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. Each story reveals the heart of God for those who are lost, overlooked, or far from Him. God’s love is not passive; it is active, searching, and relentless. He leaves the ninety-nine to find the one, sweeps the house to recover a single coin, and waits with open arms for the child who has wandered away. These stories are not just about “others”—they are about you. You are the one God pursues, the one He longs to restore, the one He celebrates when you return.
Understanding your identity as God’s child is crucial. The prodigal son knew he had an inheritance because he knew who his father was. In the same way, your inheritance is secure in Christ—not just in eternity, but for the challenges you face right now. Jesus’ death and resurrection mean that the power that conquered death is available to you. But to access this inheritance, you must be in position—abiding in Christ, connected to the source. Just as a branch cut from a plant withers, so do we when we try to live apart from God.
Life can distract us, tempt us, and even make us comfortable with things that are not good for us. Sometimes, we settle for less, thinking, “This isn’t so bad,” when in reality, we are starving spiritually. The turning point comes when we “come to our senses,” realizing that even God’s servants are better off than we are when we’re far from Him. Humility is required to return—to admit our need, to confess our struggles, and to seek help from God and from others.
God’s response is never condemnation, but celebration. He runs to meet us, embraces us, and restores us. No matter how far you’ve wandered, God’s love is waiting. The invitation is to come home, to abide, to let go of pride, and to receive the fullness of what God has for you. Don’t let fear or shame keep you from moving toward Him. He is reckless in His pursuit of you, and all you need to do is call out, “Father, I need you.”
Key Takeaways
- God’s Love Pursues the One
God’s heart is not content with the ninety-nine being safe while one is lost. He actively seeks out the one who has wandered, demonstrating that each person is precious and irreplaceable to Him. This is not just a general truth—it is personal: you are the one He pursues, no matter how far you’ve gone. His love is relentless and celebrates every return, no matter how small or late it may seem. [03:00]
- The Power of Knowing Your Inheritance
The prodigal son’s boldness to ask for his inheritance came from knowing who his father was and what belonged to him. In Christ, your inheritance is both eternal and present—secured by Jesus’ victory over death. When you understand whose you are, you can face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that resurrection power is available to you right now. Don’t live as if you are spiritually bankrupt when you are an heir to God’s promises. [10:30]
- Abiding in Christ is Essential for Spiritual Life
Just as a branch cut from a plant quickly withers, so do we when we are disconnected from Christ. Abiding means daily dependence, ongoing relationship, and being rooted in God’s presence and Word. Without this connection, we lose vitality and cannot access the inheritance God has for us. Examine your life: are you abiding, or are you spiritually withering? [13:45]
- Coming to Your Senses Requires Humility
The turning point for the prodigal son was when he “came to his senses” and recognized his need to return home. Pride can keep us stuck in brokenness, but humility opens the door to restoration. Sometimes, the hardest step is admitting our need and asking for help—from God and from others. Don’t let shame or fear keep you from the healing and community God offers. [17:59]
- Preparation Before the Storm is Key
Like the house built to withstand hurricanes, spiritual resilience is forged before the storms of life arrive. Building your life on God’s Word and abiding in Him prepares you to stand firm when trials come. You cannot expect to withstand spiritual attacks if you are living “wild” and unprepared. Invest in your relationship with God now, so you are anchored when adversity strikes. [20:54]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Scripture Reading: Luke 15
[03:00] - The Lost Sheep and Lost Coin
[05:30] - Why Jesus Taught in Parables
[07:15] - Jesus Welcomes Sinners
[09:00] - The Prodigal Son: Knowing Your Inheritance
[12:00] - The Power of Inheritance in Christ
[13:45] - Abiding in Christ Illustrated
[15:32] - The Dangers of Living Wild
[17:59] - Coming to Your Senses
[20:54] - Building Before the Storm
[23:44] - Humility and Community
[24:53] - Personal Story: Lost in the Mall
[26:55] - The Father’s Embrace
[28:40] - Responding to God’s Call
[30:16] - Overcoming Pride and Seeking Prayer
[33:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “You’re the One” (Luke 15)
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 15:1-24
(The parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and the prodigal son)
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### Observation Questions
1. In the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin, what actions do the shepherd and the woman take when something is lost? What is their response when it is found?
2. According to the story of the prodigal son, what does the younger son do with his inheritance, and what happens to him as a result?
3. How does the father respond when the prodigal son returns home? What does this reveal about the father’s heart?
4. The sermon mentions that “life can make us forget what’s ours” and describes “living wild.” What are some examples given of what “living wild” looks like? [[15:32]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What do these parables teach about God’s attitude toward people who are lost, overlooked, or far from Him? How is this different from how people might respond? [[03:00]]
2. The sermon says, “There’s power in your inheritance.” What does it mean for a Christian to have an inheritance in Christ, both for eternity and for life right now? [[09:00]]
3. Why is “abiding in Christ” compared to a branch staying connected to a plant? What happens when we are disconnected from God, according to the sermon? [[13:45]]
4. The turning point for the prodigal son was when he “came to his senses.” What does it look like for someone today to “come to their senses” and return to God? [[17:59]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “God’s love is not passive; it is active, searching, and relentless.” Have you ever felt like the “one” God was pursuing? If so, what did that look like in your life? If not, what might be holding you back from believing this is true for you? [[03:00]]
2. The prodigal son knew his inheritance because he knew who his father was. Do you feel confident in your identity as God’s child? What helps or hinders you from living out of that identity? [[09:00]]
3. The sermon describes “living wild” as not just doing “crazy” things, but also being spiritually disconnected—like not reading Scripture or praying. Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually disconnected or “withered”? What is one step you could take this week to reconnect? [[15:32]]
4. Sometimes we “settle for less,” thinking, “This isn’t so bad,” when we’re actually starving spiritually. Can you identify a place in your life where you’ve settled for less than what God wants for you? What would it look like to “come to your senses” in that area? [[17:59]]
5. The sermon says, “Preparation before the storm is key.” What are some practical ways you can build spiritual resilience before life’s storms come? Is there a spiritual practice you want to start or strengthen? [[20:54]]
6. Humility is required to return—to admit our need, confess our struggles, and seek help. Is there an area where pride or shame is keeping you from asking for help—from God or from others? What would it look like to take a step toward humility this week? [[23:44]]
7. The father’s response is never condemnation, but celebration. How can you remind yourself (or someone else) of this truth when you feel far from God or weighed down by mistakes? [[26:55]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray, “Father, I need you,” and ask God to help them abide in Him and receive His love and inheritance.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Relentless Pursuit of the One
God’s love is so deep and personal that He pursues each lost person with relentless compassion, rejoicing over every single one who returns to Him. No matter how far you may have wandered, you are never out of reach of His grace; heaven itself celebrates when you turn back to God, because you are precious and irreplaceable in His eyes. [07:40]
Luke 15:3-10 (ESV)
So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Reflection: Who is someone in your life who feels overlooked or lost? How can you reach out to them today and show them the same relentless love God has for you?
Day 2: The Power of Your Inheritance in Christ
There is power in knowing your identity as God’s child and the inheritance that comes with it—both the eternal promise of heaven and the strength to overcome challenges here and now. When you remember whose you are, you realize that Christ’s victory over death is your victory too, and you can face any situation with confidence, knowing that your inheritance is secure and your Father is able to provide for you. [13:45]
Hebrews 9:15 (ESV)
Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have forgotten or doubted your inheritance in Christ? How can you remind yourself today of the power and promises that are yours as God’s child?
Day 3: Abiding in Christ Positions You for Blessing
Just as a branch cannot survive apart from the vine, you must remain connected to Christ to flourish and receive all that God has for you; abiding means daily walking with Him, seeking His presence, and being in position to claim your inheritance. When you drift away or neglect your relationship with God, you become spiritually dry and miss out on the blessings and strength that come from being rooted in Him. [15:32]
John 15:4-5 (ESV)
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally abide in Christ today—whether through prayer, Scripture, or worship—to stay connected to your source of life?
Day 4: Coming to Your Senses and Returning Home
Sometimes we get so used to our struggles or mistakes that we settle for less than what God has for us, but there is always a moment to “come to your senses,” humble yourself, and return to the Father who is waiting with open arms. No matter how far you’ve gone or how long you’ve been away, God’s love never left; He longs for you to come home, let go of pride, and receive His forgiveness and restoration. [23:44]
Luke 15:17-24 (ESV)
“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to “come to your senses” and return to God? What step can you take today to humble yourself and seek His help or the support of others?
Day 5: Building Your Life on a Firm Foundation
You cannot withstand life’s storms if you are not preparing and building your life on the firm foundation of God’s Word and presence; doing the work before the storm comes is essential to standing strong when challenges arise. Don’t wait until trouble hits to seek God—start today by rooting yourself in His truth, so that when the winds blow, you will remain standing, secure in Him. [20:54]
Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV)
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.”
Reflection: What is one spiritual discipline or habit you can begin or strengthen today to build your life on God’s firm foundation before the next storm comes?
Quotes
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