The Prodigal's Riotousness and Ruin, 13-16.

I. HIS RIOTOUS LIVING

We have considered the restlessness and rebellion of the prodigal and how it lead to him leaving his father's house for the far country. We continue our study with a look at how things fared for him in the land of his prefers before his father's house.

1. In the far country, things did not go as expected. He became what he himself most likely never planned to be. "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin," Hebrews 3:13. He desired to sin but not to spend all and decline into poverty and utter destitution. "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose (destroy) his life for my sake shall find it," Matt 16:25.

2. But he was not his own master! And neither are you, Christ rejecter. If, instead of seeking Christ, you heed the call of sin then sin will have its way with you. It will control you and not you sin. "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you," Romans 6:17.

3. Notice that his father let him go. We have commented on this before but it is worth mentioning again. God lets those who would be free of Him have their way.

"So I gave them up unto their own hearts' lust: and they walked in their own counsels," Ps 81:12. Sin is presently restrained by God in you sinner! But if you seek after sin and God gives you up you will discover its power and your helplessness.

How powerful it is that it can allure us away from God! Few have felt its full power for God in mercy shelters us.

Illustrations abound--drugs and alcohol. (Sheltered bay in Lough Erne--no wind until bay is left and open lough is reached) Beware sinner of crossing that line.