What the difference between working for God and truly knowing Him?

Many Christians faithfully attend and serve in the church, yet miss the joy of true sonship in Christ.

Luke 15:11&12,25-32

I talk about the older brother of the Prodigal son. The older brother had issues with his father, just like the brother in the parable from Jesus.

I. The Father Divides the Inheritance
Verse 12 tells how the father divided the inheritance.

Even though he did not ask for his portion, like the prodigal son, the father still gave the older son his inheritance also.

Genesis 25:5-6

Torah Law.

II. The Older Brother’s Hard Work Without Heart (Luke 15:25-27)

We see that he was faithfully serving, but he was doing it out of obligation and not out of a loving relationship.

Luke 10:38-42 - Martha & Mary when Jesus visited them.

Serving is good, but service without a relationship leads to resentment.

III. The Older Brother’s Entitlement and Resentment (Luke 15:28-30)

As the eldest son, he felt his responsibility was to take over the fathers business. We see that he had been working in the field, yet he saw himself as a servant, not as a son.

Our relationship is not based on merits and good works but on God’s grace and mercy.

What are some Signs that we may be like the older brother:

1. Serving God but feeling unappreciated
1 Peter 4:10

2. Resentment toward those who receive grace.
Philippians 2:3

3. A joyless Christian life.
Colossians 3:22-24

IV. The Father’s Invitation to Relationship (Luke 15:31-32)

God desires intimacy, not just activity from us.

V. Conclusion: Moving from Serving to Sonship

1. We must desire to serve from love and not out of duty or obligation.
Galatians 4:7

2. Rejoice in others’ blessings.
Luke 15:10

3. We must cultivate intimacy with the Father.

This comes through prayer, worship, fasting and getting into His Word.

When you begin to have an intimate relationship, you do serve out of love and compassion and not out of obligation.

Are you working for God, but missing out on the joy of sonship?

God wants us to not just work, but to love; not to just serve, but to rejoice with others.