The 911 Handbook
Study Guide Answers
Lesson 24/Chapter 22
When You Have Drifted From God: Heartbreak Highway
Answers are written in italics
Read Luke 15:11-24
The parable of the prodigal son reveals an amazing ten-step pattern of repentance that occurs when a person drifts away from God.
Step #1: Rebellion against the Father. (Luke 15:11-12)
What was the proof that the son was in rebellion against his father?
He wanted his share of inheritance even though his father was still living. This proved he loved money more than his father.
How was this an indicator that he would be leaving the house?
He didn't need the inheritance as long as he was living at home. He wanted the money so he could leave and foolishly spend his inheritance.
Discuss the meaning of the statement: "We always rebel on the inside before it shows on the outside."
It means a person's heart turns away from God before it is manifested through evil deeds.
Step #2: Rejection of the Father’s presence. (Luke 15:13)
When the son left home, why didn't the father chase him down the road, begging him to return?
He didn't beg him to return because his son didn't want to stay at home. He would have to imprison him to keep him at home, so it was better to let him go.
Why is it important to "let go" of a rebellious person?
We must "let go" for a couple of reasons:
1. It's exhausting trying to hold on to someone who doesn't want to be with you.
2. If the rebellious person doesn't listen to your advice, he or she may have to learn about life the hard way.
Step #3: Removal of the Father’s provision. (Luke 15:14)
Why is the removal of God's provision an important step in bringing a person to repentance?
Some people have to hit bottom before they get desperate enough to seek God and change. As long as someone is providing their needs, they will never reach that point of desperation.
Step #4: Realignment with the wrong fellowship. (Luke 15:15)
If people don't have the right fellowship, why do they seek after wrong fellowship?
We have a basic need for fellowship built within us. We will seek after fellowship with those with like hearts. If we are godly, we seek godly fellowship. If we are bitter, we seek fellowship with those who are bitter, etc.
Step #5: Realization of his true condition. (Luke 15:17)
Why was it necessary for the prodigal son to experience the pigpen before came to his senses?
His miserable conditions in the pigpen helped change his perspective. He had to lose everything he had in order to see the contrast between life with his father as opposed to life away from his father.
Step #6: Repentance in his heart. (Luke 15:18-19)
How do we know the son truly repented?
1. He confessed his sin and refused to blame others.
2. He became humble and submissive rather than arrogant and rebellious.
3. He got up and left the pigpen.
4. He was willing to return home as a servant instead of a son.
Step #7: Returning to his father. (Luke 15:20)
Describe what the son probably thought as he traveled back home.
He probably thought his father would be angry and would reject him.
Step #8: Reconciliation with the father. (Luke 15:20)
Why did the father run to greet his son when he returned, but didn't run after him when he left?
The father didn't run after him when he left because the son's heart pointed away from him. No amount of chasing after him would convince him to return home. But now that his son's heart had changed and he wanted to come home, he could run to receive his son.
Step #9: Restoration of the son’s privileges. (Luke 15:21-22)
What was the significance of the father giving him the ring and robe?
These were symbols of the privileges of sonship. He had lost these privileges when he asked for his inheritance, but his father granted them back to him.
Step #10: Rejoicing in the father’s house. (Luke 15:23-24)
Why can rejoicing take place only after repentance and reconciliation?
Rejoicing can only take place when people's hearts are in harmony. If there is rebelliousness and friction, then rejoicing can't occur. Repentance and reconciliation pave the way for rejoicing.