If You Don't Like It, Then Why Not Change?
Key Text: Luke 15:11–24 (NASB 1995)
Introduction
The parable of the prodigal son reveals a young man who squandered his inheritance in reckless living, ending up destitute, feeding pigs, and longing for their food. At his lowest point, he evaluated his miserable condition, resolved to return home, and acted immediately. The father welcomed him with compassion, restoration, and celebration. This parable confronts every believer: when life is miserable due to sin, poor choices, or complacency, why remain there? The son refused to stay in the pigpen. True change begins with honest evaluation, firm resolution, and decisive action—reaching out to the Father and His people.
I. Evaluate Your Situation Honestly (Luke 15:17)
- The son “came to his senses” amid starvation and degradation.
- He compared his condition to the hired servants at home: “How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough bread, but I am dying here with hunger!” (v. 17).
- Warning: Many remain in sin, addiction, backsliding, or spiritual neglect because they do not dislike it enough to examine it.
- Rebuke: Complaining about weight, job, Bible knowledge, church involvement, tongue control, or recurring sin without action shows contentment with misery.
- Application: Face reality. Remember where you have fallen from (Revelation 2:5). Compare your current state to the blessings of obedience and fellowship with God.
II. Make a Firm Resolution to Change (Luke 15:18–19)
- He resolved: “I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men’” (vv. 18–19).
- Encouragement: Confession of sin against heaven and father, humility, willingness to serve as a hired hand—full repentance.
- Application: Decide today: no more delay. No excuses about vested time, commitments, or fear. True change requires resolve to leave the pigpen permanently.
- Scripture: “Remember from where you have fallen, and repent” (Revelation 2:5).
III. Act Immediately and Do Whatever It Takes (Luke 15:20–24)
- “So he got up and came to his father” (v. 20).
- While still far off, the father ran, embraced, kissed, restored him with robe, ring, sandals, and a feast.
- Application: The son did not wait another day—he acted at once. He sold what he had left to return home, arriving barefoot and stripped, showing urgency.
- Encouragement: The Heavenly Father waits with compassion. Brothers and sisters stand ready to help. Confess, seek forgiveness, accept support—restoration and celebration await.
- Warning: Delay keeps you in the mire. Procrastination (“next week,” “after one more month”) is rebellion against change.
- Call to Action: Man up or woman up. Reach out today. Let weaknesses be known so the church can pray and strengthen you.
Conclusion / Call to Action
The prodigal refused to like the pigpen. He evaluated, resolved, and acted—returning to the father who restored him fully. Why stay where you hate being? Sin, addiction, neglect, complacency—the Father waits. Repent today. Confess openly. Seek help from brethren. Do whatever it takes to get home. True repentance means no delay, no half-measures. Come to your senses now—your Father runs to meet you.
Slide Deck (12 Slides)
Slide 1 — Title Slide
Main Content:
- If You Don't Like It, Then Why Not Change?
- Luke 15:11–24 Design Intent:
- Background tone: neutral
- Emphasis: challenging
- Mood: serious
Slide 2 — The Prodigal's Descent
Main Content:
- Demanded inheritance early
- Left home ungratefully
- Wasted all in loose living
- Ended destitute, feeding pigs Scripture:
- Luke 15:11–16 Design Intent:
- Background tone: light
- Emphasis: serious
- Mood: warning
Slide 3 — Rock Bottom
Main Content:
- Longed to eat pig pods
- No one helped him
- Starving and alone Scripture:
- Luke 15:16 Design Intent:
- Background tone: neutral
- Emphasis: rebuke
- Mood: serious
Slide 4 — Came to His Senses
Main Content:
- Evaluated his misery
- Compared to father's hired men
- Recognized abundance at home Scripture:
- Luke 15:17 Design Intent:
- Background tone: light
- Emphasis: instructive
- Mood: challenging
Slide 5 — The Resolution
Main Content:
- “I will get up and go to my father”
- Confess sin against heaven and father
- Ask to be a hired servant Scripture:
- Luke 15:18–19 Design Intent:
- Background tone: warm
- Emphasis: encouraging
- Mood: hopeful
Slide 6 — No Delay—Act Now
Main Content:
- Got up immediately
- Came to his father
- No waiting for “next week” Scripture:
- Luke 15:20 Design Intent:
- Background tone: neutral
- Emphasis: serious
- Mood: challenging
Slide 7 — The Father's Compassion
Main Content:
- Saw him far off
- Felt compassion, ran, embraced, kissed
- Full restoration: robe, ring, sandals Scripture:
- Luke 15:20–22 Design Intent:
- Background tone: warm
- Emphasis: encouraging
- Mood: hopeful
Slide 8 — Celebration of Return
Main Content:
- Fatted calf killed
- Feast and rejoicing
- “This son of mine was dead and has come to life” Scripture:
- Luke 15:23–24 Design Intent:
- Background tone: light
- Emphasis: hopeful
- Mood: reverent
Slide 9 — Why Stay Miserable?
Main Content:
- Sin, addiction, backsliding, neglect
- Complaining without change
- Do you like it that way? Design Intent:
- Background tone: neutral
- Emphasis: rebuke
- Mood: serious
Slide 10 — Remember and Repent
Main Content:
- Remember where you have fallen
- Evaluate current state
- Repent and resolve to change Scripture:
- Revelation 2:5 Design Intent:
- Background tone: light
- Emphasis: instructive
- Mood: challenging
Slide 11 — Reach Out for Help
Main Content:
- Heavenly Father waits
- Brethren ready to support
- Confess, seek prayer, accept strength Design Intent:
- Background tone: warm
- Emphasis: encouraging
- Mood: hopeful
Slide 12 — Change Today
Main Content:
- No more delay
- Do whatever it takes
- Return home—Father runs to meet you Design Intent:
- Background tone: neutral with warm accents
- Emphasis: challenging / hopeful
- Mood: reverent / encouraging [Scripture](Luke 15:11-24, Luke 15:17, Luke 15:18-19, Luke 15:20, Luke 15:20-22, Luke 15:23-24, Revelation 2:5)
