With this lesson, we begin a series of Bible studies called "Remember". The idea behind this series comes from something that Peter said...

"I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, even though you know them, and have been established in the truth present with you. And I consider it right, so long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir up your pure minds to remembrance" (2Pe 1:12-14).

Whilst we should move on in our knowledge to deeper things (Heb 6:1-3), nevertheless we must always be reminded of, and never forget the things we have been taught from the gospel. This series is not meant to lay down again a foundation that has already been laid, but rather to keep that foundation strong in your mind. There must always be a balance between gaining new knowledge on one hand, and on the other hand keeping fresh in our minds what we already know. The latter is the goal of this series.

We begin with our Lord's parable about the lost son who rebelled, then remembered (Luke 15:11-32).

The parable of the wayward son parallels the separation of the sinner from God, and the sinner’s restoration to God. Jesus said, "I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents" (Lke 15:10 compare v7). The story of the lost son illustrates how a sinner can remember his Father, return and be restored. This is a fitting passage with which to start our series of lessons called "Remember".

Stages the Wayward Son Went Through

As you read the story, what stages do you see the prodigal son going through? Some suggestions are charted below. Your analysis might differ from this, but not in any essential. The turning point was when the son remembered his father and wanted to return. Of course he could -- and should -- have done it sooner, however the story shows that it is never too late to remember our Father and return to him, for his love suffers long.

SELF WILL REJOICED SELFISHNESS RECONCILED SEPARATION RETURNED SENSUALITY RESOLVED SELF RUIN REPENTED STARVATION REALISED R E M E M B E R E D

Three Important Things to Remember

In this story about the wayward son who remembered, we ourselves find some things that we need to remember. These are things about the father’s attitude toward his son. They of course reflect our heavenly Father’s attitude toward us when we stray. We should never forget these things about God.

God’s Two Paths to Pardon

Having considered the parable of the lost son, and how he remembered and repented, it is fitting to remind ourselves of God’s two paths to pardon --that is to say what God requires sinners to do in order to have their sins forgiven through Jesus Christ, God's perfectly obedient and righteous Son. (He also went away from his Father and his home, but not in rebellion). What we should do in our repentance, depends on whether we are sinners who have not yet become Christians, or Christians who have gone astray and have again become sinners. God's requirements in each case are different. as shown in the following chart:

Acknowledgement. The first eight lessons of this series are not entirely my original work. They are adaptations of a set of lessons originally sent to me from the USA. Over the years, I lost the name of the author, but it would appear to be Mark Posey. I have also lost the original lessons, so how much is his work and how much is mine, ironically I cannot remember. I just know the lessons grabbed me, and they have helped me, and others to whom I have taught them, never to forget how God has blessed us, and never to leave the path he has revealed to us in his word.

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