Dangerous Desire

Text: Luke 15:11-24

Desires are not only great vehicles that could bring us to a place where we could enjoy showers of blessings, but be
warned because it could also spark firestorms of life. Deceitful and burning desires are dangerous desires that could turn
riches into ashes.

Its so important to know what is igniting our hearts to desire things we dont have in life. Apparently, many goals could
be flesh-related and these goals are being pursued to satisfy the flesh; some could be emotion-related to give delight for
the soul; and some could be spiritual-related to give glory to God. Whatever desire we have today, may we not overlook
the way God wants us to handle them so we may not become sufferers and victims of ignorance and pride.

The parable of the lost son offers us an essential lesson we cant afford to ignore. Its practical and spiritual message will
surely stir our hearts to be more watchful and sensitive to our desires. In Luke 15:17, the Bible tells us that the prodigal
son came to himself and realized who he was and where he was. He learned many things through a costly lesson. He
was led to a shameful and humiliating life, but before he perished, he found his way back to his fathers house.

(I) Beware Of Dangerous Desires
Luke 15:11-12, 12:13-21 Proverbs 20:21
-Selfish desire

Selfish desires keep us away from observing Gods commandments. Selfishness is offensive to God. Selfishness is
Satans trademark.

-Foolish desire

Foolish desires produce maddening appetite for vanity-related activities. Foolish desires are hurtful lusts.

-Deceitful desire

Any desire that does not exalt the principles of God is deceitful desire. The prodigal son was a victim of self-deception.

(II) Dont Be A Victim Of Dangerous Desires
Luke 15:13-17
-Selfish freedom to lawlessness

The lost son is an undeniable image of our indifferent youth today. Crying for freedom unto lawlessness is foolishness.
Bear in mind that Christian liberty is an appropriated freedom guided by the principles of truth.

-Selfish motive to degradation

Selflessness leads a man to Christ-likeness, but selfish motive eats up mans integrity. It degrades mans God-given
purpose.

-Pride-triggered attitude to destruction

Satan is the author of pride and he that embraces pride will go in the way of destruction. On the other hand, Christ
exemplified true humility and they who will follow His example will find mercy.

(III) Have A Godly Desire
Luke 15:18-24
-God-glorifying desire

A desire to keep right with God is a God-glorifying desire. It gives joy to heaven; it gives joy to the repentant sinner.

-Life-changing desire

In Luke 15:18-20, it is written, I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against
heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he
arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran,
and fell on his neck, and kissed him.(KJV) Undoubtedly, the prodigal son had a life-changing desire that led him to a
peaceful life.

-Rewarding desire

In Luke 15:22-24, it is written, But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a
ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this
my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. (KJV) These passages from
the Scriptures remind us of the wonderful results of true repentance and the unimaginable reward of godly desire.

We should not follow the ungodly steps of the lost son, but stay faithful in the center of Gods will so we could always
enjoy Gods mercy. In Proverbs 28:30, it is written, A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to
be rich shall not be innocent. (KJV) What an encouraging words from the Bible to live by. Be faithful in the Lord and be
blessed.

Our Godly desires guard us from vanity and escort us to a well-lived life. It is well-said that we have only one life and
this life must give glory only to the Lord Jesus Christ.