Luke 1525-32

1. We are taught how unkind and ill-natured are the feelings of self-righteous men towards sinners.
2. We are taught that the conversion of any soul ought to be an occasion of joy to all who see it.

"There are thousands on every side who dislike a free, full, unfettered Gospel to be preached. They are always complaining that ministers throw the door too wide open, and that the doctrine of grace tends to promote licentiousness. Whenever we come across such people, let us remember the passage we are now considering. Their voice is the voice of the "elder brother.""

"Nothing ought to give us such true pleasure as the conversion of souls. It makes angels rejoice in heaven. It ought to make Christians rejoice on earth."

Question:

1. The voice of the elder-brother who complains about the younger brother being welcomed back, as Ryle points out, comes from either ignorance, a lack of charity, but especially a wrong understanding of the gospel of grace. He goes on to say that a lack of interest in the conversion of others is a true sign of being unconverted. What is our gut response to the salvation of others? Do we rejoice or do we have hints of grumbling like the elder brother?