We see frequent examples in Scripture of why we should rejoice over the results versus the motivation. When other men began to prophesy Joshua was concerned, but Moses rejoiced (Numbers 11:26-29). When a man was casting out demons, the disciples were concerned, but Jesus said to let him continue (Mark 9:38-41). Paul said some people were preaching the gospel with good motivation and others with bad motivation, but he rejoiced that the gospel was being preached (Philippians 1:15-18). The prodigal son returned to his father because he was hungry (Luke 15:17). We can rejoice he returned home.

https://youtu.be/JBuxTUsTIbg

We see frequent examples in Scripture of why we should rejoice over the results versus the motivation (Mark 9:38-41 and Philippians 1:15-18).

Table of ContentsFamily Worship Guide for Rejoice Over the Results Versus the MotivationSermon Notes for Rejoice Over the Results Versus the MotivationRejoice over people (Lesson One) using their gifts.Rejoice over people (Lesson Two) preaching the gospel.Rejoice over people (Lesson Three) repenting.

Family Worship Guide for Rejoice Over the Results Versus the Motivation

Directions: Read the verses and then answer the questions:

Day 1: Numbers 11:16-29—Why was Moses so overwhelmed in the wilderness? Why did God tell Moses to appoint elders? What happened with many of the men who were appointed? Why did Joshua object? How did Moses respond to Joshua’s objection?

Day 2: Mark 9:38-40 and Philippians 1:15-18—Why did Jesus’s family think He was out of his mind? Why did the disciples try to stop the man casting out demons? How did Jesus respond to their objections? What application does this have for us? What are some good and bad reasons people preach the gospel? How did Paul feel about people preaching the gospel even for bad reasons?

Day 3: Luke 15:11-17, John 6:44, 65—Why did the prodigal son want to return home? Do you think this was a good or bad reason for him to return home and why do you feel that way? Why should we consider the results versus the motivations? Can you think of some examples of results you could rejoice over even though the motivation was bad?

Sermon Notes for Rejoice Over the Results Versus the Motivation

The title of this morning’s sermon is, “Rejoice Over the Results Versus the Motivation”

On Sunday mornings we’re working our way through Luke’s gospel verse by verse and we find ourselves at Luke 15:17. Please stand with me for the reading of God’s Word.

Luke 15:11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!

You may be seated. Let’s pray.

We are working our way through what is commonly called the parable of the prodigal son.

I saw something in the account that I wanted to elaborate on, especially with VBS approaching, which is that we should look at the results of what happens, versus the motivation.

Instead of jumping right into it, I want to back up and look at some other examples that make the same point.

We will turn back to Luke, but for now please turn to Numbers 11.

Look with me at verse 11…

Numbers 11:11 Moses said to the Lord, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favor in your sight,