LEARNING FROM FAILURES

                                                       Luke 15:11-24

  Introduction

        A.  Let’s ask ourselves this question, “Do I experience failures as I endeavor to live

              the Christian life?”

        B.  Article:  “What Is Failure?”

        C.  Failure in the final analysis.

        D.  Let’s concentrate on four lessons that we can learn from what we might call

              failures.  Luke 15:11-24

    I.  An experience isn’t  a failure if through it we learn why we failed.

        A.  Why was the prodigal son a failure?  Vv 17-19

        B.   Reasons why we might fail:  lack of knowledge, effort, clearly defined goal.

               

   II.  An experience isn’t a failure if it leads us to discover ourselves.  Vv 17,24

         A.  “It’s A Wonderful Life” movie.  George Bailey

         B.  Have we discovered who we are?

  III.  An experience isn’t a failure if it motivates us to keep trying.  Vv18-19

         A.  The prodigal son was willing to go back home and start over.

         B.  “Fight One More Round” by F. Eugene Brown.  Galatians 6:7-10

  IV.  An experience isn’t a failure if it enables us to develop a deeper faith in

         God.  Vv 17-18, 22-24;  2 Corinthians 1:8-10

  Conclusion

         A.  All of us experience what we call failure.  Let’s learn, become better people

               and keep on keeping on.  1 Corinthians 15:56-58