The people of God suffered from drought, crop failures, food shortages, and inflation. In the middle of the ruins and suffering, God confronts the Israelites with a stark reality - they were busy building their own homes while the house of God lay in ruins. This wasn’t just about physical structures; it was a reflection of their misplaced priorities, favoring personal comforts over spiritual responsibilities. The Lord calls them to consider their ways.

This conundrum faced by the Israelites is something many Christians face. We, too, often find ourselves prioritizing our worldly desires over our spiritual obligations. How should we address PRODIGAL PRIORITIES? Jesus told us, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). When we prioritize God, we move from the ruins, and everything else finds its rightful place. Let’s pursue alignment in our priorities, placing God at the center.

Outline

• Prodigal priorities lead to

  Reveal Answer
  .

• When you get

  Reveal Answer
  seeing the ruins, it’s time to ask
  Reveal Answer
  .

• Don’t be

  Reveal Answer
  when prodigal priorities lead to ruins.

• The way home for prodigal priorities is in the

  Reveal Answer
  .

“For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.” —Philippians 2:21, ESV

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” —Matthew 6:33, ESV

Application

• Practical steps for Prodigal Priorities:

  1. Place yourself in the presence of God and the things he loves.
  2. Put daily reminders of God’s love for you everywhere.
  3. Consider how your daily rhythms are shaping your affections.

• Are you building your life on Jesus or living in the ruins of sin?

• What steps will you take to address the prodigal priorities in your life?

Questions

1. Can you think of a time that God, through His Word, a sermon, or another source, called you to obedience and yet you postponed obedience?
2. Can you think of items in your life that are too valuable to give up, even if God required it of you?
3. If you have had times of prodigal priorities, have you noticed how easy it is to convince others you are doing fine with religious behavior, even while you are walking further and further from God?
4. What step are you taking to address the prodigal priorities in your life?