INTRODUCTION:

       A.  An attitude is something that we all have. (About any subject).

       B.  Attitude is  BASIC to our service to God.

       C.  Our attitude in service to God determines whether it's acceptable or
             rejected.  (Examples:)

            1.  Prayer

            2.  Giving

            3.  Singing

            4.  Everything we do

       D.  A bad attitude causes SIN in our lives.

       E.  Today, let's notice some sins caused in the prodigal son's brothers' life
             caused by his attitude.

   I. HE WAS SUSPICIOUS - V. 25-27.

       A.  Suspicion is a killer of brotherly love.

            1.  It always expects the worst to happen.

            2.  Resentment is built up against others.

       B.  Paul was held in suspicion in the book of II Corinthians.

            1.  It could have ruined Paul - he cast it aside.

                 a.  Brethren saw his repentance, changed life.

       C.  We should not suspect others just because they do things a little
             different than we do.

  II.  HE WAS ANGRY - V. 28a.

       A.  Anger in the wrong form is SIN.

            1.  Ephesians 4:26-27.

       B.  Righteous anger (indignation) is tolerated.

            1.  John 2:13ff - cleansing of the temple.

       C.  Anger causes a grudge.

 III.  HE REFUSED FELLOWSHIP - V. 28b.

       A.  By not attending the meal.

       B.  Only one time to refuse fellowship - walking disorderly. 

       C.  Grudges cause this in the church today.

       D.  His father (entreated) begged him.

       E.  He should have loved his brother, but he refused.

       F.  Our application for the future to those who come back into our
             fellowship.

  IV.  HE WAS SELFISH - V. 29.

       A.  Only looked out for #1 --- himself.

       B.  Selfishness and covetousness go hand in hand.

       C.  Had a hard time seeing the good qualities in his brother.

   V.  HE WAS JEALOUS - V. 30.

       A.  This THY son.

       B.  Afraid the father would give his brother something extra.

       C.  Afraid the brother would get something that belonged to him.

       D.  Could not stand for the other brother to be praised.

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  We need to keep our attitude right.

       B.  Let's not become like the older brother.

       C.  Our attitude can affect our eternal destiny.
 
       D.  If God were to examine your attitude, what would He find?