Repentance in Action - Aug. 20th, 2023
A Greater than Jonas • Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 1:25:28
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· 45 viewsGenuine repentance involves not only a belief in God's Word but also tangible acts of humility and contrition, both individual and corporate, as demonstrated by the people of Nineveh.
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Formal Elements / Descriptive Data
Text: Jonah 3:5-8
5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. 6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
Central Idea of the Text (CIT):
The people of Nineveh, from the least to the greatest, and their king responded to God's warning through Jonah with immediate belief, public fasting, wearing sackcloth, and a royal decree ensuring that everyone turned from their evil ways.
Proposition:
Genuine repentance involves not only a belief in God's Word but also tangible acts of humility and contrition, both individual and corporate, as demonstrated by the people of Nineveh.
Statement of Purpose:
(1) Major Objective (MO): Ethical
(2) Specific Objective (SO): I want my hearer to recognize the importance of sincere repentance, as shown through concrete actions, and to apply this principle in their own lives by turning from sin and demonstrating humility before God.
Title (Topic/Name): "Repentance in Action"
Informal Elements / Rhetorical Data
Introduction:
Introduction:
In a world often numb to the call for change, the city of Nineveh’s immediate and profound response to God's message through Jonah stands as a timeless beacon of repentance.
Personal Bridge:
Imagine if our community were to respond to God's word as Nineveh did.
Belief in God - Listen to God's Word
Proclamation of a Fast - Engage in Fasting and Prayer
Wearing of Sackcloth - Exhibit Humility
Universality of Reaction - Universal Participation: From the greatest to the least
Depicting a united community or congregation moving forward
Social Bridge:
In an age of spiritual indifference, the story of Nineveh challenges us all.
Modern Context: Spiritual indifference in contemporary society. Examples or statistics on declining faith or moral values.
Nineveh's Example: Quick recap of Nineveh's reaction to God's word - Belief, Repentance, Transformation.
Our Challenge: How can we, as a society, learn from Nineveh's example? How can we awaken a genuine response to God's call in our age?
Call to Reflect: What changes or commitments are we willing to make to heed God's word sincerely and urgently?
Image or Symbol: Consider using an image or symbol that connects the ancient with the modern - perhaps a bridge, symbolizing the link between past lessons and present challenges.
Textual Material (CIT):
The people and king of Nineveh believed in God's warning, demonstrated repentance through fasting, sackcloth, and a decree ensuring a turn from evil.
Focus the Sermon's Intent (Proposition):
Genuine repentance involves not only a belief in God's Word but also tangible, communal acts of humility and contrition, as demonstrated by the people of Nineveh.
Relational and Transitional Material; Structural Bridge:
Let’s consider how Nineveh heeded the warning and understand some vital lessons from our passage, notice first,
Body - Development - Outline:
I. Genuine repentance requires wholehearted belief and concrete actions. (Jon. 3:5-6)
I. Genuine repentance requires wholehearted belief and concrete actions. (Jon. 3:5-6)
EXPLANATION: Nineveh's response to Jonah's message was immediate and universal, from the least to the greatest, including the king.
Immediate Response: Nineveh acted quickly upon hearing Jonah's warning.
Universal Acceptance: The message reached everyone, regardless of status or position.
King's Involvement: Even the highest authority in Nineveh humbled himself and took the warning to heart.
Unity in Action: A collective decision to heed God's message and act in repentance.
ILLUSTRATION: Consider the story of the prodigal son in the New Testament; similar to Nineveh, he returned with a contrite heart and demonstrated his repentance through actions.
Narrative: Imagine a young man, filled with ambition and pride, leaving his father's house to pursue the pleasures and promises of the world. His pockets are heavy with his inheritance, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
Narrative: But as the seasons pass, the shine of his dreams dulls into the harsh realities of selfish living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
Narrative: Fast-forward to a time when he's broken, penniless, and desperate, feeding pigs and longing for the food they consume. Something stirs within him, a memory of a father's love, a home filled with warmth, and a life filled with dignity.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
Narrative: He makes the decision that alters his destiny. With a contrite heart and an unwavering resolve, he returns home, not knowing how he'll be received, yet determined to demonstrate his repentance through actions.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
Narrative: His father, seeing him from afar, runs towards him, tears streaming down his face, arms wide open. The son's repentance met with love, grace, and restoration. A wayward child once lost, now found.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
Narrative: Now, consider Nineveh, a city notorious for its wickedness, yet when confronted with God's truth through Jonah, they too returned with a contrite heart. From the least to the greatest, they demonstrated their repentance through fasting, sackcloth, and righteous actions.
5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
Narrative: Like the prodigal son, they were welcomed back into the fold of God's mercy. Both stories, worlds apart, yet united by the profound truth that true repentance leads to transformation and redemption. They challenge us today, showing us the path back to our Father, reminding us that no one is too lost for God's love, no heart too hardened for His grace.
10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
APPLICATION: We must heed God's word with sincerity and reflect it in our daily lives, turning from sin and demonstrating humility.
Heed with Sincerity:
Listen attentively to God's word.Internalize the teachings, recognizing their authority and truth.Verse:
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Reflect in Daily Lives:
Apply Biblical principles to daily decisions and interactions.Display God's love and wisdom in all aspects of life.Verse:
31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Agree Quickly with God about Sin in Your Life:
Recognize personal wrongdoings and shortcomings.Seek forgiveness and turn away from sinful behaviors.Verse:
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Demonstrate Humility:
Embrace a humble attitude, acknowledging dependence on God.Serve others with kindness and compassion, following Christ's example.Verse:
10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
TRANSITIONAL SENTENCE: But the story doesn’t end with individual responses; it leads to a royal decree that ensures city-wide repentance.
II. Leaders must guide and pave the way for humility and contrition. (Jon. 3:7-8)
II. Leaders must guide and pave the way for humility and contrition. (Jon. 3:7-8)
EXPLANATION: The king of Nineveh set an example and ensured that the entire city, including animals, participated in a public act of repentance.
A. King's Immediate Response:
A. King's Immediate Response:
Heard Jonah's warning.
Took immediate action, demonstrating leadership and responsibility.
5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
B. Setting an Example:
B. Setting an Example:
King himself wore sackcloth and sat in ashes.
Led by example, showing genuine repentance and humility.
6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
C. Inclusive Act of Repentance:
C. Inclusive Act of Repentance:
Ordered fasting and wearing of sackcloth for all, both people and animals.
Unified the city in a communal act of repentance.
8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
ANIMALS FASTING!? This is an unparalleled occurrence in the Bible. There's no other record of animals being involved in a fast or a public act of repentance.
It seems the king of Nineveh wanted to ensure that repentance was a whole community affair, right down to the family pets! You know you're serious about turning to God when even the cattle are wearing sackcloth!
Imagine the scene: people and animals alike in sackcloth, all joining in this unique spiritual moment. It's the only time in the Bible where the cows might have been saying, 'I think I'll pass on that grass today, thank you!'
The king's decree for animals to fast must have left more than a few confused faces in Nineveh. I can picture someone turning to their neighbor and asking, 'How exactly do we explain to the chickens that it's a day of fasting?'
The more pagan a city becomes, the less we should experience surprise when they pass the most absurd kinds of laws, you know, like what kind of eggs someone can buy, or where the best place is for them to go eat psychedelic mushrooms and inject opioids in a “safe space”! All while trying to proselytize our children because they cannot procreate their own.
Yet behind this seemingly absurdly desperate decree lay a heart set on true repentance.
The king's command for all to fast – even the animals – unified the city in an act of corporate repentance. Every living being was called to join in a collective turning away from sin and an earnest seeking of God's mercy. In a day where division and individualism are common, this story stands as a timeless reminder that genuine repentance and revival begin with the humility to seek God together, with one mind, in one accord, and with one purpose.
D. Ensuring Compliance:
D. Ensuring Compliance:
Issued a decree to ensure everyone followed the act of repentance.
Firm leadership with the spiritual well-being of his people in mind.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:
ILLUSTRATION: The response of a community during a national day of prayer, where leaders guide in public repentance, echoes the king's decree in Nineveh.
Hopeful Beginning: National Day of Prayer can be a stirring symbol of communal repentance. Much like the king's decree in Nineveh, it offers a chance for leaders to guide a nation in a public act of turning to God.
Reality Check: But for many, it has become merely a ritual, a fleeting moment of superficial piety. The cries and prayers dissipate into the air, and almost immediately, the old patterns of sin and division return.
The Contrast with Nineveh: In Nineveh, the king's decree led to a profound and unified genuine turning point.
The Challenge for Today: How can our nation's leaders move beyond a mere show of piety? How can the sincere pleas of the faithful become a lasting turning point for our community, our state, and our country?
The Call to Action: It begins with humility, sincerity, and a willingness to not only pray but to live in alignment with God's Word. It requires the courage to seek genuine change, from the top down and from the bottom up. May our National Day of Prayer be more than a ceremonial event. May it echo the profound repentance of Nineveh, leading to a transformation that endures.
APPLICATION: Leaders, both spiritual and secular, must be at the forefront of guiding collective acts of repentance and renewal, and each of us should participate actively.
But was it revival?
We have shown to our own satisfaction that the repentance of the Ninevites was genuine, leading to a real salvation experience, and was not simply a moral renewal. But having said that, we would not go along with those who believe that, because it was a spontaneous popular movement beginning with the people and containing the elements of prayer and preaching of the word, we can therefore describe it as a revival.
We are dealing here with a pagan people, not the people of God. Revival is a work of the Holy Spirit among God’s own people. You cannot revive what is dead, only that which still has a flicker of life in it. Secular society is dead in its trespasses and sins, and needs to be quickened into spiritual life through the power of God’s word. Revival, on the other hand, is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the people of God, the church, for the revitalising of its spiritual life and worship. In times of revival the flicker of spiritual life is fanned to a flame so that God’s people may become a more fitting instrument for him to use. Or, to put it another way, revival affects the church so that the church, in turn, may affect the world. We have a wonderful example of this in the Welsh revival.
One of the most significant examples of a genuine revival that brought lasting change in more recent history is the Welsh Revival of 1904-1905. Here are some bullet points outlining key aspects of this revival:
During the 1904 revival in Wales, Evan Roberts, the young revivalist, introduced a prayer that was to become the theme of the revival: ‘bend the church, and save the world’. The word ‘bend’ conveys the meaning of submission by God’s people to his will.
Origins: It began with the fervent prayers and preaching of a young coal miner, Evan Roberts, and others who shared a deep burden for their country's spiritual condition.
Evan Roberts was concerned to see the church revived under the power of the Holy Spirit so that it would become a mighty instrument in converting the unsaved. And that, in fact, is what happened. The number of those added to the churches throughout Wales was in the region of a hundred thousand.
Immediate Impact: Within a short period, the revival spread across Wales, leading to an estimated 100,000 conversions. Churches were filled, and spontaneous worship services were conducted.
What happened in Nineveh was something totally different from revival. It was a wonderful example of urban evangelisation, which was greatly blessed of God in the conversion of many souls.
[Peter Williams, Jonah—Running From God: An Expositional Commentary, Exploring the Bible Commentary (Epsom, Surrey: DayOne, 2003), 85.]
Transformation of Society: The revival had a profound impact on daily life in Wales. Crime rates dropped so drastically that some police departments reported having little to do. Magistrates found themselves without cases to try.
Reconciliation and Restoration: Relationships were mended, debts were paid, and those living in sin were moved to repentance. It extended beyond personal spiritual renewal to communal restoration.
Influence Beyond Wales: The revival did not stay confined to Wales but ignited a global awakening, influencing other revivals around the world, including in India, Scandinavia, and the United States.
Lasting Legacy: The Welsh Revival continues to be studied and admired as a genuine move of God that transformed an entire society. Its effects lasted for years, not merely as a fleeting emotional experience but as deep, lasting change.
The Welsh Revival serves as an inspiring example of what can happen when there is genuine repentance and turning to God. It offers a model for what is possible when individuals and leaders alike pursue God with sincerity and whole-hearted commitment.
TRANSITIONAL SENTENCE: Beyond communal acts, Nineveh's story reminds us of the uncertainty of God's mercy yet the profound hope it brings.
III. God's mercy responds to sincere repentance with compassion and forgiveness. (Jon. 3:9-10)
III. God's mercy responds to sincere repentance with compassion and forgiveness. (Jon. 3:9-10)
EXPLANATION: God observed Nineveh's sincerity in turning from evil and chose not to carry out the planned destruction.
A. Nineveh's Hopeful Question (Verse 9):
A. Nineveh's Hopeful Question (Verse 9):
The king of Nineveh and his people hope that God may relent from His fierce anger. They recognized that their actions might lead to mercy.
9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
B. Sincere Repentance (Verse 10):
B. Sincere Repentance (Verse 10):
God sees their works, the evidence of their repentance. They turned from their evil way, and God recognized the genuineness of their contrition.
10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
Immutability. God is unchangeable in his essence, attributes, consciousness, and will. All change must be to the better or the worse, but God cannot change to the better, since he is absolutely perfect; neither can he change to the worse, for the same reason. He is exalted above all causes and above even the possibility of change. He can never be wiser, more holy, more just, more merciful, more truthful, nor less so. Nor do his plans and purposes change.
The immutability of God is due to the simplicity of his essence. Man has a soul and a body, two substances, immaterial and material. God is one; he does not change. God’s immutability is due also to his necessary being and self-existence. That which exists uncaused, by the necessity of its nature, must exist as it does. It is due also to his absolute perfection. Neither improvement nor deterioration is possible. Any change in his attributes would make him less than God; any change in his purposes and plans would make him less wise, good, and holy.
Scripture declares that there is no variation with God.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
He does not change with regard to his character,
26 They shall perish, but thou shalt endure:
Yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment;
As a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:
27 But thou art the same,
And thy years shall have no end.
6 For I am the Lord, I change not;
Therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
his power,
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
his plans and purposes,
11 The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever,
The thoughts of his heart to all generations.
10 Declaring the end from the beginning,
And from ancient times the things that are not yet done,
Saying, My counsel shall stand,
And I will do all my pleasure:
his promises,
56 Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.
20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
his love and mercy,
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him,
And his righteousness unto children’s children;
or his justice.
25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
17 Judgment also will I lay to the line,
And righteousness to the plummet:
And the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies,
And the waters shall overflow the hiding place.
Immutability is not to be confused with immobility. God is active and enters into relationships with changing men. In these relationships it is necessary for an unchangeable God to change in his dealings with changing men in order to remain unchangeable in his character and purposes. God deals differently with men before salvation than after.
20 They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the Lord:
But such as are upright in their way are his delight.
12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men:
But the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
The God who cannot repent,
19 God is not a man, that he should lie;
Neither the son of man, that he should repent:
Hath he said, and shall he not do it?
Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?
repents (i.e., his dealings with man change) when man changes from evil to good, or good to evil.
6 And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
14 And the Lord repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.
7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; 8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. 9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; 10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them. 11 Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good.
13 And rend your heart, and not your garments,
And turn unto the Lord your God:
For he is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness,
And repenteth him of the evil.
God’s immutability consists in his always doing the right and in adapting the treatment of his creatures to the variations in their character and conduct. His threats are sometimes conditional in nature, as when he threatened to destroy Israel (Exod. 32:9–14) and Nineveh (Jonah 1:2; 3:4, 10).
[Henry Clarence Thiessen and Vernon D. Doerksen, Lectures in Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1979), 83.]
C. God's Compassion:
C. God's Compassion:
The Lord's response is one of mercy and compassion. Seeing their true repentance, He chose not to carry out the destruction He had planned (at this time, i.e., Nineveh’s punishment was delayed).
ILLUSTRATION: The story of Jesus forgiving the woman caught in adultery resonates with God's mercy towards Nineveh.
Sinful Situation: In both scenarios, a dire situation arises due to sin — Nineveh's wickedness and the woman's adultery.
Judgment at Hand: Judgment was pronounced in both instances: destruction for Nineveh and stoning for the woman.
Divine Intervention: Both stories highlight divine intervention. Jonah was sent to Nineveh, and Jesus intervened on behalf of the woman.
Call to Repentance: Jonah called Nineveh to repent, while Jesus told the woman, "Go, and sin no more".
11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
God's Mercy Manifested: Nineveh's sincere repentance led to God's mercy, while Jesus' compassion led to forgiveness for the woman.
Immediate Response: Both Nineveh and the woman reacted immediately to the message of repentance and mercy.
Universal Lesson: These instances serve as powerful illustrations of God's willingness to forgive and extend mercy when there is genuine repentance.
A Challenge to Self-Righteousness: In the case of the woman caught in adultery, the accusers were challenged by Jesus' wisdom and their own hypocrisy.
7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
Humanity and Compassion: Jesus' treatment of the woman, like God's response to Nineveh, underscores the theme of compassion, understanding, and readiness to forgive, no matter the sin.
APPLICATION: In our lives, God's mercy is available when we turn to Him with genuine contrition; no one is beyond redemption.
"Amazing Grace" by John Newton
Key Line: "Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me!"
"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" by Robert Robinson
Key Line: "Oh to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be!"
"Just as I Am" by Charlotte Elliott
Key Line: "Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me."
"Rock of Ages" by Augustus Toplady
Key Line: "Be of sin the double cure, Save from wrath and make me pure."
"Jesus Paid It All" by Elvina M. Hall
Key Line: "Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow."
"Softly and Tenderly" by Will L. Thompson
Key Line: "Come home, come home, Ye who are weary come home; Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling, Calling, O sinner, come home!"
"There's a Wideness in God's Mercy" by Frederick W. Faber
Key Line: "There’s a wideness in God’s mercy, Like the wideness of the sea."
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
The story of Nineveh is our story, as we continue to drift deeper and deeper away from the God of the Bible into Paganism, I have to believe that the Tribulation that the Word of God promises is not far off.
While judgment cannot be evaded, and surely must come on this old world, rotten and an over-ripened apple left in the window-sill for too long, yet when I read stories in the Bible like that of Nineveh, it sparks a flame of hope deep down inside, that maybe we can still see a lasting change that would allow our grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to have a better legacy of our obedience, and a testament to God's boundless grace.
Recapitulation: Nineveh believed, repented, obeyed, and experienced God's mercy.
Let’s respond to God's word with the same immediacy and depth as the people of Nineveh.
