STEP 6 REPENT (3)

STEP 6: WE BECOME ENTIRELY READY TO TURN AWAY FROM OUR PATTERNS OF SIN AND TURN TO GOD

2 Timothy 2:22

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Repent-what is it?

To repent means that we feel, or we express, a sincere regret, or a remorse about our wrongdoing of sin.

But I will also add to that, as a believer in Jesus Christ, when we repent or feel sorry for what we did, we turn away from that evil 180 degrees and go the other way the God wanted us to go in the first place.

It’s one thing to repent and feel bad about it, but if we keep doing the same thing over and over again, that is sinning!

Then are we really repenting?

Last month we talked about reveal, and the previous week before that we talked about review.

As you review your inventory, you will see that God will reveal your past sins.

It is within this context, as well, that we need to repent of the things that we have done wrong.

If we are looking for true repentance.

Which will lead us to Him, restoring us completely!

APPLICATIONS:

1). If you find yourself arguing with your spouse or children and realize your tone has become harsh or dismissive, it’s time to repent. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and seek forgiveness. Set aside a time after the conflict to sit with them, share your feelings, and sincerely apologize. Acknowledge your wrongdoing, and express your desire to change. This not only repairs the relationship but models humility and the importance of reconciliation, as Christ has done for us.

2). If you notice you're often cutting corners or not giving your best effort in your work, this may lead to feelings of guilt and dissatisfaction. Consider taking time to repent for any laziness or dishonesty. Assess your work habits, ask for God's guidance, and set concrete goals for improvement. Consider sharing your commitment with a trusted colleague or a mentor who can hold you accountable and encourage you to work with integrity and excellence, reflecting God's character in your workplace.

3). If you find yourself engaging in heated debates on social media, often resorting to insults or divisiveness instead of meaningful dialogue, it's a sign to repent. Take a break from your online platforms, pray for self-control, and rethink your approach to discussing differing opinions. When you return, aim to express your views with grace and openness, seeking to understand before being understood. By doing this, you can be a messenger of peace, demonstrating Christ's love even in contentious environments.

ILLUSTRATIONS:

Imagine if the world had a 'Repentance Recipe Book.' The first ingredient would have to be humility, a dash of vulnerability, and always topped with a generous serving of love. Just like baking a cake, when you mix these ingredients with a spirit of joy, the end result is forgiveness and reconciliation, making it a delightful experience for everyone involved!

The prodigal son didn’t just return home to say, 'Oops!' He also brought a heart ready to be embraced. What pairs well with repentance is the warm welcome of forgiveness. It’s like a hug from a friend after an awkward moment—suddenly everything feels light and joyful again. There’s nothing quite like knowing you're cherished despite your missteps!

Jesus told a story about two sons in Matthew 21:28–32 ““What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change (repent) your minds and believe him.” One said he wouldn’t do his father’s bidding but later repented and went. The other promised to go but didn’t. This shows us that true repentance isn’t just saying sorry—it’s about actions that follow. When we truly turn our hearts back to God, just like the son who initially refused but later obeyed, we show our love for Him in our deeds.

SO WHEN DO WE REPENT?

The real answer to the question is, as soon as you realize through the Holy Spirit, that you have committed a sin.

I recommend that you evaluate your thoughts, heart/actions, a minimum of three times a day as you review, reveal and repent what God has shown you.

THIS WILL ALSO HELP YOU TO KEEP A SHORT LIST (SO TO SPEAK) OF WRONGS COMMITTED

WHAT GOES BEST WITH REPENTING?

It's one thing to go to God and repent, knowing that He will not say anything negatively about things a human being might say in that situation. (That's truly the first step in repenting btw.)

The next step is going to another human being. (PAUSE)

That is somewhat more difficult, because they may not accept our apology.

But that still does not negate the sin/wrong we have done to someone else.

Once you apologize/repent to another person or persons, you will be freed from sins that grip you, and your potential to grow in your restoration.

Let me share with you a scripture that you may not have heard very much about before, but will apply in repenting. Matthew 5: 25-26.

When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you’ll be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.

To me, the main focal point, that Jesus said, was to settle your differences quickly.

I hope you catch my point?

BIBLICAL WEAPONRY

Bible

Accountability Partner/sponsor/mentor

Prayer time daily, and consistently

This recovery/discipleship meeting weekly

Disengagement from those things that squander your ability to REPENT of past sins or trauma to our lives

BROKEN AND CONTRITE HEART

Psalms 51:17

THE BIBLE SAYS “ my sacrifice, oh, God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.

AT THIS TIME, WE WILL DISMISS OUR ONLINE FAMILY. WE WILL RETURN AGAIN NEXT WEEK . THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TODAY FOR ANOTHER NUTS & BOLTS VIDEO

REFLECTION:

What will an unrepentant heart/attitude do to you?

What role does having an accountability partner play in your journey of repentance?

How can you apply the principle of repentance in your relationships ?