Untitled Sermon

Sermon 670 – Good New Part 2 – Repentance

Main Illustration: Guy met in Reading… little crazy… handing out tiny crosses to people… asking him if he uses it as a conversation starter etc… the impression I got is that this was it… hand the cross and go… asked if he goes to a church… nope… just visits ministries…

WHILST I RESPECT THE FACT THAT HE IS DOING SOMETHING… MORE THAN MANY CHRISTIANS… THE TRUTH IS THAT PEOPLE NEED MORE THAN JUST A TINY LITTLE CROSS… THEY NEED GENUINE REPENTANCE!!!!

Main text: Luke 23:32-43 NKJV

Luke 23: 32 There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 [h]Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

And they divided His garments and cast lots. 35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.”

36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”

38 And an inscription also was [i]written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:

THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, [j]“If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.”

40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said [k]to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

STATEMENT: THE GOSPEL IS ONLY GOOD NEWS FOR THOSE THAT REPENT!!

If you don’t repent it becomes very very bad news…

I. WHAT REPENTANCE IS NOT

A. Not baptism… because this man wasn’t baptised…

B. Not being filled with the HS – not filled.

C. Not church attendance – didn’t go to church

D. Not signs and wonders alone…

Jesus taught that miracles of themselves will not produce repentance.  'Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes" (Mt. 11:20, 21).

Our Lord taught that even the coming of one back from the dead would not, of itself, produce repentance.  "And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.  And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead" (Lk. 16:30,31).

E. Not God just chasing us down whilst we do whatever we want…

Not going to make many friends with this… but… im not a fan of the lyrics of the wreckless love of God song… needs to be balanced… makes it seem as though one can do whatever they want and God will keep chasing them…

Cant backslide… no need to change what youre doing because God is right there chasing you…

F. Not just outward reform

II. WHAT REPENTANCE IS

A. DOCTRINALLY

1.  Definition.- The root meaning of "repentance" is a change of mind or purpose.  It is a "sincere and thorough changing of the mind and disposition in regard to sin." It involves a change of view, a change of feeling, and a change of purpose.  Thus we can say it contains three elements: the intellectual, the emotional and the voluntary.

a)    The intellectual element. 

This involves a change of view.  It is a change of view with regard to sin, God, and self.  Sin comes to be recognized not merely as a weakness, an unfortunate happening, or a mistake, but as a personal guilt. 'For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me" (Ps. 51:3);

Furthermore, sin is recognized to be a transgression against God.  From a human viewpoint, David's sin was against Bathsheba and Uriah her husband.  But David came to realize that it was also against the laws of God.  He cried, "Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight" (Ps. 51:4)

b)  The emotional element. 

Repentance has often been defined as "a Godly sorrow for sin."

c)  The voluntary element. 

There must be the exercise of the will for repentance to be truly effective.  This means an inward turning from sin and a whole-hearted turning to Christ for forgiveness. 

(1)      Confessing sin / (2)     Forsaking sin / (3)  Turning to God

B. COMPONENTS TO A REPENTANT HEART (TEXT):

1. Recognising that we are deserving of death

40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds…

Note here that the first criminal only wanted to be saved from his current situation… just doesn’t want to die… if you are Christ save yourself and us…

Second one didn’t even ask about his present situation… understands that he is undeserving… just want to repent and make heaven!!!

ILL: people that only use Jesus for their current situation… that’s not repentance!!

CONFESSING SIN IS A CLEAR COMPONENT OF REPENTANCE… YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE A SINNER…

People who don’t/ cant come to this become self-righteous…

2. Recognising the innocence and perfection of Christ

41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”

3. Recognising the Lordship of Christ

42 Then he said [k]to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

4. Recognising the impact of this on eternity

42 Then he said [k]to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

43 And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Maybe as part of the 4th point can mention here that other accounts say that the 2 criminals mocked him… so its likely that this guy started like the other one and then changed his mind and said im not following with his…

23:39–42 When Matthew and Mark mention the criminals crucified with Jesus, they report that these two taunted him (Matt 27:44; Mark 15:32). But Luke tells us something more. Though both criminals started down the same road that day, at some point one of them chose a different path. Both heard and saw the same things, but they reached different conclusions.

Repentance is the will of God for every man.  -  "The Lord is ...  longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pt. 3:9).

III. ONGOING REPENTANCE

A. CONTINUING TO REPENT

Having a teachable heart… don’t know everything…

(2)  In Relation to the Christian:

(a)  Through God's reproof and chastisement - For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth ... For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.  Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby (Heb. 12:6,10,11).

God's chastisement leads to repentance.  "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent" (Rv. 3:19).

(b)  Through a new vision of God - "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.  Wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes" (Jb. 42:5,6).

(c)  Through the loving reproof of a brother - "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance unto the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will" (2 Tm. 2:24-26).

4.    Fruits of repentance.

One last word should be said regarding the results of repentance.  It will definitely lead to:

a)    Confession of sin.  "And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner" (Lk. 18:13).

b)   Furthermore, a truly repentant attitude will lead one to make restitution for wrongdoing as much as it is possible.  'And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold" (Lk. 19:8).  These, however, do not constitute repentance; rather, they are fruits of repentance.

B. BEARING FRUITS WORTHY…

Driving to reading from petrol station… left station and turned left… couldn’t work out which was  the right way…

Soon realised the error of my ways… sat nav was adding time… made a stop when safe and done a U turn…

BUT THAT WASN’T ALL… TO ENSURE I DIDN’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE AGAIN I ACTIVELY SOUGHT OUT THE RIGHT ROUTE…

This is what true repentance is like… recognisign your on the wrong path… turning away and then actively seeking the correct path!

Matt 3: 8 Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance

This man died shiortly after his decision to repent…

Had he lived for longer im sure that his decision to repent would have led him to do all of these things and more… but these were never the deciding factors to his salvation…

23:43 In response to the man’s repentance and faith, Jesus told him, Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise. According to the New Testament, all believers are called to obey the Lord by being baptized, locking arms with Christian brothers and sisters in a local church, and growing as disciples by seeking to love God and neighbor. But none of these things can save a person. They are acts of obedience in response to the saving work of God in our lives through Jesus Christ. Salvation comes when we put our faith alone in Christ alone. And that’s what this criminal did. He didn’t have an opportunity to follow the Lord in a life of obedience—though if he had lived he surely would have. Nevertheless, he did exactly what was required in order to be reconciled to God. And later that day, though his physical body died, his spirit and soul went to paradise with King Jesus, awaiting his future bodily resurrection from the dead. This affirms that believers go immediately into God’s presence at death.

b)    Restitution for wrongdoing

whoever is forgiven of much loves much…

repentance does that to people… they want to do what they can to make things right again…

Zaccheus…

C. BRINGING OTHERS TO REPENTANCE…

Sickness… if someone was sick but just felt bad about being sick… that’s not enough to get better… you need the medicine… you need the cure… REPENTANCE AND FAITH IN CHRIST IS THE CURE FOR THE SICKNESS OF SIN… not enough to be fed up with your life… need to repent and put your faith in Jesus

THIS IS WHY ITS IMPORTANT THAT EVERY CHRISTIAN KNOWS HOW TO LEAD SOMEONE TO CHRIST AND MINISTER TO THEM EFFECTIVELY…

One thing every Christian should know is how to lead someone else to Christ…

Can you imagine if you had someone in front of you that wants to repent of their sin and you don’t know how to minister to them?!

We have to respond when the hearts are open!

People getting saved in services… everyone in the church should be ready and willing to lead them to Christ…

People looking around for someone else…

When was the last time you led someone to Christ?

BIBLE EXAMPLES:

Zaccheasu

Woman in act of adultery

Prodigal son…

John the Baptist…

SCRIPTURES TO CONSIDER:

John 3:3

Romans 12:1-2

John 8

New King James Version

Jesus the Light of the World

8 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

2 Now [a]early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him; and He sat down and taught them. 3 Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, [b]this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now [c]Moses, in the law, commanded us [d]that such should be stoned. But what do You [e]say?” 6 This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, [f]as though He did not hear.

7 So when they continued asking Him, He [g]raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 Then those who heard it, being[h] convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had raised Himself up [i]and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers [j]of yours? Has no one condemned you?”

11 She said, “No one, Lord.”

And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go [k]and sin no more.”

12 Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

2 Corinthians 7 New King James Version

The Corinthians’ Repentance

1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

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8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

The criminals’ words here reveal the differences between the men. First, they reached different conclusions about who the man in the middle was. The rebellious criminal joined the crowd. He hurled insults at Jesus, ridiculing the idea that he was the Messiah (23:39). But the repentant one recognized that Jesus was both an innocent man who had done nothing wrong and a King about to enter his heavenly kingdom (23:41–42). Your eternal destiny is necessarily connected to your understanding of who Jesus is.

Second, they reached different conclusions regarding their own guilt. The first criminal failed to come to grips with his own sinfulness. There was no admission of blame, no fear of God (20:40). But his companion rebuked him. He rightly concluded that they were being punished justly for their crimes (20:40–41). Without the comprehension that you are a sinner in rebellion against and separated from a holy God, you cannot be saved.

Third, the two men reached different conclusions about what they needed to be delivered from. The unrepentant criminal simply wanted deliverance from his present earthly circumstances. Save yourself and us, he demanded of Jesus, meaning, “Keep us from dying!” (23:39). But the second criminal understood that there was something beyond their present trouble. No matter how bad things were on earth, a much more serious concern awaited. One day, we all must face eternity and—unless we have a mediator—the wrath of God. With a repentant heart, this man recognized Jesus as the mediator he needed: Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom (23:42). Hearing Jesus call his Father to forgive his executioners (23:34) was sufficient for this man to change his opinion about Jesus and place saving faith in him.

Jesus foregoes the opportunity for self-preservation… He could have stopped this at any moment… but this was to purchase our salvation…

That we would repent.