REPENT

The word “Repent” is a translation from the Greek word - “Metanoia”

Metanoia means “To change one’s mind” or “To change one’s way of thinking”

(meta = change) - (noia = mind/think)

Jesus presents repentance as a fundamental requirement of our new life in the Kingdom of God. His central proclamation declares that the kingdom of God has arrived and demands both repentance and belief in the gospel.

MARK 1:15 NLT (Jesus)

15 “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”

ACTS 2:38 NLT (Apostle Peter)

38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

ACTS 20:21 NLT (Apostle Paul)

I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

CHANGE YOUR CHOICES CHANGE YOUR LIFE

1.  REPENTANCE IS THE INVITATION TO GOD’S PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE

ROMANS 2:4 NLT (Apostle Paul)

4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? 

Repentance is a fundamental part of your initial salvation

Repentance becomes an ongoing process in your life of salvation

Repentance isn’t achieved through human will power alone…you need the HOLY SPIRIT

Repentance requires living in close relationship with God through Jesus Christ

Repentance involves a fundamental change of heart and change of mind toward sin

2. WHAT DOES REPENTANCE LOOK LIKE IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER

EPHESIANS 4:28 NLT (Apostle Paul)

28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need.

· Repentance will lead you to stop committing illegal activity

· Repentance will lead you to take a moral inventory of your self

· Repentance will lead you to take accountability for your actions

· Repentance restores your relationship with your Heavenly Father

· Repentance leads to your reconciliation with people

3. REPENTANCE IS A DECISION TO CHANGE

MATTHEW 3:8 NLT (John the Baptist)

8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.

· The evidence of repentance will be shown in your daily life

· Making the choice to learn good habits and un-learn bad habits

· If nothing is changing, nothing has been repented of

· God’s Biblical pattern…”You can tell a tree by its fruit” – Matt 7:16-20

· The way you speak and treat the people God has placed in your life

I want you to know that Jesus has a high standard because he is the Lord of Lords and the Most High God.  His ways are far above our ways.  His requirement of repentance is firm, un-bendable and it will not change.  But even in this firmness…Jesus is full of mercy and compassion.  Our Lord Jesus will not ask of us anything he is not willing to help us through.  Be encouraged, be thankful, and praise God that we have a Lord who has such a high standard for our lives.  He wants the best for our lives, our families, and our futures.  He will never fail us.  Remember change doesn’t start when you feel it, it starts when you choose it.   

BELIEVE                 BEHAVE                  BECOME

Trane Beltran