Repentance
Introduction:
A. Repentance is an essential part of Gods plan. Matthew 3:1,2; Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30
B. Let us learn what repentance is and apply the truth in our lives.
I. A CHANGE OF MIND.
A. Attitudes toward sin.
1. Love o f sin. Ephesians 4:19; Hebrews 11:25; John 3:19
2. Cover sin and not let it be exposed that it might be cured. 1 Corinthians 5:2
a. A mother “protected” her child from treatment of a physical affliction.
b. A wife “protected” her husband from the gospel.
c. Insensitive to sin. Ephesians 4:19; 1 Timothy 4:2
d. Surrender to sin. James 1:13-15
B. All who know the truth have had one of the above attitudes during their life. Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8,10
1. For repentance that leads to salvation these attitudes must change.
2. For true repentance, one must hate sin and be sorry for it.
a. Hate. Psalm 119:104; Proverbs 8:13
b. Sorrow. Matthew 5:4; Matthew 26:75
3. This attitude of sorrow brings us to the next characteristic of repentance.
II. BROUGHT ABOUT BY GODLY SORROW. 2 Corinthians 7: 10
A. What sin is.
1. Breaking the law of God. 1 John 3:4
2. Not doing what God has commanded. James 4:17
B. What sin has done.
1. Caused death to come to all men. Romans 5:12
2. Caused Jesus to be crucified. 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18
C. What sin can do to us.
1. Enslaves. 2 Peter 2:19; Romans 6:16
2. Contaminates. James 1:27; 2 Peter 2:20-22
3. Scars. 1 Timothy 1:13-15
4. Separates. Isaiah 59:1,2
a. The blessings of God. 1 Peter 3:12; 2 John 9
b. Fellowship of God’s people. 2 Thessalonians 3:6
c. God in eternity. Matthew 25:31,32; Luke 16:26
D. What sin does to others.
1. Disappoints those who are doing right. 2 Timothy 4:10,14,16
2. Leads weak brethren astray. 1 Corinthians 5:6
3. Shows our contempt and disrespect for the Godhead. Hebrews 10:29; Hebrews 6:6; Ephesians 4:25-31
4. Breaks Jesus’ heart. Luke 19:41
III. RESULTING IN A CHANGE OF LIFE.
A. Repentance that is acceptable to God is coupled with conversion which means “to turn altogether.” Acts 3:19
1. Some try to repent on the installment plan – just a little at a time.
2. We shouldn’t try to slip people into the church with a blindfold on.
3. Christ explained the cost of discipleship that would produce this changed life. Luke 14:33
B. Note these examples of repentance.
1. Book burning at Ephesus. Acts 19:18,19
2. Two sons. Matthew 21:28-30
3. Prodigal son. Luke 15:17-20
Conclusion:
A. Although repentance is part of God’s plan it will not take the place of other acts of obedience.
1. The alien.
a. Will not replace faith. Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24
b. Will not replace confession and make it unnecessary. Matthew 10:32,33; Romans 10:9,10
c. Will not do away with baptism. Acts 2:38
2. The erring child of God,
a. Repentance cannot take the place of confession of sins. James 5:16; 1 John 1:9
b. Repentance does not make prayer unnecessary. Acts 8:22
B. Are you willing to do all God’s will today?