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Explore the importance of true repentance in spiritual growth and salvation. Learn what repentance truly means and who needs it, with examples from biblical references. Discover how repentance is essential for individuals and churches alike.
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God’s Plan of Salvation True Repentance
Repentance • A subject often misunderstood or underemphasized • Many start right but fall away or become unfruitful • Often this is a result of not understanding true repentance
What is Repentance • μετανοέω, metanoeo“to change one’s way of life as a result of a complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness”(Louw-Nida, 41.52)
What is Repentance • μετανοέω, metanoeo “1. to change one’s mind. 2. To feel remorse, be converted.” (BDAG)
What is Repentance • μετανοέω, metanoeo “to perceive afterwards.” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary)
Repentance in NOT… • Being convicted of sin – Felix – Acts 24:25 • Remorse – Judas – Matt. 27:3-5
Repentance in NOT… • Saying, “I’m sorry” Do you mean it? King Saul – 1 Sam. 15:24 • Confessing your sins –1 John 1:9, Jas. 5:16Today many brag about their sinful conduct
Repentance in NOT… • Conditional confession - “I’m sorry I did that, BUT…”King Saul & David – 1 Sam. 15:24 vs. 2 Sam. 12:13 • Sorrow –being sorry can be for many reasons.
Repentance in NOT… • Godly sorrow – Psalm 51:42 Corinthians 7:10 Godly sorrow produces repentance
Repentance in NOT… • Ceasing sinful conduct – what is the motive?Cf. Gal. 2:11-13 • All these things are not repentance, but they are related to TRUE repentance
TRUE repentance • Is a mindset! It is obeying God out of love and respect, (not just out of fear)
The need for repentance • We live in a society filled with addictions, lack of self-control, selfishness, etc. Integrity is lacking. • TRUE repentance will change these qualities in someone. • But it will not happen until you MAKE UP YOUR MIND!
Who needs repentance? • Luke 13:3, “Unless you repent…” • Mark 2:17, why Jesus came • 2 Peter 3:9, God commands all men to repent • Hebrews 6:1, the foundation of repentance
Who needs repentance? • Those who have never obeyed the gospel • Acts 2:38 • Acts 3:19 • Acts 17:30-31
Who needs repentance? • Christians when they sin • Acts 8:22 • Matthew 28:20 • Hebrews 6:6
Who needs repentance? • Churches • Rev. 2:5 – Ephesus – left first loveRev. 2:16 – Pergamos – tolerating errorRev. 2:22 – Thyatira - teaching error Rev. 3:3 – Sardis – deadRev. 3:19 – Laodicea – compromise • Corinth!
Repentance demonstrated • Luke 15:11-32, The prodigal son (15:17 – he came to himself) • Psalm 51:1-4, David
Repentance demonstrated • 2 Corinthians 7:11, • What diligence – great effort • What clearing of yourselves – doing all to make it right • What indignation – despising sin and its damage • What fear – facing God
Repentance demonstrated • 2 Corinthians 7:11, • What vehement desire – craving to be right • What zeal – intense effort • What vindication – proving you are changed
Repentance demonstrated • 2 Corinthians 7:11, “In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter”