Repentance

I. Who Needs Repentance? a. Luke 13:1-5 1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them--do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." 1. Everyone must repent 2. The alternative to repentance is perishing b. Acts 26:20-21 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 1. Repentance = change of heart/ mind. It is a decision 2. Repentance literally means "to turn around, go a different direction." 3. Repentance is followed by deeds - your life reflects the change 4. Can be done in an instant, but the effects last a lifetime. 5. Preaching the biblical message of repentance creates a backlash. (Some do not want to change and do not appreciate being confronted!) II. Personal Sharing 2 Peter 2:20-22 20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. 21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. 22 Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud." Colossians 3:1-5 1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. a. Sin entangles and overcomes us. These are hard words that we must accept! b. As in the Light and Darkness study, the leader should begin by opening up his life, sharing his main temptations and sins (as a disciple). Then the other person can share. Get Specific. c. Discuss Mark 7:20-21 and the sins of the heart, such as bitterness, resentment, and lack of forgiveness. III. What Is Worldly Sorrow? / Godly Sorrow? 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it--I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while-- 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. a. Worldly Sorrow - We're sorry we got caught, or that we have suffered. We are emotional, not because of what we did to Jesus, but because of the consequences. b. Godly Sorrow - Look at what it produces: Earnestness - sincerity and seriousness - "I will change." Eagerness - characterized by a desire to get together, study, etc. Indignation - anger toward Satan, personal weakness, etc. Alarm - we cannot be nonchalant about our sin Longing (affection) - characterized by an appreciation of the people that brought conviction into our lives Readiness to see justice done - a willingness to face the consequences of our sin. c. Are you prepared to repent (of the specific sins from point II)? IV. What Are The Results of Repentance? Acts 3:19-20 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you--even Jesus. a. Reconciliation with God b. Refreshing from God c. Restoration of Christian Relationships Assignments: a. Write up your sin list from the following verses: Mark 7:20-23, Romans 1:18-32, 1 Cor 6:9-11, Ephesians 4:17 - 5:6, Col 3:1-5, 2 Tim 3:1-5, Rev 21:8 b. Prayerfully consider your specific repentance. c. Re-read the Medical Account of the crucifixion.