R E P E N T
INTRODUCTION.
A. We often talk about the steps to salvation, which includes repentance. However, repentance is much more than a one-time acknowledgment of sin. To repent means to turn away from one’s sinful ways and practices.
B. With this lesson, we will examine six points of repentance.
I. REALIZATION THAT ONE IS GUILTY OF SIN.
A. Luke 5:32 - I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”
B. Proverbs 28:13 - He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
C. If a person is guilty of sin, then he must admit that guilt. (1 John 1:8-10)
D. The person who is not yet a Christian must realize his lost state due to sin. (Romans 6:23)
II. EXPECTATION OF GOD’S WRATH BECAUSE OF SIN.
A. Matthew 3:7-8 - But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,
B. Luke 13:1-5 - all likewise perish
C. Example: Acts 8:20-23
III. PURPOSE WITHIN ONE’S HEART TO CHANGE.
A. Acts 3:19 - Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
B. This purposing to change must be brought on by a godly sorrow. (2 Corinthians 7:9-11)
IV. ENABLES FORGIVENESS.
A. Acts 5:31 - Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
B. Acts 8:22 - Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
C. 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
D. Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
E. Hebrews 8:12-13 - For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.
V. NOW IS THE TIME TO REPENT.
A. 2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
B. Acts 17:30 - Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,
VI. TURN AWAY FROM THE SIN.
A. Psalms 34:14 - Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.
B. Acts 26:20 - but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
C. 1 Peter 3:11 - Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.
D. Ex. Ephesians 4:20-32
CONCLUSION.
A. As we conclude this lesson, remember the following about repentance:
1. Repentance is a realization that one is guilty of sin.
2. Repentance requires an expectation of God's wrath.
3. Repentance requires a purpose within one's heart to change.
4. Repentance enables forgiveness of sins.
5. Now is the time to repent.
6. Repentance requires one to turn away from sin.
B. If you are not a Christian, then repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins. (Acts 2:38)
C. If you are a Christian, but have been living in sin, then repent of your sinful practices and turn away today.
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R E P E N T -- May 22, 2005 -- File # 508 - Repentance
by John M. Duvall -- Lawton, OK