Embracing Repentance: The Path to Holiness
Summary
This morning, I want to delve into the essence of the gospel, focusing on repentance, holiness, and our relationship with God. These topics, though challenging, are crucial for our spiritual journey. Jesus' first sermon was a call to repentance, a message that remains unchanged and vital today. We must ask ourselves how we would respond if Jesus stood before us and called us to repent. Every revival in history has begun with a call to repentance and holiness, emphasizing the reality of heaven and hell and the eternal consequences of our choices.
The gospel is often perceived as good news, but it begins with the bad news of our sinful state. Like a medical diagnosis that reveals a dire condition before offering a treatment plan, the gospel exposes our sinfulness before presenting the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ. We must recognize the severity of sin, understanding that God hates sin and calls us to hate it too. Our culture may downplay sin, but we must see it as God does, acknowledging our need for the Holy Spirit to reveal our true spiritual condition.
Repentance involves a complete lifestyle change, a turning away from sin and towards God. It's not enough to claim faith without the evidence of a transformed life. The fruit of repentance and the fruit of the Spirit should be evident in our lives. We cannot serve both God and sin; we must choose one. Salvation is not a buffet where we pick and choose what we like; it requires total submission to God's authority.
The call to forsake sin extends to our thoughts as well as our actions. We must renew our minds daily, rejecting sinful thoughts and embracing God's perspective. Grace empowers us to overcome sin, not excuse it. We must forsake romanticizing past sins and turn away from lustful thoughts, understanding that grace calls us to a higher standard.
Finally, we must return to the Lord, who is merciful and ready to forgive. There is an urgency in seeking God while He may be found, as there is an expiry date on this invitation. The prognosis for those who repent is an abundant pardon, a multiplied mercy that we do not deserve. Jesus took upon Himself what we deserved, offering us the righteousness of God in exchange. Let us be a people who bend to God's will, remaining teachable and flexible, ready to repent and turn from our wicked ways.
Key Takeaways:
- The gospel begins with the bad news of our sinful state before offering the good news of salvation. Recognizing our sinfulness is essential to appreciating the grace and mercy of God. We must see sin as God sees it, acknowledging its severity and our need for repentance. [05:02]
- Repentance is not merely a verbal confession but a lifestyle change. The fruit of repentance and the fruit of the Spirit should be evident in our lives, demonstrating a genuine transformation. We cannot serve both God and sin; we must choose one. [14:40]
- Our thoughts are as important as our actions in the journey of repentance. We must renew our minds daily, rejecting sinful thoughts and embracing God's perspective. Grace empowers us to overcome sin, not excuse it. [30:33]
- Returning to the Lord is an act of grace and mercy. Despite our unfaithfulness, God remains faithful and ready to forgive. There is an urgency in seeking God while He may be found, as there is an expiry date on this invitation. [37:12]
- The prognosis for those who repent is an abundant pardon, a multiplied mercy that we do not deserve. Jesus took upon Himself what we deserved, offering us the righteousness of God in exchange. Let us be a people who bend to God's will, remaining teachable and flexible. [44:05]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:39] - The Unchanging Call to Repentance
- [05:02] - The Gospel: Bad News Before Good News
- [07:52] - The Severity of Sin
- [10:29] - Seeing Sin as God Sees It
- [14:40] - The Fruit of Repentance
- [18:31] - Choosing Between God and Sin
- [21:02] - The Reality of Eternal Judgment
- [23:57] - Submission to God's Authority
- [28:21] - Forsaking Sinful Ways
- [30:33] - Renewing Our Minds
- [33:19] - Forsaking Romanticized Past Sins
- [37:12] - Returning to the Lord
- [39:49] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
- [44:05] - Abundant Pardon and Mercy
- [47:21] - Bending to God's Will
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 4:17
- Isaiah 55:6-7
- Romans 10:9
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the first message Jesus preached according to Matthew 4:17, and why is it significant for us today? [01:39]
2. In Isaiah 55:6-7, what are the two actions that the wicked and unrighteous are called to take, and what is promised if they do so?
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between the bad news of our sinful state and the good news of the gospel? [05:02]
4. What does Romans 10:9 say about the confession and belief required for salvation, and how does this relate to the concept of repentance discussed in the sermon? [14:40]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the call to repentance in Matthew 4:17 challenge the modern perception of the gospel as solely good news? [05:02]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our culture downplays the severity of sin, and how should believers respond to this according to the sermon? [10:29]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of the Holy Spirit in revealing our true spiritual condition and empowering us to overcome sin? [39:49]
4. What does the sermon imply about the urgency of seeking God while He may be found, as mentioned in Isaiah 55:6-7? [44:05]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you have been downplaying sin? How can you begin to see sin as God sees it and take steps towards repentance? [10:29]
2. The sermon emphasizes a lifestyle change as evidence of true repentance. What specific changes can you make in your daily life to demonstrate the fruit of repentance and the fruit of the Spirit? [14:40]
3. Consider your thought life: Are there sinful thoughts you need to forsake? What practical steps can you take to renew your mind daily and embrace God's perspective? [30:33]
4. The sermon speaks about the urgency of returning to the Lord. Is there an area in your life where you feel distant from God? What steps can you take this week to seek Him while He may be found? [37:12]
5. How can you ensure that your faith is not just a verbal confession but a genuine transformation that aligns with Romans 10:9? What actions will you take to align your life with this truth? [14:40]
6. The sermon mentions the danger of romanticizing past sins. Are there past behaviors or thoughts you find yourself reminiscing about? How can you shift your focus to the new life in Christ? [33:19]
7. Reflect on the concept of abundant pardon and mercy. How does understanding this aspect of God's character affect your willingness to repent and seek forgiveness? [44:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing Our Sinful State
The gospel begins with the sobering reality of our sinful state, which is essential to understanding the depth of God's grace and mercy. Just as a medical diagnosis reveals a condition before treatment, the gospel exposes our sinfulness before offering salvation through Jesus Christ. Recognizing the severity of sin is crucial, as God detests sin and calls us to do the same. In a culture that often downplays sin, we must strive to see it as God does, acknowledging our need for the Holy Spirit to reveal our true spiritual condition. [05:02]
Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."
Reflection: What specific sin in your life have you been downplaying or ignoring? How can you ask the Holy Spirit to help you see it as God does today?
Day 2: The Evidence of True Repentance
Repentance is more than a verbal confession; it requires a complete lifestyle change. The fruit of repentance and the fruit of the Spirit should be evident in our lives, demonstrating genuine transformation. We cannot serve both God and sin; we must choose one. Salvation demands total submission to God's authority, not a selective approach where we pick and choose what we like. [14:40]
Acts 26:20 (ESV): "But declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you see evidence of true repentance? What changes can you make to ensure your life reflects a genuine transformation?
Day 3: Renewing Our Minds
Our thoughts are as important as our actions in the journey of repentance. We must renew our minds daily, rejecting sinful thoughts and embracing God's perspective. Grace empowers us to overcome sin, not excuse it. By forsaking romanticized past sins and turning away from lustful thoughts, we align ourselves with the higher standard that grace calls us to. [30:33]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What recurring sinful thought patterns do you need to reject today? How can you actively renew your mind to align with God's perspective?
Day 4: Urgency in Returning to the Lord
Returning to the Lord is an act of grace and mercy. Despite our unfaithfulness, God remains faithful and ready to forgive. There is an urgency in seeking God while He may be found, as there is an expiry date on this invitation. The prognosis for those who repent is an abundant pardon, a multiplied mercy that we do not deserve. [37:12]
Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV): "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you have been delaying repentance? What steps can you take today to urgently return to the Lord?
Day 5: Embracing God's Abundant Mercy
The prognosis for those who repent is an abundant pardon, a multiplied mercy that we do not deserve. Jesus took upon Himself what we deserved, offering us the righteousness of God in exchange. Let us be a people who bend to God's will, remaining teachable and flexible, ready to repent and turn from our wicked ways. [44:05]
Micah 7:18-19 (ESV): "Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."
Reflection: How can you embrace God's abundant mercy in your life today? What does bending to God's will look like in your daily actions and decisions?
Quotes
"Matthew 4, 17 records the very first message, the very first sermon that Jesus ever spoke. It was this. Repent. For the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The very first message Jesus ever preached. Repent. For the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And you know what? I don't think the message has changed today. It's not preached as often. But I don't think the message has changed. It's a very simple message. But a powerful, profound message." [00:00:51] (35 seconds)
"But every revival in history has begun with a call to repentance. Repentance. Every revival in history has started with the conviction of sin. And a call to holiness. And a call to holiness. And a call to holiness. The message hasn't changed heaven and hell are real eternity is real every one of us in this room tonight tonight, this morning you'll still be here tonight, I'm joking everybody in this room this morning will spend eternity somewhere in heaven in the presence of God in the joy of his presence forever or in hell a place of eternal darkness and torment with the gnashing of teeth and weeping and the Bible says there'll be no end to that torment but take it or leave it whether you believe it or not is irrelevant I'm telling you every one of us in this room will spend eternity in one of those places." [00:02:32] (74 seconds)
"sin is death. It says the whole world is guilty before a holy God. That's not good news. That's bad news. But then the Gospel says that there's a treatment available. There's a prescription. It says the wages of sin is death. But the gift of God is eternal life. But before we can appreciate the good news and how good that is, we have to see how dark we are without Jesus. And there's nothing we can do to close that gap. We are dead in trespasses and sins and there's nothing we can do about it." [00:08:11] (70 seconds)
"When we see sin and speak of sin in its right context and its right definition, that's when the light of the Gospel can shine in. But until we see sin as God sees sin and speak of it as God does, the Gospel light is rather dim and ineffectual. Let me tell you, God does not dislike sin. God is not upset by sin. God is not merely put off by sin. The Bible says God hates sin. And if we are to walk properly with God, we need to see sin the way He does. That means we need to hate sin as much as He does." [00:09:50] (48 seconds)
"that means a lifestyle change that's the fruit of repentance a lifestyle change without exception Jesus said this a tree is known by its fruits that's a reference to our lives so if we say I belong to Jesus then according to Jesus our lives ought to be producing the fruit of repentance and the fruit of the spirit what's the fruit of the spirit? love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self -control if you claim to belong to Christ and these things are not not on display if there's not a shift away from an old lifestyle if actions don't change and thoughts aren't changing and we're not changing and maturing and beginning to look more like Jesus then yes if the fruit of repentance and the fruit of the Holy Spirit is not evidence then I'm going to question do you really have Jesus?" [00:15:54] (69 seconds)
"religious leaders drag her to Jesus, they're ready to stone her because she's been caught in the very act of adultery and the lord says she must be stoned to death Jesus says I don't condemn you she's caught in sin but Jesus says I don't condemn you even though she's caught in the very act of committing adultery and we love that praise the lord there's grace and mercy right there but then he goes on and he says go see he requires a lifestyle change, there has to be a lifestyle change because it's synonymous with forgiveness" [00:26:50] (49 seconds)
"holiness and sin at the same time because Zacchaeus an extortionist, a swindler robbed people took more money off them than he should have done as an encounter with Jesus he experiences Jesus' grace mercy, love and forgiveness but as a result his life changes he forsakes his old life and he restored fourfold that which he'd taken from people as a lifestyle change as a Lord As a result of forgiveness. Saul on the Damascus Road, great persecutor, murderer of the church. As a result of an encounter with Jesus, it changed him. There was a forsaking of his old life. Rather than persecute the church, he became the greatest gospel ministry and the greatest gospel writer in history." [00:27:55] (46 seconds)
"See, Jesus ups the ante in the New Covenant, in the New Testament. He said, now you don't have to be caught in the actual act of adultery in order to be guilty unto the Lord. Now, you only have to think about it. Look at somebody and think about them lustfully and you've already done it according to Jesus. So grace is not an excuse to sin. Grace is an empowerment to live a higher life, a higher calling, to overcome sin, to forsake sin, to turn away from it and have a changed lifestyle. That's grace. Not Just to think about it. Think about it now is sin, according to Jesus." [00:36:02] (49 seconds)
"Maybe you're saying, I want to return. I know God's merciful. I just don't know how to because every time I try to turn, every time I try to return, I find myself being drawn back to sin again. Sometimes the same sin. You may feel bad about your sin. You may know it's wrong thing to do. But you feel powerless to break the chain and break the habit. Well, there's the problem. You can't break the chain. You can't free yourself. You can't get free on your own. But the God who says, come, who says, turn, also gives you the ability to make that turn. How does he give you that ability? By his Holy Spirit." [00:39:22] (42 seconds)
"Mercy is this. I don't get what I deserve. See, I deserve death and hell because I'm wicked, unrighteous. I have sinful ways and sinful thoughts. So I deserve that. That's the diagnosis. That's what I deserve. But if I do all of this that he tells me to do, my outcome is I'm going to get abundant pardon and mercy. And mercy is you don't get what you deserve. Guess who got what you deserve? turned his back on him. And my God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Because that's what abandonment means. Forsaking means to turn away from and not go back. God could not look upon his son because he who knew no sin was made sin, that I might become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. What an exchange!" [00:45:59] (60 seconds)
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