Embracing Repentance: The Urgency of Bearing Fruit
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth that while God's mercy is everlasting, our time on earth is finite, and thus, repentance is crucial. We delved into Luke 13, where Jesus emphasizes the necessity of repentance, warning that without it, we too will perish. This isn't just about physical death but eternal separation from God. The parable of the fig tree serves as a poignant reminder that God expects us to bear fruit in our lives. The gardener, representing Jesus, pleads for more time to nurture the tree, symbolizing His intercession for us, asking the Father to extend mercy so we might turn from our ways and bear fruit.
We also discussed the misconception that Christians are immune to suffering. Jesus teaches that tragedy and suffering are not indicators of one's sinfulness or righteousness. Instead, they are part of the human experience, and our response should be one of compassion and mercy, reflecting God's character. The call to love our enemies and do good to them is a radical departure from the world's standards, emphasizing that our actions should mirror God's kindness and mercy.
Furthermore, we examined the universal need for repentance, as all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. Repentance is not merely an acknowledgment of sin but a transformative action that aligns us with God's will. The gravity of eternal separation from God is far worse than any earthly tragedy, underscoring the urgency of turning to Him.
Finally, we reflected on the role of Jesus as our intercessor, tirelessly advocating for us before the Father. His desire is for us to bear fruit, and He provides the spiritual nourishment we need to grow. Our past sins, once forgiven, become the fertile ground for new growth, driving us to live lives that honor God.
Key Takeaways:
1. Repentance is Urgent and Necessary: Jesus' call to repentance is a reminder that while God's mercy is vast, our time to respond is limited. Repentance is not just about avoiding punishment but about aligning our lives with God's will and experiencing His transformative grace. [49:33]
2. Suffering is Part of the Christian Journey: Being a follower of Christ does not exempt us from life's challenges. Instead, it offers us the assurance that Jesus walks with us through every trial, providing strength and comfort. Our response to suffering should be one of empathy and love, reflecting God's heart. [46:54]
3. No One is Beyond the Need for Repentance: All have sinned, and thus, all must seek forgiveness. Repentance involves a conscious decision to turn away from sin and towards God, allowing His grace to renew and restore us. [49:41]
4. Eternal Separation is the Ultimate Tragedy: The consequences of not repenting are far more severe than any earthly disaster. Jesus' warning serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal implications of our choices and the importance of living a life that bears fruit for God's kingdom. [53:44]
5. Jesus, Our Intercessor, Extends Mercy: Jesus continually intercedes for us, advocating for more time and grace so we might turn to Him and bear fruit. His role as the gardener in our lives is to nurture and cultivate us, transforming our forgiven past into fertile ground for spiritual growth. [56:27]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - The Power of Our Words
- [01:15] - Introduction to Luke 13
- [02:45] - The Urgency of Repentance
- [05:00] - Jesus' Response to Tragedy
- [07:30] - The Parable of the Fig Tree
- [10:00] - Christians and Suffering
- [12:30] - Love Your Enemies
- [15:00] - The Universality of Sin
- [17:30] - Eternal Consequences
- [20:00] - Jesus as Our Intercessor
- [22:30] - The Role of Forgiveness
- [25:00] - Bearing Fruit in God's Garden
- [27:30] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 13:1-9
- Matthew 5:45
- Romans 3:23
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 13:1-9, what is the significance of the parable of the fig tree, and how does it relate to the concept of repentance? [49:33]
2. According to Matthew 5:45, how does Jesus describe God's treatment of both the righteous and the unrighteous? What does this imply about the nature of suffering? [46:54]
3. Romans 3:23 states that all have sinned. How does this verse support the sermon’s message about the universality of the need for repentance? [49:41]
4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the misconception that Christians are immune to suffering? [46:54]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the parable of the fig tree in Luke 13:1-9 illustrate the urgency of repentance and the role of Jesus as our intercessor? [53:44]
2. In what ways does the sermon challenge the belief that suffering is a direct result of personal sinfulness? How does this align with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 5:45? [46:54]
3. Considering Romans 3:23, why is it important for believers to acknowledge their sinfulness and seek repentance? How does this acknowledgment impact their relationship with God? [49:41]
4. How does the sermon describe the consequences of eternal separation from God, and why is this considered the ultimate tragedy? [53:44]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you delayed repentance. What were the consequences, and how might you approach similar situations differently in the future? [49:33]
2. How can you cultivate a heart of compassion and mercy towards those who are suffering, regardless of their perceived righteousness or sinfulness? [46:54]
3. Identify an area in your life where you need to turn away from sin and align more closely with God's will. What steps can you take this week to begin that transformation? [49:41]
4. Consider the role of Jesus as your intercessor. How does this understanding affect your prayer life and your approach to seeking forgiveness? [56:27]
5. How can you actively bear fruit in your daily life, reflecting God's character and love to those around you? What specific actions can you take to nurture this growth? [53:44]
6. Think about a recent tragedy or difficult situation you have faced. How did your faith influence your response, and what can you learn from that experience to apply in future challenges? [46:54]
7. In what ways can you be more intentional about sharing the message of repentance and God's mercy with others in your community? [49:33]
Devotional
Day 1: The Urgency of Repentance
Repentance is a critical and urgent call from Jesus, reminding us that while God's mercy is boundless, our time to respond is limited. It is not merely about avoiding punishment but about aligning our lives with God's will and experiencing His transformative grace. In Luke 13, Jesus warns that without repentance, we will perish, highlighting the eternal consequences of our choices. The parable of the fig tree illustrates God's expectation for us to bear fruit, with Jesus interceding for us, asking for more time to nurture and guide us towards repentance. This call to repentance is a profound invitation to experience God's grace and to live a life that reflects His love and mercy. [49:33]
Ezekiel 18:30-31 (ESV): "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord God. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel?"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to repent and realign with His will? How can you take a step towards that change today?
Day 2: Embracing Suffering with Compassion
Suffering is an inevitable part of the Christian journey, and being a follower of Christ does not exempt us from life's challenges. Instead, it offers the assurance that Jesus walks with us through every trial, providing strength and comfort. Jesus teaches that tragedy and suffering are not indicators of one's sinfulness or righteousness but are part of the human experience. Our response to suffering should be one of empathy and love, reflecting God's heart. By loving our enemies and doing good to them, we mirror God's kindness and mercy, offering a radical departure from the world's standards. [46:54]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge or suffering you have faced. How can you use that experience to show empathy and compassion to someone else who is struggling?
Day 3: The Universality of Sin and Need for Repentance
No one is beyond the need for repentance, as all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. Repentance involves a conscious decision to turn away from sin and towards God, allowing His grace to renew and restore us. It is not merely an acknowledgment of sin but a transformative action that aligns us with God's will. The gravity of eternal separation from God is far worse than any earthly tragedy, underscoring the urgency of turning to Him. This universal need for repentance is a call to humility and a reminder of our dependence on God's grace. [49:41]
Romans 3:23-24 (ESV): "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Reflect on a specific sin or habit that you struggle with. How can you actively seek God's grace and strength to overcome it and turn towards Him?
Day 4: The Eternal Consequences of Our Choices
Eternal separation from God is the ultimate tragedy, far more severe than any earthly disaster. Jesus' warning in Luke 13 serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal implications of our choices and the importance of living a life that bears fruit for God's kingdom. The parable of the fig tree emphasizes the necessity of bearing fruit, with Jesus interceding for us, advocating for more time and grace. This call to bear fruit is an invitation to live a life that honors God and reflects His love and mercy to the world. [53:44]
Matthew 7:19-20 (ESV): "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits."
Reflection: Consider the fruits of your life. What is one specific way you can begin to bear more fruit for God's kingdom in your daily actions and interactions?
Day 5: Jesus, Our Intercessor and Gardener
Jesus continually intercedes for us, advocating for more time and grace so we might turn to Him and bear fruit. His role as the gardener in our lives is to nurture and cultivate us, transforming our forgiven past into fertile ground for spiritual growth. Our past sins, once forgiven, become the foundation for new growth, driving us to live lives that honor God. This intercession is a testament to Jesus' love and desire for us to experience His grace and bear fruit in our lives. [56:27]
Hebrews 7:25 (ESV): "Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them."
Reflection: How can you allow Jesus to nurture and cultivate your spiritual growth today? What steps can you take to open your heart to His intercession and guidance?
Quotes
"so this morning we are in luke chapter 13 all right and before i read the text i want you to look at the first point in your outline the main point of this text is repent because god's mercy has an expiration date now if you're a bible scholar and you read the bible you might go now wait a minute pastor god's mercy is everlasting he's long suffering he doesn't rejoice you know in the death of the wicked and you're right his mercy does endure forever his mercies are new every morning but we all have an expiration date and we have this time here on earth amen amen determines where we wind up for eternity and so as we read this i pray you know that you understand how important it is and the big word today is repent it's a word none of us when we hear the word repent we're kind of like yeah okay maybe that guy over there but it's such an important thing and so jesus says it twice in the text all right it says now there were some present at that time who told jesus about the galileans whose blood pilot had mixed with their sacrifices now just stop for a minute how ruthless are these leaders and jesus i wonder how he felt when he heard that because jesus knew he would be turned over to pilot and that pilot would condemn him to death and he knew how ruthless he was and he knew how ruthless he was and he knew how ruthless he was And I wonder, sometimes when you read Scripture and you stop and you meditate, do you actually take time to ask yourself, how did Jesus feel?" [00:40:11] (120 seconds)
"listen to the words of jesus jesus says repent or you too will perish and he doesn't mean just die physically he means eternally you are going to be in trouble you're going to be separated from him and it's so important that we understand that and it's too late for the agnostic that wants to find out what's true when he dies that's too late we walk by faith not by sight now look at your second point christians are not immune to tragedy and suffering you know the biggest lie that we tell anybody is if you open your heart to jesus and you accept jesus and you become a christian that then all your problems are over that is not true that is not true true the problems are there the situations are there but now you have someone to go through them with and jesus is always with us but we're not immune to tragedy and to suffering in matthew chapter 5 we back up to the gospel of matthew chapter 5 and in verse 45 of the text it says that you may be children of your father in heaven he causes his son to rise on the evil and the good and he sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous now it depends if if you're a farmer and it's dry you want rain and you're happy but if you're having a picnic you're upset" [00:44:10] (92 seconds)
"Again, we'll back up now to the Gospel of Luke 6, alright? And we'll take a look at Luke 6, verses 35 and 36 of this text. And it says, Love your enemies, do good to them. Don't miss that. He didn't say love your friends. He doesn't say love the ones that love you. He says love your enemies, do good to them. And lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Oh my goodness. Read that at your bank. Then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful just as your Father is merciful. Wow." [00:46:54] (53 seconds)
"Think about the world that we live in right now. The fires. You know, the fires in California. And how many times, Lord, I repent. I am so sorry, but I was thinking, uh -huh, that'll fix them out there. And I have to take that thought captive and go, wait a minute, Lord. And start praying. You know, the plane crash with the helicopter in the Capitol. Think about that for just a minute. And I can picture people coming to Jesus going, hey, you know, did you hear about that? How that happened? And I wonder if Jesus wouldn't say that. He would say the same thing to us today. He would say, what, do you think that there are worse sinners than you are?" [00:47:52] (47 seconds)
"When you look that up, it means in the Greek and in the English, it means turn around, go the other way, admit that you're wrong, comply with God. If you've been sinning, stop sinning. That's what the scripture says. It says, repent, ask for forgiveness. It's a verb. It takes action. And he says it twice because Romans 3 .23 says that all have sinned. sin and fall short of the glory of God all not some but all in that Roman Road you know the wages of sin is death and while we were yet sinners Christ died for us Romans 5 8 and then Romans 6 23 again the wages of sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus" [00:49:41] (55 seconds)
"and it's so important that we understand this and Jesus is trying to teach the lesson when they come to him and say hey Lord did you hear about this and then you know he didn't just hear about what happened you know with Pilate he said yeah well then in Jerusalem when the tower fell on him sounds like a construction accident to me you and he says you think they're worse they're not worse it's quite a test for our hearts now look at your next point eternal separation from God is worse than the tragic events that happened to the Galileans and in Jerusalem just stop and think about that for a minute eternity without God" [00:50:14] (52 seconds)
"and that's worse than than being you know killed by Pilate and having your blood mingled with a sacrifice and it's worse than the tower falling on you because it's eternal in the gravity of what Jesus is saying to get these people to stop and think about what they're talking about and where they're at in their life with God you The fig tree represents all fruitless people that refuse to repent. He's not talking about trees here. And when people don't bear fruit, when people are doing what they want to do and they want to do it, and what they want to do, that's pride. And they're on their throne and Jesus is not on the throne of their life. And so we don't bear fruit until we come to meet Jesus." [00:51:06] (68 seconds)
"And until we walk with Him. And I challenge you this morning, wake up in the morning. The best thing I've ever learned is to wake up in the morning and say, Jesus, what are we going to do today? And I loved Henry Blackabee's experiencing God. He said, quit trying to get God to come with you and do what you want to do. He said, just stop and find out what God's doing and join Him. And I thought, what a profound, thought that I'm not king of me. Isn't that something? And so he tells that parable and that landowner, the man that owns the vineyard, said for three years now, stop and think about this for just a minute. Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem to die." [00:52:00] (47 seconds)
"And he says for three years, that's about the time that he's been ministering. And he says, I've been coming to this fig tree and there's no fruit on it. And he says, time to cut it down. Wow. It's not like they haven't heard him. It's not like they didn't know what was right. And when he saw no fruit, he said, don't let the ground be taken up with it anymore. Don't let it take up space. Don't let it take up space. This morning, we should all thank God. For the man tending that garden. Look at your next point. The gardener is Jesus asking his father to extend one more year of mercy to the tree." [00:52:49] (56 seconds)
"Think about that for just a minute. You know, the owner says, just cut it down, get rid of it. And he says, now, wait a minute. He said, give me one more year to fertilize this tree and to dig around it and to work on it. Romans 8. You see, that's Jesus. He's the gardener. And when we go to Romans 8 and we read it, we see that Jesus is always there. He's always interceding for us. Verse 34 of the text. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus. who died, more than that, who was raised to life, is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. I picture this. I picture Jesus saying, Dad, don't wipe out Adam's yet." [00:54:04] (55 seconds)
"Give him some more time. Let me dig around him. Let me put some fertilizer on there. Let's try to salvage him. Just give me a little bit more time. In 1 John 2, in the first verse, my dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous one. Again, there's Jesus saying, now wait a minute, Dad. I know they've sinned. I know they're in a bad spot, but just give them a little more time. He's extending some more mercy." [00:54:54] (46 seconds)
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