Living a Joyful and Repentant Life for God
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon focused on the importance of living a repentant life and serving God with joy and gladness. We began by acknowledging that everything we do, whether in our personal lives, workplaces, or families, is a service to either God or the devil. Therefore, it is crucial to serve God with a heart full of joy and gratitude, recognizing that many of the blessings we take for granted are things others are fervently praying for.
We delved into the concept of repentance, emphasizing that it is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Jesus and John the Baptist both preached repentance, and it is through repentance that we gain admittance into the Kingdom of Heaven. Repentance brings about forgiveness of sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and times of refreshing. It also leads to restoration and inner peace, as highlighted in Jeremiah 15:19 and Isaiah 30:15.
Living a repentant life means turning away from old ways and consistently aligning our lives with God's will. This alignment brings about fruitfulness, as stated in Matthew 3:8, and ensures that we do not perish but enjoy God's blessings both in this life and the life to come. We are reminded that God is patient and does not wish for anyone to perish but desires that all come to repentance.
The sermon concluded with a call to live a life that pleases God, recognizing that we are not ordinary people but kings and priests unto God. We must maintain our dignity and respect, knowing that God values us immensely. We prayed for God's mercy, favor, and blessings, committing our needs and challenges to Him, and asking for His guidance to live a repentant life daily.
### Key Takeaways
1. Continuous Repentance: Repentance is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Each day, we must strive to align our lives with God's will, turning away from old ways and embracing a life that pleases Him. This ongoing repentance brings about forgiveness, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and times of refreshing. [31:08]
2. Joyful Service to God: Serving God should be done with joy and gladness. Recognize that many of the blessings we take for granted are things others are fervently praying for. Serving God with a joyful heart confuses the enemy and strengthens our faith, as we know whom we have believed. [26:03]
3. Restoration and Inner Peace: Repentance leads to restoration and inner peace. When we turn away from despair and self-pity, God restores us to a state of inner peace, making us His obedient representatives. This inner peace shields us from stress and oppression, allowing us to stand strong in our faith. [37:50]
4. Fruitfulness Through Repentance: A repentant life is a fruitful life. As we turn away from our old ways and follow Jesus, we bear much fruit, demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart. This fruitfulness is a testament to our genuine connection to the vine, Jesus Christ. [44:54]
5. God's Patience and Desire for Our Salvation: God is patient and does not wish for anyone to perish. He understands our struggles and is merciful, desiring that we come to repentance and live a life that pleases Him. This patience and mercy assure us that God is always ready to welcome us back and bless us abundantly. [51:39]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:02] - Gratitude and Worship
[26:03] - Serving God with Joy
[30:06] - Called to Repentance
[31:08] - Continuous Repentance
[32:14] - Outcomes of a Repentant Life
[34:15] - Forgiveness and the Holy Spirit
[35:15] - Times of Refreshing
[36:19] - Restoration and Inner Peace
[37:50] - Jeremiah's Call to Repentance
[39:56] - Discarding Self-Pity
[44:54] - Fruitfulness Through Repentance
[48:58] - Avoiding Perishing
[51:39] - God's Patience and Mercy
[53:39] - Zechariah's Call to Repentance
[58:25] - Assurance of God's Blessings
[01:03:00] - Living a Life That Pleases God
[01:10:37] - Prayer and Supplication
[01:16:10] - Worship with Tithes and Offerings
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 2:38 - "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
2. Jeremiah 15:19 - "Therefore this is what the Lord says: 'If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.'"
3. Isaiah 30:15 - "This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.'"
### Observation Questions
1. According to Acts 2:38, what are the two actions Peter says are necessary for the forgiveness of sins and receiving the Holy Spirit?
2. In Jeremiah 15:19, what does God promise to do if we repent and give up despair and self-pity? [37:50]
3. What does Isaiah 30:15 say is found in repentance and rest? How does this relate to the strength mentioned in the same verse?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does continuous repentance, as described in the sermon, differ from a one-time act of repentance? [31:08]
2. Why is it important to serve God with joy and gladness, according to the sermon? How does this affect our faith and the enemy's plans? [26:03]
3. What does it mean to bear fruit consistent with repentance, as mentioned in Matthew 3:8? How can this be demonstrated in our daily lives? [44:54]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "time of refreshing" after repenting. How did this impact your relationship with God and others? [35:15]
2. Serving God with joy and gladness can be challenging in difficult times. What practical steps can you take to maintain a joyful heart in your service to God? [26:03]
3. Identify an area in your life where you need to turn away from old ways and align more closely with God's will. What specific actions will you take this week to make this change? [31:08]
4. How can you remind yourself daily of God's patience and desire for your salvation, especially when you struggle with sin or feel distant from Him? [51:39]
5. Think of a situation where you have felt despair or self-pity. How can you apply Jeremiah 15:19 to seek restoration and inner peace in that situation? [37:50]
6. What are some blessings in your life that you might be taking for granted? How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and joyful service to God for these blessings? [26:03]
7. How can you demonstrate the fruit of repentance in your interactions with others this week? Identify one specific behavior you will change to reflect a repentant heart. [44:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Continuous Repentance: A Daily Commitment
Repentance is not a one-time event but a continuous process. Each day, we must strive to align our lives with God's will, turning away from old ways and embracing a life that pleases Him. This ongoing repentance brings about forgiveness, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and times of refreshing. As we repent daily, we open ourselves to God's transformative power, allowing Him to mold us into His image. This process is not always easy, but it is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.
Repentance is a journey that requires humility and a willingness to change. It involves recognizing our shortcomings and seeking God's help to overcome them. By doing so, we experience the fullness of God's grace and mercy, which leads to a deeper relationship with Him. Remember, repentance is not about feeling guilty or ashamed; it is about turning back to God and allowing Him to restore us. [31:08]
Jeremiah 15:19 (ESV): "Therefore thus says the Lord: 'If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek God's forgiveness and make a change? How can you commit to daily repentance in this area?
Day 2: Joyful Service to God: Embracing Gratitude
Serving God should be done with joy and gladness. Recognize that many of the blessings we take for granted are things others are fervently praying for. Serving God with a joyful heart confuses the enemy and strengthens our faith, as we know whom we have believed. When we serve God joyfully, we reflect His love and grace to those around us, making our service a powerful testimony of His goodness.
Joyful service is not about ignoring life's challenges but about choosing to focus on God's blessings and faithfulness. It is about cultivating a heart of gratitude and allowing that gratitude to overflow into our actions. By serving God with joy, we demonstrate our trust in His sovereignty and our commitment to His purposes. Let us strive to serve God with a joyful heart, knowing that our service is a reflection of our love for Him. [26:03]
Psalm 100:2 (ESV): "Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!"
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you served God or others. How can you cultivate a more joyful and grateful attitude in your service?
Day 3: Restoration and Inner Peace: Turning Away from Despair
Repentance leads to restoration and inner peace. When we turn away from despair and self-pity, God restores us to a state of inner peace, making us His obedient representatives. This inner peace shields us from stress and oppression, allowing us to stand strong in our faith. As we repent and turn back to God, we experience His healing and restoration in our lives.
Inner peace is a gift from God that comes from trusting in His promises and relying on His strength. It is not dependent on our circumstances but on our relationship with Him. By turning away from negative thoughts and emotions, we open ourselves to God's peace, which surpasses all understanding. Let us seek God's restoration and inner peace through repentance and trust in His unfailing love. [37:50]
Isaiah 30:15 (ESV): "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.'"
Reflection: What are some areas of your life where you need God's restoration and peace? How can you turn away from despair and self-pity to embrace His healing?
Day 4: Fruitfulness Through Repentance: Bearing Good Fruit
A repentant life is a fruitful life. As we turn away from our old ways and follow Jesus, we bear much fruit, demonstrating new behavior that proves a change of heart. This fruitfulness is a testament to our genuine connection to the vine, Jesus Christ. By living a life of repentance, we allow God's Spirit to work in us, producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
Fruitfulness is not about our efforts but about our surrender to God's will. It is about allowing Him to work in and through us to accomplish His purposes. As we repent and align our lives with God's will, we become vessels of His grace and love, impacting those around us. Let us strive to live a life of repentance, bearing good fruit that glorifies God. [44:54]
Matthew 3:8 (ESV): "Bear fruit in keeping with repentance."
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can demonstrate the fruit of repentance in your daily life? How can you stay connected to Jesus, the true vine, to bear good fruit?
Day 5: God's Patience and Desire for Our Salvation: Embracing His Mercy
God is patient and does not wish for anyone to perish. He understands our struggles and is merciful, desiring that we come to repentance and live a life that pleases Him. This patience and mercy assure us that God is always ready to welcome us back and bless us abundantly. As we repent and turn back to God, we experience His grace and forgiveness, which leads to a transformed life.
God's patience is a testament to His love and compassion for us. He knows our weaknesses and is always ready to extend His mercy when we turn to Him. By embracing His patience and mercy, we can find the strength to overcome our struggles and live a life that honors Him. Let us be encouraged by God's patience and commit to living a life of repentance and obedience. [51:39]
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV): "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: How have you experienced God's patience and mercy in your life? What steps can you take to embrace His grace and live a life that pleases Him?
Quotes
1. "Whatever you are doing, whether that's your workplace, in your family, in your personal life, whatever thing that you are doing is a service to one of two spirits, God or the devil. Amen. Amen. So when it is time to serve God, say that serve him with the gladness of your heart. Serve him with your heart full of joy. The servant said, I was glad when they said unto me, come, let us go to the house of the living God." [26:03] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There are some people they cannot even breathe. They are on oxygen. But thank God you and I can breathe and we are here. It is by the grace of God. And we ought to appreciate God for that. God, a lot of blessings we take for granted that no one, somebody said, what you know, you are praying for. No, no, what you are taking for granted. Somebody is praying for it. Hallelujah. What you are taking for granted. It is somebody's prayer point." [26:03] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Let your enemies be confused. Let them be confused. You know, when enemies gather and they plan against you and they notice that their plans against you is beginning to have effect, even though it has not happened yet, but they see that it is beginning to wear you down, they become excited. But they get confused when they try and make every attempt and they still see you are strong moving forward. You have your head high. They are confused. They don't know what to do. So give that devil no room. Hallelujah. To rejoice over you. Because God is on your side." [26:03] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So tonight, this afternoon, we have gathered to serve the Lord our God. And I want you to live your life with the understanding that everything you are doing is a service to God. Everything you are doing, your attitude towards your work, your attitude towards one another, it is a service to God. Praise the Lord. Jesus said because you did not do for the least of these five great things, you did not do for me. So everything we do in this life is a service to God. Praise the Lord." [26:03] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Each day of our life, we must live a repentant life. Hallelujah. We have been called to repentance. I read a couple of scriptures. Luke 5 32, Luke 13 verse 5. Jesus came and preached about repentance. And he said that he came to call us to repentance. So I have been called to repentance. You have been called to repentance. Repentance is not just one of events or one activity. If you just come to the altar, accept Christ and that's it. You must continue to walk in repentance each day of your life. Because we have an account to give." [30:37] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Repentance brings forgiveness of sins. We receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit also. We read that Acts chapter 2 verse 38. Acts 2 verse 38. And Peter said to them, repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. So repentance, you know, position you to receive gifts from God. Receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. That is what repentance does." [34:15] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If you repent and give up this mistaken attitude of despair and self-pity, then I will restore you. Hallelujah. He said, then I will restore you a state of inner peace. We all need that inner peace. He said, then I will restore you. He said, then I will restore you to a state of inner peace so that you may stand before me as my obedient representative and if you separate the precious from the worthless, examining yourself and cleansing your hearts. So, repentance you know, makes you this kind of a person." [37:50] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The one who don't live a repentant life will perish. The one who don't live a repentant life will do what? They will perish. I don't want to perish. Amen. I don't want to die in the foolish death. Praise the Lord. I want to continue to be under the shadow of God. Under the wings of the shadow of God. Therefore, they that dwell in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. So, continue to abide in Him. And as you continue to abide in Him, He will keep you safe. He will protect you. You will enjoy security." [48:58] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promises his promise as some count slowness but is patient towards you tell somebody the Lord is patient towards you God knows that you stumble God knows that sometimes you are struggling God knows that you want to serve him and sometimes it appears the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak he is a merciful God God is not quick to want you to be destroyed or to perish God truly wants you to be part of his family and stay part of his family." [51:39] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Beloved, this is the message I just want to share with you today. That let's resolve to live a life that pleases the Lord. Let's remind ourselves that we are not ordinary people. We are kings and priests unto our God. We are children of the most high God. We are part of God's family. We are friends of God. And so when the pigs, are messing themselves, I cannot join them. Hallelujah. When the pigs are messing themselves, I cannot be part of them. Because I know who I am. My God values me. I must maintain my respect and dignity in the name of Jesus." [01:03:00] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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