Responding to God's Call: The Power of Repentance
Summary
Today’s focus is on the vital difference between simply hearing God’s plan and actually responding to it. Drawing from the story of John the Baptist in Luke 3, we see that God’s plans are not just abstract ideas or distant prophecies—they are invitations for us to participate, to act, and to prepare our hearts for what He wants to do in and through us. John’s unique calling was to prepare the way for Jesus, not by drawing attention to himself, but by calling people to repentance—a real, tangible turning away from sin and toward God.
Repentance, as John preached, is not just about feeling sorry or expressing regret. The Greek word “metanoia” means a change of direction, a decisive action to move away from what is wrong and toward what is right. This is more than a moment of guilt; it’s a commitment to transformation. Without recognizing our need for repentance, we miss our need for a Savior. Jesus’ mission, as described in Luke 4, is to proclaim freedom, to cancel debts we cannot pay, and to invite us into a relationship that is not based on heritage, affiliation, or past experiences, but on a living, ongoing surrender to Him.
The challenge is to stop asking, “How was church?” and start asking, “God, what are you trying to speak to me today?” God’s direction is often simple—acts of integrity, generosity, and faithfulness in the ordinary moments of life. Sometimes we overlook these because we expect God to ask for something grand, but often He calls us to show up, to love, to share, and to live with integrity right where we are.
Just as going to the gym without engaging in the workout brings no change, so too does attending church without responding to God’s prompting. God is not a distant observer, but a personal trainer, encouraging, challenging, and walking with us as we grow. The invitation is to slow down, listen, and respond—not out of obligation, but out of a desire for deeper relationship and transformation. The question for each of us is simple: “God, what should I do?” And when He answers, to step out in obedience, trusting that even small acts of faithfulness can lead to a flourishing, fruitful life.
Key Takeaways
- Repentance Is More Than Regret—It’s a Change of Direction
True repentance is not just feeling sorry for our mistakes, but making a decisive turn away from them. The Greek word “metanoia” calls us to action, to move toward God and away from what holds us back. This kind of repentance is the foundation for real transformation and prepares our hearts for the work God wants to do. [30:26]
- God’s Plan Requires Our Response, Not Just Our Agreement
God can coach, direct, and encourage, but He will not force us to act. Like an athlete who must choose to follow the coach’s instruction, we are responsible for responding to God’s leading. Our spiritual growth hinges on our willingness to step out in obedience, not just to hear or agree with God’s plan. [19:22]
- Simple Acts of Integrity Are Spiritually Powerful
God’s instructions are often straightforward: share what you have, act with honesty, and treat others with fairness. These ordinary acts, when done consistently, become extraordinary testimonies of God’s presence in our lives. Living with integrity in the small things is a supernatural witness to those around us. [42:43]
- Asking the Right Question Unlocks Spiritual Growth
Instead of evaluating our spiritual experiences by how they made us feel, we should ask, “God, what are you trying to speak to me?” This shift in focus moves us from passive listeners to active participants in God’s work. Growth comes not from perfect sermons or powerful worship, but from a heart that is open and responsive to God’s personal invitation. [38:22]
- God Desires Relationship, Not Performance
God is not a distant judge keeping score, but a loving trainer who knows us by name and wants the best for us. He calls us to slow down, to be present with Him, and to receive His love—not just to do more, but to be with Him. Our obedience flows from relationship, and in that relationship, we find rest, purpose, and the strength to keep moving forward. [49:01]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Honoring Our Youth Leaders
[05:30] - Coaching Track and Spiritual Lessons
[19:22] - God as Our Coach: Our Role in His Plan
[22:13] - Two Responses to God’s Plan
[26:49] - John the Baptist: Preparing the Way
[28:25] - The Call to Repentance
[29:30] - What Repentance Really Means
[31:34] - Repentance and Our Need for a Savior
[32:59] - Jesus’ Mission: Freedom and Forgiveness
[34:16] - The Danger of Spiritual Complacency
[36:37] - How to Respond: Asking the Right Question
[40:37] - Don’t Overlook Simple Obedience
[42:43] - Ordinary Integrity as a Spiritual Witness
[45:58] - The Gym Analogy: Engaging with God
[47:47] - God as Personal Trainer, Not Bouncer
[49:01] - Slowing Down to Hear God
[50:21] - Relationship Over Performance
[51:15] - The Invitation to Respond
[52:42] - Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 3:1-14 (John the Baptist prepares the way, calls for repentance, and gives practical instructions)
- Luke 4:16-21 (Jesus declares His mission: to proclaim good news, freedom, and God’s favor)
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### Observation Questions
1. What was John the Baptist’s main message to the crowds who came to him at the Jordan River? (Luke 3:3-9)
2. How did John respond when different groups (the crowd, tax collectors, soldiers) asked, “What should we do?” (Luke 3:10-14)
3. According to the sermon, what does the Greek word “metanoia” mean, and how does it change our understanding of repentance? [30:26]
4. In Luke 4, what does Jesus say is His mission? (Luke 4:18-19)
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does John the Baptist emphasize repentance as more than just feeling sorry? How does this prepare people for Jesus? [30:26]
2. The people asked, “What should we do?” after hearing John’s message. Why is this question important for spiritual growth, according to the sermon? [38:22]
3. Jesus’ mission includes proclaiming freedom and setting the oppressed free. What does this say about the kind of relationship God wants with us? [32:59]
4. The sermon compares God to a personal trainer rather than a distant judge. What does this analogy reveal about God’s involvement in our lives? [47:47]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said repentance is a change of direction, not just feeling bad. Is there an area in your life where you’ve been “sorry” but haven’t actually changed direction? What would it look like to take a real step of repentance this week? [30:26]
2. John’s instructions were simple: share what you have, act honestly, and treat others fairly. Which of these is hardest for you to practice right now, and why? What’s one small step you could take this week? [42:43]
3. Instead of asking, “How was church?” the sermon challenged us to ask, “God, what are you trying to speak to me today?” How can you make space in your week to listen for God’s direction? [38:22]
4. The gym analogy showed that just showing up isn’t enough—you have to engage. Are there ways you’ve been “attending” church or faith activities without really engaging? What’s one way you can participate more fully? [45:58]
5. The sermon said God’s direction is often simple and ordinary, not always big or dramatic. Can you think of a recent moment when you sensed God nudging you to do something small? Did you respond? Why or why not? [40:37]
6. The pastor shared that God was telling him to “slow down.” Is there a pace or habit in your life that’s keeping you from being present with God? What’s one thing you could change this week to slow down and be with Him? [49:01]
7. The sermon reminded us that God wants relationship, not just performance. How does this truth challenge or encourage you in your current season of life? [50:21]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray, asking God to show each person what He wants them to do this week, and for the courage to respond in obedience.
Devotional
Day 1: Repentance Is More Than Saying Sorry—It’s Changing Direction
Repentance is not just about feeling remorse or expressing sorrow for our mistakes; it is an active, intentional turning away from sin and moving toward God. True repentance, as John the Baptist preached, involves recognizing what is out of order in our lives, confessing it, and then making a deliberate choice to change our behavior and direction. This is not about perfection, but about a heart that is willing to be transformed and to pursue God’s ways, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging. When we truly repent, we open ourselves to the grace and help of God, who desires to walk with us as we grow and change. [31:34]
Luke 3:7-9 (ESV)
He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you’ve been saying “sorry” but haven’t truly changed direction? What practical step can you take today to move toward God in that area?
Day 2: Jesus Came to Set the Oppressed Free and Cancel Our Debt
Jesus’ mission is to bring good news to those in need, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners, recovery of sight for the blind, and to set the oppressed free. This is not just about physical poverty or captivity, but about the spiritual and emotional burdens we carry—our sins, our failures, our hurts. Jesus knows we cannot fix ourselves or pay for our mistakes, so He offers us freedom and forgiveness as a gift. All He asks is that we believe in Him and accept what He has done for us, trusting that He has already paid the price for our redemption. [32:59]
Luke 4:18-19 (ESV)
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Reflection: What burden or sense of “debt” are you still carrying that Jesus wants to set you free from? Will you bring it to Him in prayer today and trust Him to carry it for you?
Day 3: God’s Message Is Personal—Ask, “What Is God Speaking to Me?”
It’s easy to hear a message and think of someone else who needs it, but God desires to speak directly to each of us. The most important question we can ask after encountering God’s Word is not “How was church?” but “God, what are you trying to say to me today?” When we approach God with a listening heart, He will reveal areas where He wants to encourage, challenge, or change us. Growth in faith comes not from passively attending, but from actively seeking and responding to God’s personal invitation. [38:22]
James 1:22 (ESV)
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
Reflection: Before you move on with your day, pause and ask God, “What are you trying to speak to me right now?” Write down what comes to mind and consider how you can respond.
Day 4: Ordinary Integrity Is Supernatural—Respond in Simple, Everyday Ways
God’s call on our lives is often not about grand gestures, but about simple, faithful obedience in our daily actions. John the Baptist’s instructions to the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers were practical: share with those in need, don’t cheat, don’t abuse power, and be content. Living with integrity—doing the right thing when no one is watching, loving others, and being honest—shines God’s light in a dark world. Sometimes the most powerful witness is found in the ordinary choices we make each day. [43:51]
Luke 3:10-14 (ESV)
And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
Reflection: What is one simple act of integrity or kindness you can do today—at work, at home, or in your community—that would reflect God’s love?
Day 5: Obedience Brings Movement—Respond to God’s Prompting and Watch What Happens
God is not a distant observer, but a loving guide who desires relationship with you and wants the best for your life. Like a personal trainer, He encourages, challenges, and supports you as you grow. When you ask, “God, what should I do?” and then step out in obedience—whether the step is big or small—you will experience His presence and see change, even if it’s just a small spark at first. The journey of faith is about responding to God’s voice, trusting that He is with you, and believing that your obedience will lead to growth and deeper relationship with Him. [51:15]
John 15:14 (ESV)
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
Reflection: What is one thing you sense God prompting you to do this week? Will you commit to taking that step, trusting that He will meet you as you obey?
Quotes
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