Biblical Repentance

God’s Instruction and Purpose of Biblical Repentance:

Jason Bryant

Scripture: Luke 24:45-49

I. Introduction: Three types of people need to repent: a) those professing to be Christian but whose lifestyle don’t reflect that change, and b) believers who commit the same sin repeatedly. c.) The child of wrath who walks in unbelief of the Person of Jesus Christ.

II. Message

A. Repentance is expected and an essential discipline of a Christian walk. The following Men in the Bible state its importance:

 

1. John the Baptist and Jesus (Matt. 3:1-2; Matt. 4:17; Luke 5:32; Luke 24:47)
2. The apostle Paul (Romans 2:4; Acts 17:30) Peter (2 Peter 3:9 )

 

 

B. Repentance is heartfelt sorrow for sin, along with a commitment to walk in obedience. Let us look at the word the Jesus and John the Baptist used. Let's be certain upon what God says!

1. This is more than sorrow for being caught or misery due to the consequences of disobedience. For example, the Prodigal Son not only comes to his senses; he also leaves the hog pen (Luke 15:11-15).
2. Salvation is an internal (SPIRITUAL LIFE AND REGENERATION OF THE HEART, EMPOWERED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT!)  change that results in external (THIS CHANGE OF HEART, OF GOD'S DOING AND WILL, RESULTS IN action, WITNESSING, FRUIT, and WORKS-SERVICE! (Matt. 7:16,20). The Great Commission says, “Make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20).

C. Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin.

1. Many familiar verses on salvation refer to faith, because unbelief is the primary sin that separates men from God (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8;Rom. 10:13). By default, unbelief opens the door to all other sins because of our fallen state, being sons and daughters of Adam, children of wrath!
2. The New Testament Greek term for “believe” is an action word. Salvation requires more than mere intellectual assent to Jesus’ existence. (Pisteu'o- to believe, give credit, ascent, FAITH- to be entrusted with everything, persuaded "I KNOW THAT I KNOW THAT I KNOW") The action word or verb form is Pistis- produces good works. It is the verb of repentance, it is the work of regeneration, that leads into the "NEW LIFE!"
3. Trusting Christ as your Savior gives you a new beginning (2 Cor. 5:17 – THEREFORE IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, he is a NEW CREATURE: OLD THINGS have PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD ALL THINGS HAVE BECOME NEW!). What were our old acts and behaviors or works before the Kingdom of Light? They were SELF, FLESH, PRIDE, and all the manifestations of the fruits of the flesh, the very essence of death, darkness, absence of light.
4. Repentance isn’t “trying harder.” Apart from the mercy and grace of the Lord, you can’t truly “clean up” your life, it is sanctification work of He, the Holy Spirit, as we the Believer die to ourself! He must increase and I MUST NEEDS DECREASE!
5. Receiving Christ as your personal Savior includes acknowledging your sinfulness before God.

D. Surrender and SUBMISSION (Lordship of Jesus) is the key to genuine repentance.

1. Confession -means we agree with God that our sin is wrong. Without surrender, there will be no repentant spirit, and the person is likely to commit the sin again.
2. The Lord forgives our wrongdoing if we confess it (Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9).
3. We must be willing to walk away from what God says is sin. By continuing in rebellion or settling for second best, we’re saying we don’t really trust Him.

III. Conclusion: Through confessing in a spirit of repentance, we can be freed from the power of sin. Sincerely surrender your life to the Lord, and He will conform you into the image of Christ. You’ll be free to experience His best!