Repentance: A Turning Toward God

Repentance: A Turning Toward God

Introduction:

Josh 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21 - God challenges us to choose. To decide for or against Him.Some never make up mind about God – never really convert to the Lord. Live life w/o sense of direction or purpose. If we choose to follow God – repentance is required. In God’s plan for redeeming men – no single element is any more critical than repentance! None is more difficult. Lk. 13:3, 5 – who can deny the words of Jesus? Why is it so difficult? Of what condition of heart are we?

I. What is repentance?

A. To change ones mind for the better; to heartily amend with abhorrence of ones past sins.

B. Repentance is a revolution in dealing with our attitude and view toward sin & righteousness.

II. What it is not:

A. Simple sorrow for sin…

1. Judas – Mt. 27:3-5. Did he repent?

2. People on Pentecost

B. Fear - Acts 24:22-27 – Felix.

C. Not simply & solely a reformation of life.

1. One may quit sin & yet not repent.

2. Sin can stop but repentance hasn’t taken place. Ezek 14:6; 18:30

D. Not simply confession of sin.

1. Ex. 9:23-30; 34-35 - Pharaoh’s heart had not changed!

III. Repentance is…

A. A change of heart that leads to a change of action.

B. Mt. 21:28-32

1. First son began to reflect upon what he said & did.

2. Then he did that which he said he would not do

C. Lk. 15:11-32 – came to realize sin always promises more than it can deliver.

1. 15:17 – His realization. 15:18 – his resolve.

2. 15:19 – repentance seen here. 15:20 – fruit of repentance seen here. Resolutions must be carried out.

IV. Repentance is all about personal responsibility.

A. Must move w/a sense of personal responsibility & guilt for having sinned.

1. We sin as a matter of personal choice!

B. See Psa. 51:2-4. We must desire to have a clean heart – 51:10-13

1. There is no repentance w/o the realization & understanding of one’s guilt before God!

V. We must be decisive in this!

A. The road to hell is paved with good intentions Mt. 7:24-27

B. Ultimately – there is no middle ground! Lk. 6:46; Rom. 6:16

Conclusion:

A. Isa. 1:18; 66:2; Psa. 34:18 - God has always had a high regard for contrite souls.

B. God wants you in heaven with Him! 2 Pet. 3:9 God is calling on YOU to make a choice! Josh 24:15



Repentance: A Turning Toward God Introduction: Josh 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21 - God challenges us to choose. To decide for or against Him.Some never make up mind about God – never really convert to the Lord. Live life w/o sense of direction or purpose. If we choose to follow God – repentance is required. In God’s plan for redeeming men – no single element is any more critical than repentance! None is more difficult. Lk. 13:3, 5 – who can deny the words of Jesus? Why is it so difficult? Of what condition of heart are we? I. What is repentance? A. To change ones mind for the better; to heartily amend with abhorrence of ones past sins. B. Repentance is a revolution in dealing with our attitude and view toward sin & righteousness. II. What it is not: A. Simple sorrow for sin… 1. Judas – Mt. 27:3-5. Did he repent? 2. People on Pentecost B. Fear - Acts 24:22-27 – Felix. C. Not simply & solely a reformation of life. 1. One may quit sin & yet not repent. 2. Sin can stop but repentance hasn’t taken place. Ezek 14:6; 18:30 D. Not simply confession of sin. 1. Ex. 9:23-30; 34-35 - Pharaoh’s heart had not changed! III. Repentance is… A. A change of heart that leads to a change of action. B. Mt. 21:28-32 1. First son began to reflect upon what he said & did. 2. Then he did that which he said he would not do C. Lk. 15:11-32 – came to realize sin always promises more than it can deliver. 1. 15:17 – His realization. 15:18 – his resolve. 2. 15:19 – repentance seen here. 15:20 – fruit of repentance seen here. Resolutions must be carried out. IV. Repentance is all about personal responsibility. A. Must move w/a sense of personal responsibility & guilt for having sinned. 1. We sin as a matter of personal choice! B. See Psa. 51:2-4. We must desire to have a clean heart – 51:10-13 1. There is no repentance w/o the realization & understanding of one’s guilt before God! V. We must be decisive in this! A. The road to hell is paved with good intentions Mt. 7:24-27 B. Ultimately – there is no middle ground! Lk. 6:46; Rom. 6:16 Conclusion: A. Isa. 1:18; 66:2; Psa. 34:18 - God has always had a high regard for contrite souls. B. God wants you in heaven with Him! 2 Pet. 3:9 God is calling on YOU to make a choice! Josh 24:15