What does it mean to repent? February 9, 2014 River Bend

Introduction The message of a coming kingdom - Matthew 3:2 - 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 - “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Mark 6:7, 12 - “12 They went out and preached that men should repent.”

Introduction The message of a coming kingdom - The message of the kingdom - Acts 2:38 - “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Purpose of our study

What does it mean to repent? “feel or express sincere regret or remorse about one’s wrongdoing or sin” (New Oxford Dictionary)

What does it mean to repent? What about the Greek terms - metanoeo; metanoia? BDAG - “change one’s mind; feel remorse, repent, be converted” Louw-Nida - “to change one’s way of life as the result of a complete change of thought and attitude with regard to sin and righteousness—‘to repent, to change one’s way, repentance.’”

What does it mean to repent? Biblical repentance leads men to life - Acts 11:18 - “18 When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 - “10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

Why is repentance necessary? We are guilty of sin - 1 John 3:4 - “…and sin is lawlessness.” Romans 3:23 - “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Isaiah 59:1-2 - Our sin causes a separation from us and God.

Why is repentance necessary? It is commanded by God - Luke 13:3 - “3 “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Acts 17:30 - “30 “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent,” (cf. Hebrews 1:1-2; John 12:48)

Why is repentance necessary? A proper perspective when thinking about our sin - Genesis 39:9 - “…How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” Psalm 51:3-4 - Who did David sin against? Ezra 9:6-7 - Who had Israel sinned against in their rebellion?

What does repentance look like? Luke 3:8 - “…bearing fruits in keeping with repentance,” In our intellect - John 20:30-31; Romans 10:17 In our emotions - 2 Corinthians 7:9- 10; 1 Timothy 4:2 (Acts 2:36-38) In our will - Romans 2:4; 6:17-18

Conclusion What does it mean to repent? Our goal should always be to serve God with a clear conscience - Acts 23:1; James 4:17 The grace of God and repentance - 1 John 2:1-2 “Grace gives nothing to those who long for freedom to sin. It gives liberty and power to those who long for freedom from sin.”