1. 2 Corinthians 7:8-11 “For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter” (NKJV).

2. What is Repentance? I.One of the most difficult commands. A.Necessary for salvation (Acts 17:30). B.It is “granted” to mankind (Acts 11:18; 2 Pet. 2:4). II.Repentance is not… A.A promise to quit sinning (Luke 3:8-9). B.Quitting one sin (Psa. 119:1-4). C.Sorrow for sin (Matt. 5:3-5; 2 Cor. 7:10; Matt. 27:3-5).

3. What is Repentance? III.Repentance defined. A.Jesus’ definition (Matt. 21:28). B.A change of mind, accompanied by a change of action (1 Pet. 5:5). IV.How repentance is produced and its results. A.Godly sorrow produces repentance (2 Cor. 7:8-11; Rom. 2:1-4). B.It results in a reformation of life (2 Cor. 7:8-11). C.Seen in the prodigal son (Luke 15:16-20a).