"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:2 (NKJV)
God's will for us is not to be like the world but to allow God to change us into His likeness; thinking and living like Him, fulfilling His will on earth,
What is Repentance?
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Acts 3:19 (NIV)
Driving a car in the wrong direction up a one-way street is foolish and dangerous. Some drive the wrong way out of ignorance; others out of rebellion. There is a spiritual parallel. Whether out of ignorance or rebellion, it is still dangerous and will ultimately lead to broken relationship between God, people and us.
Repentance means to turn around and away from both our actions, and the thinking that caused us to do what is wrong.
Changing our direction without allowing the Word of God to change our thinking, will not last. Turning away from sin will only last if we turn to God and not someone or something else.
Where Does Repentance Begin?
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins...’”
Acts 2:38 (NIV)
Repentance unto rebirth. There are two parts to repentance that we need to understand. The first, is repentance where we turn to God as Lord and Saviour by repenting from being a sinner. This repentance is a once off happening and means that we are no longer separated from God relationally and eternally.
The second part of repentance is:an on-going lifestyle of repentance. From this point forward we repent as children of God in the areas where we are not yet like God, desiring Him to continue changing us into His likeness on a daily basis.
Repentance unto Christ-likeness.
“Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And You forgave the guilt of my sin.”
Psalm 32:5 (NIV)
Repentance starts by taking responsibility, firstly for being a sinner, and after salvation, for the sins committed as a believer. As believers our repentance must be motivated by our desire to become Christ-like, and not just to receive forgiveness for the wrongs we have done.
Godly Sorrow and Worldly Sorrow
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)
Real repentance begins when we are truly sorry for our sins. This “godly sorrow” makes no excuses, takes full responsibility, and never places blame on people, society, or circumstances. It acknowledges that our sin is primarily against God. Godly repentance acknowledges sin without covering it up and it produces true repentance and a changed life.
On the other hand, “worldly sorrow” only produces excuses. While godly sorrow is having a broken heart when we realise we have offended the holy God; worldly sorrow is being sorry we got caught, or being sorry we have to suffer the consequences of our sin. Covering up our sin can happen in different ways; either we lie about it, deliberately not confessing it, or we compare our sin with the sin of others who we think sin more, minimizing what we have done to make us look better.
The ultimate difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow is the fruit. Worldly sorrow cannot produce the fruit of a changed life; it only produces spiritual disappointment, and ultimately, death.
The fruit of godly repentance.
“See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.”
2 Corinthians 7:11 (NIV)
“...I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.”
Acts 26:20 (NIV)
“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Matthew 3:8 (NIV)
Godly repentance graciously produces in us a new desire to love and obey God, that will result in a changed lifestyle. If this desire, created by the Holy Spirit, is not present, true repentance is still needed. No amount of self-effort and works will produce what only true godly sorrow and repentance can produce.
Truth and Repentance
“And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:32 (NKJV)
“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
Proverbs 28:13 (NIV)
Repentance is a decision to embrace God's truth and turn to Him, away from the lie. If we reject God's truth, we deliberately resist the grace of God that is available to lead us to godly repentance and victory, resulting in disappointment.
Repentance and faith.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
When we embrace God's truth and put our faith in Christ to forgive and change us, He will forgive and cleanse us. This faith contradicts the idea that God requires good works before He can forgive us. Faith is how we receive the mercy and grace of God, apart from our self-effort.
Mercy cleanses us from our past sin, giving us a clear conscience. Grace empowers us to live a new life without the hold of our past sin. Godly repentance can happen in a split second and then in faith, we stand in victory knowing that God has forgiven us.
No price is required except to embrace God's truth and repent by putting our faith in Christ alone.
No Regret
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.”
2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV)
Repentance takes us off the treadmill of a self-centred life and puts us on the fast track of God's glorious purpose for our lives. Turning to God means not looking back and no regrets.
QUESTIONS
• Is your life going in a new direction?
• Are there sinful areas in your life that you still struggle with?
• Are there areas of intense temptation or consistent weakness that you need prayer for?
• Are there sins that you have turned away from, yet you still feel condemned about?
This Week:
• I will apply
• I will share with __________