|
Text: HEB 6:1-2
Introduction:
This is the first
fundamental doctrine of Christ in the Scripture. Nobody can lay claim
to being born again without the step of genuine step of repentance.
1. What does Repentance
mean? Heb.
6:1-2; Acts 3:19; Luke 3:7-14
It is a firm conscious
personal decision to change from sin (obedience to the devil) to
righteousness in obedience towards God. Living holy. It is not an emotion
Repentance must involve the step of:
a. Acknowledge the
fact that you have sinned. Rom 3:23
b. Confess your sins.
I John 1:9
c. Ask God for
forgiveness and His mercy. Isa. 55:7 , Ps 51 : 1- 19
d. Ask for Divine
ability to forsake your sins. Prov. 28:13; Lk. 4: 17-18; Jn. 8:36;
14:13-14
2. How
important is the subject to us as believers?
a. Luke
3:7-14 Genuine repentance is followed by desirable fruits of love,
peace, patience, faith, etc.
b. Mark
6:12; Luke 24:46-47 Jesus our Lord and Master commanded us to repent
and be saved
c. Acts
2:37-39 Peter commended it
d. Acts
17:30-31 Paul commended it.
Nobody can say he is
born again without genuine repentance.
3.
What are the dead works from which we have to repent?
I Cor. 6:9-11; Gal
5:19-21; I Thes. 1: 9; Phil 3:1-3; II Tim 3:1-9; Eph 4:25-31
Sin, the works of the
flesh, idols, empty religion and all unrighteousness are the dead works to
be repented of.
4.
Elements of
genuine repentance
a. Conviction
Before any sinner can repent, he must be convicted that he has urgent
need to make his way right with God. Ps 14:2; 38:4; 51:3; Acts 2:37; Isa.
64:6 , Rom 3:23
b. Godly
sorrow This comes as a consequence of conviction by the Holy Spirit.
This produces repentance. II Cor 7:10
c. Renunciation
- True repentance involves grief and hatred for sin turning from it to
God. Isa. 55:7; Ps 51:1-17
5. Distinguish
between genuine repentance and remorse
|
GENUINE
REPENTANCE |
REMORSE
REPENTANCE |
|
Leads to
salvation |
Leads to death |
|
Comes from the
Spirit |
Comes from
emotion |
|
Godly sorrow for
sin |
Regret for wrong
doing |
|
Heartfelt
confession and desire to forsake sin |
Shallow and
transient concern about sin |
|
Physical
manifestation of holy life, thoughts and work |
Turbulent life of
sorrow and failure |
6. What
is the result of genuine repentance?
I John 1:7-9; Rom 5:1,
8; II Cor. 5:17; Isa 30:15; Acts 3:19; Ps 51: 12-14
Cleansing with the
blood of Jesus by faith, assurance of forgiveness, ability to have
fruitful fellowship with God in prayer. Peace with God and man.
Justification as if sins never occurred, joy of salvation; escape from the
consequences of sin are part of the fruit of genuine repentance.
CONCLUSION
Remember, God is not mocked. Sin will always pay its full if not repented
of, Gal 6:7-8; God is ready to forgive if there is a genuine repentance
Ps. 86:5
MEMORY VERSE: PROVERBS
28:13
|