The Evidence of True Repentance [4]

 . . . Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ 

for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:38

We are continuing on with steps to and evidence of true repentance.  This week, we’re continuing; speaking specifically of the conversion aspect of repentance.  Conversion is turning from the darkness of sin and the power of Satan to the light of God's righteousness.  Apostle Paul explained this to King Agrippa when he said:  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.  Acts 26:18

 

¨        It’s turning from worldly things to spiritual things:

 

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: (Acts 14:15)

 

¨        It’s turning from false gods to the true and living God:

 

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 1 Thessalonians 1:9

 

This is not something that we can do on our own – it’s impossible.  The enemy doesn’t want us to leave his kingdom and he makes it virtually impossible.  But thank God for Jesus who promised us that when He departed this world, He would send back the comforter who would endue us with power!

 

That’s a game changer; it levels the playing field!

That’s why our hope should be in Christ Jesus.  He’s the one who made it possible.  He promised us help:  And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.  Luke 24:49

God is so magnificent in His omniscience it’s just astounding.  Knowing that we would not – indeed – could not withstand the onslaught of the enemy if left to our own devices, so provisions were made through the son to level the playing field!

Apostle Peter let us know that following after Jesus would involve suffering.  Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 1 Peter 4:1

Jesus had already told the disciples that they would be persecuted for His name’s sake:  But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.  Luke 21:12

When you combine that with the everyday situations of life, money, finances, spouses, jobs, children, etc., trying to live a Godly life in accordance to the word of God can be uncomfortable if not downright stressful.  But God, in His infinite love and wisdom knew that we couldn’t survive this journey without some supernatural assistance.  The children of Israel in their wilderness experience bears witness to this.  When they didn't feel the power of His presence, they quickly forgot God.  They had all types of sacrifices they were to perform to pardon them from sin.  But with the final blood sacrifice of Jesus, we no longer have to perform this ritual.  God provides us with power from on high so that we never forget who we are and to whom we belong.   And to this, I say that every time we doubted God for our healing, for our distresses – whatever they may be – we should repent before God and ask His forgiveness for the doubt we harbored in our heart.  Remember, the 2^nd ones in the lake are the unbelievers [But the fearful, and unbelieving. . .  shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.  Revelations 21:8

Jesus made an important promise to His followers regarding spiritual power:  But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: John 15:26

And don’t forget, Jesus had us in mind when he prayed, he said: “I do not pray for these followers only. I pray for those who will put their trust in Me through the teaching they have heard.  John 17:20

The power of the Gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit are two key principles in understanding the Biblical concept of power. Experiencing both is necessary to receive spiritual power. It’s another vital spiritual experience which we must receive; it’s the power of the Holy Spirit promised by Jesus.

Jesus told His followers He would. . .  pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:16-17

The Holy Spirit would "endue" or literally "clothe" the disciples in spiritual power:  And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.  Luke 24:49

Note that this great spiritual power was to be experienced AFTER receiving the Holy Spirit:  But yet shall receive power, AFTER that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8  Just so you know:

√     Power is a spirit:

But God hath not given us the SPIRIT of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of Him through all the region round about. Luke 4:14

√     That "spirit of power" is the Holy Spirit:

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.  Acts 10:38

When we receive the promise of the comforter, we are filled with power; power to:

·         overcome the enemy

·         live a Godly life

·         to witness the gospel of Jesus

·         love the way God loves

·         to forgive others and ourselves

·         And most importantly the power to be converted!

     This promise was not just for the disciples, it’s for all mankind.  If you’ve given your  life     
     to God  and not received His Holy Spirit in your life, do as the disciples did, pray the Holy      
     Spirit fall on you.  Read Acts 2:1-4 to see how they received God’s spirit. 

As some would have you believe, this was not just an occurrence that was exclusive to the disciples in the upper room.  A great crowd gathered and wanted to know what was going on.  After Peter explained what was happening and the reason for it, the crowd asked what should they do.  Peter said:

. . . Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.  Acts 2:38-39

So what is the importance of conversion?  First of all it must accompany repentance. We must turn from the wrong to the right because...

®       It’s Necessary to Enter the Kingdom of God:

 

Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Matthew 18:3

®       It saves us from Spiritual Death:

 

He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins. (James 5:20)

®       It’s Necessary for The blotting out of Sin:

 

Our sin is written in the record of God until you repent and are converted, then our sins are blotted out:  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19

 

Repentance and conversion are best illustrated by a parable Jesus told of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-24:  

 

This young man left his father and home, went to a distant land, and through sin wasted all he owned. Eventually this young man realized his condition. He was hungry, lonely, in rags, and tending pigs for a job. Then he made an important decision. He said, "I’ll arise and go back to my father." This inward decision resulted in a change in his outward actions. He went home to his father to seek forgiveness.

 

Here, we see Repentance...the change of mind: And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!  Next, we see confession:  I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,  And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.  Luke 15:17-19  

The young man realized his sinful condition. He made a decision to go to his father and repent of his sin. This is an example of repentance, an inward decision which results in outward action.  Following confession, next we see:

 

Conversion...acting on the decision:  And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.  Luke 15:20

This scripture records how the young man arose and left the old life and went back to his father to start a new life. This is an example of conversion.

 

Man is like the prodigal son. In his sinful condition he turned his back on God [his Father] and Heaven [his home]. Each step he took is a step away from God and one step nearer to the spiritual death of eternal separation from God. There’s a major decision he must make. He must "come to himself" and recognize his spiritual condition. He must make a decision which will result in a change of spiritual direction.

 

When we repent from sin and make the decision to turn from our sinful thoughts, ways and behavior, this establishes a right relationship with God. This right relationship or right standing before God is called "justification [the action of declaring or making righteous in the sight of God.]":  Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Romans 6:16-18

 

When we’re justified by repentance and conversion, we’re "saved" from a life of sin as well as from the penalties of sin. This is what it means to be "saved" and what the Bible is speaking of when the term "salvation" is used.  

Repentance, along with its companion conversion, results in a life that is God-worthy and pleasing in his sight; a place we should all desire to be.

Sermonette 

The Evidence of True Repentance [3]

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, 
O God, thou wilt not despise.  
Psalms 51:17

Another aspect of True repentance involves both turning away from sin and turning back to the Father. However, that statement fails to provide the posture of our heart as we come to or return to God. This gets us to the very core of what true repentance is all about.   In Joel 2:12–13, God calls to Israel, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.”

In the Old Testament, people commonly expressed great grief and anguish by tearing their cloaks. But more than caring about the proper “signs” of being upset about their sin, God cared more that they actually grieved over them in their hearts — grieved to the point of weeping and mourning.

King David’s psalm of repentance, reminds us that God doesn’t delight so much in the outward signs of repentance (which included making a sacrifice), but “the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” Psalm 51:17

I’m not talking about the shame and guilt the enemy wants to heap on us, but a godly grief.

We can be in the habit of going through the motions when it comes to repenting, but these passages show that the most important thing is the condition of our heart. Does our repentance look like a heart that has been rent like a garment, broken and contrite before God? This attitude is missing from most repentance, and it’s the very thing God is trying to teach us!

It may sound strange, but how do we go about getting a broken heart?

First, we simply need to ask for it.  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;   2 Timothy 2:25

 If we want to obey the command to rend our hearts, we must ask God to grant us true repentance.

“The more glimpses we have of the glory of God, the more we should mourn for disparaging that glory.” We should also be aware of one of the biggest hindrances to obtaining a broken heart: our neglect of the relational aspect of sinning. By this, I mean that we err in viewing sin as a failure of performance rather than a failure of intimacy. The only grief we experience is disappointment in our inability to do what is right or that we got found out, and not that we have “despised” the living God:  Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? 2 Samuel 12:9

When we sin, we play the part of an adulterer who looks for satisfaction in another, rather than the only One who can truly satisfy. So then you can understand why David said to the Lord, “. . . against you, you only, have I sinned” Psalm 51:4. David rightly saw his failures in terms of relationship, and as a result his heart was grieved as it can be only when we have sinned against the One we love with all of our heart, soul and mind.

True repentance comes not merely by understanding the relational aspect of sin, but by understanding the nature of the One with whom we are in relationship. In other words, the more we see God as glorious and holy, the more we’ll see committed sin as something to weep over. The more glimpses we have of the glory of God, the more we mourn for belittling that glory.

In the end, God’s plan for us is that we’ll be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). In the meantime, He desires a brokenhearted people who have learned to mourn over their sin.

In the natural world, armies have special induction rituals where a prospective soldier must participate in order to join the forces. This "induction" makes him part of the army.

 

God also has a special plan for induction through which we become part of His spiritual army. His plan centers on two important concepts, repentance and conversion, which results in justification.

 

In the natural world, when a soldier joins an army, he must deny any previous allegiance he has had to another army or country. When you join the army of God, you must repent of your allegiance to sin and the Kingdom of darkness. This is done by repentance; a godly sorrow and forsaking all that is associated with the allegiance to the kingdom of darkness.  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

 

Apostle Paul calls it "repentance toward God":   Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.  Acts 20:21

By the act of repenting, we turn away from our sin and leave the Kingdom of darkness behind.

 

Repentance is a personal decision to change our allegiance from the Kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of God. This change of mind and turning from sin cannot be done in ourself.  It is the power of God which actually brings the change in the mind, heart, and life of a sinner:  Then God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.  Acts 11:18

 

Repentance is truly a gift of God:  Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.  Acts 5:31

 

Although emotions may be involved in repentance, true repentance is a decision, not just an emotion or feelings.  Sorrow for sin, which is often confused with regret over a bad decision that resulted in a bad outcome, and the shedding of tears is not enough in itself.

Paul makes a clear separation between sorrow and repentance. They are not the same things! One can be sorry for their sin without repenting from their sin. Sorrow describes a feeling, but repentance describes a change in both the mind and in the life.

√         “Repentance is not sorrow only. It may not be unaccompanied by sorrow… at the time, but sorrow will always follow, sorrow for the past; but this change of mind is the principle thing.” 

√         “Sorrow alone accomplishes nothing. Peter was sorry he denied Christ, and he repented. Judas was sorry he betrayed Christ but, instead of repenting, he killed himself.” 

“Repentance” sounds like a harsh word to many but it is an essential aspect of the gospel and has been called “the first word of the gospel.”

When John the Baptist preached, he said , Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! (Matthew 3:2) 

When Jesus began to preach, He said, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matthew 4:17) 

And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.  Mark 1:15

When Peter preached on the day of Pentecost, he told his listeners to Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.   (Acts 2:38)

Let’s go back to the Old Testament where the oracle of God told the children of Isreal to repent:  And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.  1 Samuel 7:3

 

That same message is being delivered today:  Repent, Repent, Repent!  Turn from the wicked ways of this world, from the ungodly desires of the flesh and the undue influence of the wicked one and become committed and submitted to God! 

This turn must be accompanied by an 

 

True repentance is an inward decision that results in an outward change.

 

Repentance is important because:

®       God Commands It

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:  Acts 17:30

®       It’s Necessary To Avoid Spiritual Death:

I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  Luke 13:3

®       It’s Necessary For Eternal Life:

 

Through repentance the penalty of death is removed and eternal life is granted:

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. Acts 11:18

®       It’s Necessary for Forgiveness:

 

God can’t forgive our sins unless we repent:  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Acts 2:38

®       It’s God's Desire for All:

 

God doesn’t want anyone to experience the spiritual death of eternal separation from God in Hell:  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

®       It’s The Reason Jesus Came into the World:

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.  Luke 5:32

®       It’s Necessary to Enter God's Kingdom:

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.  Matthew 4:17

 

When we become part of the Kingdom of God, we’re enlisting in God's army.

 

When we ask for forgiveness of sins we experience "conversion." Conversion means "to change." When it is used in connection with Biblical repentance, it means to "turn from the wrong way to the right way."   You leave the Kingdom of darkness and join the Kingdom of God.  And many of the children of Israel shall He turn to the Lord their God.  Luke 1:16

 

And all that dwelt at Lydda & Sharon saw Him, & turned to the Lord.  Acts 9:35

 

And the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.  Acts 11:21

 

Conversion is turning from the darkness of sin and the power of Satan to the light of God's righteousness:  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.  Acts 26:18

 

¨        It is turning from worldly things to spiritual things:

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:  Acts 14:15

 

¨        It is turning from false gods to the true and living God:  For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 1 Thessalonians 1:9

Sermonette

The Evidence of True Repentance [2]

Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance.  Matthew 3:8 

God’s Word and our commitment to studying it and submitting to it should be the focus of our – referring to the believer’s – should be our life.  That’s the evidence or the fruit of true repentance.

It’s Godly sorrow that brings on repentance.  Repentance is not sorrow for sin; it’s sorrow for committing the sin.  We can’t repent without being sorry for the sin we committed.  Our tears mean nothing without some action behind them!

“Let the wicked forsake his way…let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him…for He will abundantly pardon” Isaiah 55:7 

In repentance, we have to first acknowledge that we’ve sinned, feel sorrow for the sin, and then stop and turn away from that sin.  Repentance includes a change of heart and a change of mind and a change of direction.  We make up our mind to stop living life our way and start living it God’s way.  It’s making up our mind that we’re going to serve God with all our might and do everything He says.  It’s a commandment:  . . . love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind."  Matthew 22:37

In the very beginning, way back in the garden, the first sin was committed and Gid gave them the opportunity to repent.  To Adam, God asked:  who told you that you were naked?  Right there, Adam could have confessed and asked for forgiveness.  God turns to Eve and asked:  what did you do?  Another opportunity to confess and ask for forgiveness.  But no, they knew that they did wrong but they wanted to play the blame game.  And then their son, Cain – after he killed his brother, God asked him:  where is your brother?  Another missed opportunity to come clean before God!  The need to get right with God should always be greater than the fear of punishment, the loss of face, status, position, money and fame.  The call to repentance is a central theme of the bible:  Joel 2, Jeremiah 18, Ezekiel, Jonah 3, 1 Samuel 7, Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 5, Acts 2:38, Acts 17, all the way to Revelation.

We must do it with all of our being.  This takes total faith in God.  It takes trusting that God is real, alive and His word is true.  To show our repentance – that’s what we’re talking about today:  Therefore, bear fruits worthy of repentance.  Matthew 3:8 

Repentance as an inward decision or change of mind 
that results in the outward action of turning or returning from sin 
to God and righteousness.  

So far, we’ve covered the fruit or evidence of true repentance by:

*    Exhibiting a Commitment to God’s Word [knowing & submitting]
*    And a commitment to Fearing God [Reverence/respect]

We’re going to continue adding to those fruits today.  Still looking at the children of Israel in the account found in Nehemiah; chapters 8-10

√         A Commitment to Holiness

Another focus of the believers’ life and evidence of true repentance is the practice of holiness. Discipline is a major aspect of our sanctification, as we confront temptation and opportunities to sin.  Where do we see this commitment in Israel? Look at what they committed to:  The rest of the people—priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand…

We promise not to give our daughters in marriage to the peoples around us or take their daughters for our sons. When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts.   Nehemiah 10:28, 30-31

This holiness was seen in two ways.

ü    They wouldn’t intermarry with the neighboring nations, and

ü   they wouldn’t sin against God by buying and selling from the foreigners on the Sabbath or any other holy day.

Israel lived amongst neighboring nations that wanted to interact with them spiritually by drawing them to worship their gods. They wanted to interact with them socially through marriage and the practice of other cultural norms. And they wanted to interact with them economically through trade, which was often done on the Sabbath.

But God had called Israel to be holy and separate from the neighboring nations primarily so they wouldn’t acclimate to the standards of the world and be led into sin.                     

ü  Exodus 34:11-16: Warns against making treaties or intermarrying with the inhabitants of the land, as their practices would become a spiritual "snare".

 ü  Joshua 23:11-13: Joshua cautions that mixing with the remaining nations will lead to spiritual ruin.

 ü  1 Kings 11:1-8: Highlights how King Solomon’s foreign wives led his heart away from God.

 ü  Deuteronomy 7:1-6: forbids intermarriage - "They will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods".

Listen to the command about not marrying that was given to the Israelites: “Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land; for when they prostitute themselves to their gods and sacrifice to them, they will invite you and you will eat their sacrifices. And when you choose some of their daughters as wives for your sons and those daughters prostitute themselves to their gods, they will lead your sons to do the same.  Exodus 34:15-16

The call to not interact or marry with the surrounding nations was never racial, it was spiritual. They were called to be separate and holy in order to not be drawn into sin with them or to worship their gods. This is what happened with King Solomon, who led the kingdom of Israel into God’s judgment. Solomon’s compromises through his unfaithfulness; by taking foreign wives and adopting their religious practices, undermined the spiritual foundation of the nation of Israel.

This doesn’t mean total isolation from the world.  They were not to be totally separated from the Gentiles but to be separate in the sense that they wouldn’t be influenced to sin; drawn into the standards of the world.  We’re to be the light to draw the world out of darkness.  This is evidenced through Ruth and Rahab who were both Gentiles, they both married into Israel and were put into the lineage of Christ. However, they both were converts to Judaism—they worshiped the God of Israel.  And then there was Jonah who was sent to prophesy to the Gentiles in Nineveh.

It’s no different for us. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says to not be “unequally yoked,” and James declares that this practice of not being polluted by the world is the religion God accepts . . .as pure and faultless   . . . to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” James 1:27

We talked of not blending, compromising, or bending to the ways of the world.  The Bible says, “Be ye holy; for I am holy” [1 Peter 1:16].

A religion God accepts is one that keeps itself unspotted from the world. We should careful of the music we listen to, the TV shows and movies we watch, what we watch and listen to on social media and the friendships we cultivate. We shouldn’t adopt the ideals and practices of the world.  We can’t condone or accept as right what we know does not align itself with God.

Scripture says that in the same way that the neighboring nations were seeking to lead Israel astray by getting them to acclimate to their ways, the world today does the same with us.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  Romans 12:2

We’re being pushed and cajoled into the image of the world. We’re being pressured into having the same passions, the same desires, and the same worldview, rather than that of the kingdom of God and His perspective.  But Scripture commands us   Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  1 John 2:15

There’s a principle in the world system working to draw us away from the love of God.  So yes, our priority must be holiness. Are we living out a life of separation from the world? Or are we trying to love God and love the world as well?  John says that if we haven’t committed to holiness and are still living in sin, we’re not truly born again. It’s a genuine fruit of repentance and if we lack this desire and practice of being holy, then we’re not truly saved.   It’s tight but it’s right:  If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth  1 John 1:6

Israel committed to being separate from the nations in order to be holy unto God. We have to make this same commitment as well. Separation is necessary so that we don’t become or remain influenced by this world, and separation is also necessary for us to influence the world:   You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.  Matthew 5:13

 

We have to be different in order to influence the world.  We must discipline our self to commit to Holiness.

Sermonette

The Evidence of True Repentance

 Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.  

Joel 2:12-13  

True repentance is truly a gift of God.  It’s what He equips us with to help us stay in perfect alignment with Him.  “In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;” 2 Timothy 2:25  

In the dictionary repentance is defined as the action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse.  

ü It’s also defined as the action or process of repenting especially for misdeeds or moral shortcomings. 

ü It’s also defined as a summons to a personal, absolute and ultimate unconditional surrender to God as Sovereign. Though it includes sorrow and regret, it’s more than that.

Our tears, though they may be sincere is not the action that God is looking for when it comes to repentance.  If it’s not crying or sobbing, what are marks or evidences of true repentance in our, the believers’ life?  We’ve all seen people who claim to follow Jesus but are lacking the fruits that prove the reality of their faith.  They do and say things that are not God-worthy.

Repentance is "an inward decision or change of mind that results in the outward action of turning from sin to God and righteousness."

It’s easy to make a claim or to have a profession of faith – we just open up our mouth and speak it – but how does one know if it’s a reality? We may not always know, but God does.  Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23 that many would come in his name claiming to have a relationship with him but He replied, “Depart from me you workers of iniquity I never knew you.” They had the talk but not the walk!  And even if they have the walk, it doesn’t match the inner motives of their heart.  Tainted fruit is being developed.

We can see this with John the Baptist’s and also with Apostle Paul’s teaching. John the Baptist said regarding repentance: . . . when he saw the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them . . . “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.  Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we’re descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. . . every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 3:7-10

Notice, John the Baptist, in commanding repentance, didn’t say just simply “confess” or make a declaration; prove it through your actions. True repentance always has the corresponding fruits. Apostle Paul said the same thing:

. . . that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.  Acts 26:20

Apostle Paul preached the need to repent, but like John, he also preached the necessity of proving one’s repentance. It’s not enough just to confess; confession has to be followed by the proper works.  

Let’s look at what was going on with the children of Israel after their exile In the book of Nehemiah, there was a revival happening they were not just returning to their homeland, they were also being reacquainted to God. In chapter 8, the people listened and responded to Ezra’s reading and teaching of the Word of God. In chapter 9, the people put on sackcloth and ashes and repented of their sins and the sins of their fathers. They repented by renewing their covenant with God and committing to prove their repentance by their deeds. They started by acknowledging the sovereignty of God:

Now therefore, our God, The great, the mighty, and awesome God, Who keeps covenant and mercy: Then they openly confessed their sin:  But we’ve done wickedly.  Neither our kings nor our princes, Our priests nor our fathers, Have kept Your law, Nor heeded Your commandments and Your testimonies, With which You testified against them. For they have not served You in their kingdom.  They spoke of bondage to their captors: Because of our sins; Also they have dominion over our bodies and our cattle At their pleasure; And we’re in great distress.   And lastly, they recommitted themselves to God:  And because of all this, We make a sure covenant and write it; Our leaders, our Levites, and our priests seal it.” Nehemiah 9:32-38 

They made a commitment to God by renewing the Mosaic covenant. Eighty-four leaders of the community signed a document—a binding agreement. This document showed the priorities of their commitment to God. Even though we’re not a part of Israel’s Mosaic customs and traditions, we, as believers, should have the same commitments to turn back to God. These same fruits will prove the reality of our repentance and relationship with God.

So what are the fruits; the marks of true repentance? What commitments did Israel make in this chapter as a fruit of their repentance? Read Nehemiah 9:32-38

How can we practice true repentance in our lives?  One of the things they did was hear the word of God, as should we, and commit it to our hearts and then apply it to our lives.  So #1 is:

√       True Repentance Includes a Commitment to God’s Word

And the rest of the people, -  separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;  They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;  Nehemiah 10:28-29

What is the primary focus of this covenant community as seen in the signed document? The primary focus was to submit to the law of God. Israel had disobeyed God’s covenant.   

So in this document, they renewed their commitment to God’s Word. They had faith to believe in God and His word and they committed to follow God’s Word.

Faith as part of the bearing fruit action is a very important aspect of true repentance.  Jesus taught that practicing God’s Word is proof of true faith in the Sermon on the Mount. He taught that there are two types of people who listen to his words. The one who listened and built the foundation of his house on these words, and his house stood in the storm. But, the other one didn’t build his house on Jesus’ words, and his house was destroyed. He said:  “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it didn’t fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and doesn’t put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  Matthew 7:24-26

It’s very easy for us to look at the Scripture and say with awe, “No one ever spoke like this” as those in John 7:46 did, when listening to Jesus, and yet not submit to Him. It’s also possible for us to pick and choose what we like about the Scriptures instead of submitting to the whole counsel of it.

Apostle John said the same thing as Jesus [John 14:15]:  “We know that we’ve come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, ‘I know him,’ but doesn’t do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him” 1 John 2:3-4

If we’re not committed to God’s Word and following it, we’re not truly saved and our repentance is false.

Faith and true repentance recognize Scripture as God’s Word and commits to studying it and submitting to it. This should be the focus of the believer’s life, and it’s evidence or the fruit of true repentance.

Israel renewed their covenant to follow the laws of God which demonstrated true repentance. Do we need to renew our covenant to God’s Word as well?

Here’s a look in the mirror question:  What are your thoughts about commitment to knowing and obeying God’s Word as a proof of genuine repentance?  #2:

√       True Repentance Includes a Commitment to Fearing God

They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the Lord our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;  Nehemiah 10:29

Not only did they commit to following God’s Word but they also put themselves under a curse if they failed to follow it. In those days when people made covenants, they would often slay an animal and walk through the parts of the animal. By doing this they were saying, “Let this happen to me if I don’t fulfill what I have committed to.” This is what God did in confirming his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15. He walked through the cut-up bodies of animals, committing to fulfill his covenant with Abraham.

God had essentially promised Israel that if they didn’t obey His words, he would severely discipline them. He said:  Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them. However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: You will be cursed in the city and cursed in the country. Your basket and your kneading trough will be cursed. The fruit of your womb will be cursed, and the crops of your land, and the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks. You will be cursed when you come in and cursed when you go out. The LORD will send on you curses, confusion and rebuke in everything you put your hand to, until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him.  Deuteronomy 28:14-20

By binding themselves to the curse, they recognized that God was faithful to his words and that he would curse, discipline, and even destroy them for disobedience.   What are you trying to say Pastor Candy? The fear of the Lord should still be a motivating factor in our lives. “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”   Philippians 2:12

We should fear because God is a God of discipline.  “Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”  2 Corinthians 7:1

We must remember God killed Ananias and Sapphira for lying about their offering in Acts 5. God brought sickness and death to some of those who were abusing the Lord’s Supper in 1 Corinthians 11:26-32. God is still a God of discipline.

And ultimately, it’s good to remember that even though we’re not under the law, we’re still bound by the spiritual principle of “sowing and reaping” which God oversees. We will reap what we sow, whether in this life or after.  Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.  Galatians 6:7-8  

When the Israelites were recommitting, they recommitted not only to the Word of God but to fearing the Lord, which should be a sobering motivation for all believers  “the Lord disciplines those he loves.”   Hebrews 12:6

Discipline is a major aspect of our sanctification, and we should recognize this everyday as we’re confronted with temptation and opportunities to sin.

As believers, we’re called to “speak the truth in love” [Ephesians 4:15]. That means we must love people deeply, but we’re not called to redefine sin so that nobody feels uncomfortable. Understand:  

v Love doesn’t require us to affirm everything we see and hear that is wrong  

v Just as grace doesn’t require us to ignore repentance.  

v And compassion doesn’t require us to compromise conviction.

The Bible says, “Be ye holy; for I am holy” [1 Peter 1:16]. It also reminds us that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”  [Romans 3:23]. So this is not about pointing at one group of people as if anyone is beyond the need of grace. This is about acknowledging that all of us need repentance, mercy, and transformation.

Truth be told, none of us can live in an unrepentant state and expect God to adjust His Word around our comfort. Jesus said, “Repent ye, and believe the gospel” [Mark 1:15]. And Romans 6:1–2 asks, “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.”  

- continued