The
Necessity of Repentance
Introduction:
In God’s plan for redeeming men – A critical element
is repentance. None is more difficult. See
Luke 13:3, 5 – who can deny the words of Jesus? Why is it so difficult? It
forces us to realize that we have rejected God’s will. We can minimize our own
sin & boast in our own self righteousness is seen in Lk. 18:9-14. Of what
condition of heart are we?
I. What is repentance?
A.
To change ones mind for the better; to heartily
amend with abhorrence of ones past sins.
B.
This change is
always for the better. It denotes
a change of moral thought & reflection.
C.
Basically…repentance is a revolution in dealing with
our attitude and view toward sin & righteousness.
D.
It is a change
of heart that leads to a change of action.
II. Repentance is seen
in two Parables of Jesus.
A.
Mt. 21:28-32
– parable of the two sons.
1.
First son
began to reflect upon what he said & did.
a)
Then he did that which he said he would not
do.
2.
Jesus says
this is repentance.
B.
Lk. 15:11-32
1.
15:12-13 –
possessed a headstrong attitude that goes down wrong road.
2.
15:14-16
– realized that sin always promises
more than it can deliver.
3.
15:17 –
His realization. In a desperate
situation.
4.
15:18 –
his resolve. Realizes his sin
before God.
5.
15:19 – repentance
seen here. His once headstrong
rebellion disappeared.
6.
15:20 – fruit
of repentance seen here.
a)
Our resolution
must be carried out.
b)
He had to face
his father.
1)
When we sin
– we must face our Father.
2)
Sometimes the only way to go forward is to go back!
III. Repentance is all
about personal responsibility.
A.
It must be
initiated by a clear sense of personal responsibility & guilt for having
sinned.
B.
No greater
case of repentance stresses personal responsibility more clearly than David. Psa. 51:2-4
C.
We must desire
to have a clean heart – 51:10-13
D.
We must
realize sin is an affront against God Almighty!
Conclusion:
A.
God has always
had a high regard for contrite souls. Isa. 66:2; Psa. 34:18
B.
Here’s the
greatest thing: God wants you in
heaven with Him! 2 Pet. 3:9
C.
God is calling
on YOU to make a choice!
D.
I N V I T A T
I O N