OVOTC Service June 11, 2017 “Repentance”
II Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
“Salvation is not an event, it is a process” Pastor Mike
There are several actions which happen that lead us to receiving “Salvation” and living a “saved life.”
The first stage we addressed last week is regeneration. Regeneration is the beginning action of salvation by God.
Regeneration is the combination of two words ______and ______. When you put these two words together they mean ______(John 3:7) “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
Repentance
Many understand the term repentance (from the Greek word metanoia) to mean “turning from sin.”
The Biblical definition of repentance means “______.” The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions (Acts 3:19)
Definition: Repentance is a change of mind, or a conversion from sin to God. (Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.) Repentance is the relinquishment of any practice, from conviction that it has offended God. (Webster’s Dictionary of 1828) (II Corinthians 7:9)
The full biblical definition of repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action. (Acts 26:20)
To repent, in relation to salvation, is to change your mind in regard to Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38, 17:30)
It is impossible to place your faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior without first changing your mind about who He is and what He has done. Whether it is repentance from “______” or repentance from “______,” it is a change of mind. (Acts 20:21)
Biblical repentance, in relation to salvation, is changing your mind from “______” to “______.”
A person who has truly repented will give evidence of a changed life. (II Corinthians 5:17)
No one can repent and come to God unless God pulls that person to Himself, repentance is something God gives —it is only possible because of His grace. No one can repent unless God grants repentance. (Acts 11:18) OVOTC Service June 11, 2017
While repentance is not a work that earns salvation, repentance unto salvation does result in actions on our part. It is impossible to truly and fully change your mind without that causing a change in action. ______. That is why John the Baptist called people to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” (Matthew 3:8)
Biblical repentance is ______. (Acts 3:19)
Imitations of Repentance
A. Religion (II Timothy 3:5)
Simon, the “converted” sorcerer of Samaria was an example of false repentance that was an imitation. (Acts 8:9-25)
How was Simon’s conversion an example of false repentance that was an imitation? ______
______
______.
Key: Repentance is always the inward change of the heart first, followed by the transformation of the life – never the other way around.
B. Regret (II Corinthians 7:10)
Example: Ahab (I King 21:27) used all the symbols of repentance (Matthew 11:21) but his heart was unchanged. The consequences of sin often bring a temporary regret without a permanent change of heart. (Matthew 27:3-10)
Key: The natural, emotional feeling of regret or unhappiness because of something that has happened is not necessarily repentance. Tears and guilt do not determine genuine turning to God.
C. Reflection (Acts 24:24-26)
Key: An intellectual understanding of the Word of God and a conviction that makes us uncomfortable in our soul can be a counterfeit form of repentance. Repentance is more than a natural reverence and respect of the things of God. Conviction only is not a turning to God. OVOTC Service June 11, 2017
Characteristics of Repentance
I. Conviction- The awareness of guilt before God, the recognition of responsibility for sin and a desire to turn from it to God. Contrition: ______(Psalm 34:18, 51:17)
Attrition: ______(Romans 3:23)
II. Change- (Transformation) Repentance is the work of God changing the whole person. If there is no transformation of life, there is no true repentance.
The areas of a person’s life that change in repentance are______Repentance affect all three parts of a person’s personality.
A. Change of the mind: (Romans 12:2)
Repentance leading to salvation is the change of mind that says concerning self, “______” and concerning God, “______.”
Example: Zaccheus recognized he had stolen from others and repaid four times the original amount. (Luke 19:8)
B. Change of heart: Paul describes people who will not acknowledge God but are given over to sin. (Romans 1:32)
Sorrow for sin should replace the “pleasure” of sin. Holy conviction that leads to “contrition” and “confession” is the evidence of real repentance. (II Corinthians 7:7-11)
C. Change of the will: Actions speak louder than words! (I John 3:18) ______.
When Paul was converted he immediately wanted to serve Jesus. (Acts 9:6)