Documents

3-3-1 Repentance

Luke 13:1-5, 6-9

• Jesus preaches that without repentance, we will all perish.
• He likewise expects to find fruit every time there is true repentance.
• The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, signifies a “turning,” a “change of heart and mind.”
• When we discover we’ve been going the wrong way on a one-way street, we immediately turn around (repent) and go in the opposite
  direction. In this case, we turn from a selfish life that has marginalized God to a life that makes God the center of our devotion, our faith, our obedience.

Luke 3:7-14

• The tangible fruit of repentance is the evidence of a changed mindset.
• John the Baptist insisted on repentance before baptism.
• If you were to ask John, “What should I do?” how would he respond to you?

Acts 26:15-21

• Jesus gives Paul the charge to “open their eyes” so that “they may turn” and prove their repentance by their deeds.
• Repentance involves a new perspective, a turning of allegiance, and fruit.

Ephesians 4:20-24.

• Repentance is turning from an old life to a new one.
  • Negatively, what must be “taken off”?
  • Positively, what is the new attitude to be embraced?
• What is “put on” in place of the “old self”?
• Repentance orients us toward God and the true life and purpose we were created for: to become like him in righteousness and holiness.
• What do you need to “take off” and “put on”?

2 Corinthians 7:8-11.

• What is the difference between “worldly sorrow” and “godly sorrow?”
• What kinds of attitudes characterize godly sorrow?
• Have you previously confused worldly sorrow with true repentance?
• We must consider the destructive consequences of our sin and what our sin cost God, because only godly sorrow leads to repentance and salvation.
• Repentance is above all a matter of heart.

Luke 15:11-32 or Luke 19:1-10

• Examples of heartfelt repentance.
• What kind of fruit did their repentance produce?
• How did they feel after repenting? How did God feel?
• What will repentance look like for you?