Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 7:4-12

The Demands of Repentance

Intro.

1. We live in a time when sin is erased from the consciences, minds and vocabularies of most people. It is vital that we always remember God’s word of truth about this important subject. Must be preached, Lk. 24:46-47.

2. What are the demands of repentance? (What demands are placed on the repenting sinner?)

I. SOME BASICS ABOUT REPENTANCE.

A. The Bible Definition of Repentance.

1. metanoia: “a change of mind: as it appears to one who repents, of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done” (Thayer, 405).

2. Common mistake: “Repent means to turn.” But, Acts 26:20.

3. No, it is the change of mind that produces turning.

4. Godly sorrow produces repentance which produces turning one’s life to God, 2 Cor. 7:10.

5. Repentance results in a changed life toward sin, Acts 26:20; Rev. 9:20-21.

B. Repentance is Commanded by Christ, Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30.

-Not optional if you want to be saved.

II. REAL DEMANDS ARE PLACED ON THE PERSON WHO REPENTS, Lk. 3:8-14.

A. There Must First be a Desire to Repent, Lk. 3:10.

1. Effect of the word of God upon the heart of sinners, Acts 2:37.

2. Godly sorrow because of one’s sin, 2 Cor. 7:10; Acts 8:20-23, 24.

B. The Fruit of Repentance Must Result, Lk. 3:8; Acts 26:20.

C. Some Things “Must” be Done, Lk. 3:11-14. (Jesus didn’t say, “there’s nothing you have to do, just don’t do it again.”)

1. Repudiate the sin (confess sins), Acts 19:18-19 (Ezra 10:10-11).

2. Restore the wrong (as ability allows), Lk. 19:8-9 (Lev. 6:1-7).

3. Reform the conduct, Matt. 21:28-31 (regret causes change), 1 Cor. 6:9-11.

D. The Demands of Repentance are Costly, Acts 19:18-20.

1. Deliberately give up sin, Eph. 4:22-24.

2. Correcting sin radical and sacrificial, Matt. 5:29-30; Phil. 3:7-8.

3. Must count the cost and pay the price, Lk. 14:28-33.

Conclusion

1. We can recognize when a sinner repents, 2 Cor. 7:11 (observe, behold):

a. Diligence: Haste (with care) to correct the sin.

b. Clearing: Their diligent change answered their critics.

c. Indignation: Great displeasure over their previous sin.

d. Fear: Dread of not pleasing God seen in their repentance.

e. Vehement desire: Earnest desire to do and be right.

f. Zeal: Fervent spirit rather than apathetic neglect.

g. Vindication: Meeting out of justice (to all involved).

h. Proved they were clear (pure) in the matter where before they were defiled by sin.

2. Repent to escape the wrath to come (Lk. 3:7-8).

By: Joe R. Price

Posted May 6, 2019