Topical Sermons Power Point Show

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 7:2-12

The Demands of Repentance

Intro.

1. We live in a time when sin is erased from the consciences, minds & 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. Are any demands placed on the sinner who repents? What are the demands of repentance?

I. SOME BASICS ABOUT REPENTANCE.

A. The 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 which produces turning!

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

3. Repentance results in a change of life concerning our 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. SOME REAL DEMANDS ARE PLACED ON THE PERSON WHO REPENTS – Lk. 3:8-14.

A. First, There Must 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 due to one’s sin – 2 Cor. 7:10; cf. Acts 8:20-23, 24.

B. The Fruit of Repentance Must be Borne – 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. Repudiation of sin (confess our sins) – Acts 19:18-19 (Ezra 10:10-11).

2. Restitution of the wrong (as ability allows) – Lk. 19:8-9 (cf. Lev. 6:1-7).

3. Reformation of conduct – Matt. 21:28-31 (regret caused change); 1 Cor. 6:9-11.

a. Deliberate giving up of the sin – Eph. 4:20-24.

b. Often at great cost – Acts 19:19.

D. The Demands of Repentance Are Usually Emotional.

1. The correction of sin in one’s life can be a painful process (Acts 2:37) – Emotionally, materially, etc.

2. cf. Israelites who married pagan wives (Ezra 9-10):

a. Painful for the teacher of truth – 9:1-3 (cf. 2 Cor. 7:12).

b. Painful for those involved in sin – 9:4; 10:1-4, 9-12, 19, 44.

c. Painful for those effected by the sinner & his repentance – 10:16-18.

3. Emotional anguish &/or material cost do not change the nature or the demands of repentance! (Repudiation, restitution, reformation) - Ezra 10:44

a. Liar – Eph. 4:25.

b. Stealing – Eph. 4:29.

c. Bitterness, wrath, anger, evil speech & malice – Eph. 4:31.

d. Adulterous remarriage (stealing a wife/husband) – 1 Cor. 6:9-11.

Conclusion

1. When a sinner repents you can tell it! – 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 & 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 & escape the wrath to come! (Lk. 3:7-8)