True Repentance and Drawing Closer to God
Concept of repentance as a crucial step in spiritual growth and a pathway to a deeper relationship with God. Discover the process of realizing mistakes, changing mindset, and transforming actions to align with a higher purpose. Repentance is not just about acknowledging past wrongs but actively seeking a new direction for a more fulfilling spiritual journey.
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Presentation Transcript
Understanding True Repentance 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 Closer to God 2022
What is Repentance? A subject that is often misunderstood and misapplied A subject avoided by many because of its demands Both in obeying the gospel and as Christians To draw closer to God, we need to understand repentance
What is Repentance? Defined lit. to perceive afterwards (Bullinger, Vine) a realization after something is done that it was wrong and hence the need for a change To change one s mind (Thayer) Turn around, change one s mind. Also change of direction (EDNT)
What is Repentance? Together, we see the process of true repentance: - Begins with a realization of error - This leads to a change in one s mind about that - This leads to a change in direction of one s life - Thus total change See Matthew 21:28-32
What is Repentance? It is a deep change of heart that leads to real change in one s life See 2 Corinthians 7:9-11
Thoughts about Repentance God s grace leads to repentance Romans 2:4 Christians need to understand it - Part of restoration Acts 8:22 - 5 of 7 churches of Asia told to repent Revelation 2 & 3. This is not a suggestion, but absolute necessity for restoration
Thoughts about Repentance It needs to be deliberate something you understand, and you act intentionally. You take steps to put obstacles between you and that sin in the future
Thoughts about Repentance Repenting of past sins It needs to be universal - Not just directed at certain sins - If you have sin in your life, it ALL needs to be addressed! Cf. 1 John 3:6-9 - It needs to be far-sweeping - You cannot half-way repent! If you are leaning toward it, you have not yet repented!
Psalm 51 True Repentance A psalm of David Written after his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11) and being confronted by Nathan (2 Samuel 12) - You see in this psalm the depth of genuine repentance Likely, David has repented as he writes this.
Psalm 51 True Repentance Have mercy on me (1) Taking care of our sins we turn to God FIRST 1 John 1:9 we confess our sins to Him - We need His mercy and compassion Ephesians 2:4, Titus 3:4-5, 1 Peter 1:3, etc.
Psalm 51 True Repentance Wash me thoroughly (1b-2) Blot out my sins wash me cleanse me. - a desire for complete restoration with God - We need our sins TOTALLY removed Hebrews 8:12
Psalm 51 True Repentance I acknowledge my transgressions (3) Repentance involves acknowledgment, AND remembrance 1 Timothy 2:12-15, 1 Corinthians 15:8-10 - learn from your past - Confession 1 John 1:9, cf. James 5:16 - Proverbs 28:13
Psalm 51 True Repentance Against You I have sinned (4) Realization that sin is first and foremost against God Isaiah 59:2 sin separates you from Him - It may also be against others, or yourself, but as far as sin is concerned, it is against God first
Psalm 51 True Repentance I was brought forth in iniquity (5) Is this teaching original sin ? No. Consider Ezekiel 18:4, 2 Corinthians 5:10, etc. Hebrew poetry often uses hyperbole (exaggeration) e.g. Psalm 22:6 - David s point is a realization of how sinful he is.
Psalm 51 True Repentance I was brought forth in iniquity (5) Note: David is NOT seeking to excuse his sins here or blame others - a point which conflicts with original sin - TRUE repentance will not happen until you understand how bad sin really is
Psalm 51 True Repentance You desire truth in the inward parts (6) Repentance starts in the heart - This is why saying, I m sorry is not enough - Joel 2:12-13, Jeremiah 3:10 Judah condemned because she did NOT turn to Him with her whole heart - 2 Corinthians 7:10 godly sorrow
Psalm 51 True Repentance Purge me with hyssop (7-9) Hyssop was used in cleansing rituals - Leviticus 14:4-6 (leprosy), Numbers 19:6 (purification) - Hebrews 9:19 purifying people and the book - The point: A willingness to do what is needed to be cleansed 8-9 Another request for God removing sins
Psalm 51 True Repentance Create in me a clean heart (10) A desire to be completely cleansed deep within (not superficial) - a determination to take measures to completely remove your sins including the desire. I m done with that! - 2 Corinthians 7:11 what clearing of yourselves
Psalm 51 True Repentance Do not cast away Your presence (11) We want God to be with us. We want to be able to be with Him. - a godly fear that knows you CAN forfeit your salvation Galatians 5:4, 2 Peter 2:20-22 - We want His Spirit to be able to dwell within us Romans 8:9, 14
Psalm 51 True Repentance Restore to me joy of salvation (12) The desire to be saved and live with that hope. - We ought to have confidence in this - Such will ONLY be found if we are genuine and walking in the light 1 John 1:7 - When we repent there is rejoicing Luke 15:7, 10, 22-24, etc.
Psalm 51 True Repentance Then I will teach transgressors (13- 15) AFTER I am restored, I can reach others - True repentance will be evident - If I can use my past to teach others, I will
Psalm 51 True Repentance The sacrifices of God (16-17) A broken and contrite heart we have to break ourselves (our pride, hypocrisy, lusts, bitterness, etc.) before we can truly come to God. - This verse is NOT dismissing compliance, but it IS reminding us that true repentance and service begins with the heart
Psalm 51 True Repentance Do good in Zion (18-19) Zion was God s city. As David concludes, he desires God s best for himself and others, especially His chosen people. - This is an acknowledgement that when we do our part (repent), God will do His and restore favor to us (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Why should I repent? If I desire to be closer to God, it is a MUST! Are you ready to stand before Him?
