Repentance is a change of mind followed by a change of action. It involves a decision of the will (with or without emotions) to change direction from going our own way, to going God’s way.
The First Foundation Stone
(30) In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.
(19) Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
(47) and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Why Repent?
What Causes Repentance?
(44) “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.
Who draws us?
(4) Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
What leads us to repentance?
Steps of Repentance
Read about the Lost Son in
(11) Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons.
(12) The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
(13) “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.
(14) After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need.
(15) So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs.
(16) He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
(17) “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!
(18) I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.
(19) I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’
(20) So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
(21) “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
(22) “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
(23) Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.
(24) For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
(25) “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.
(26) So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.
(27) ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
(28) “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.
(29) But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.
(30) But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
(31) “ ‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.
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What are the Lost Son’s steps of repentance? Answer the questions below.
1. (v13) — The Problem – Greed and covetousness (Why did the son leave the father?)
2. (v18) — Sin Acknowledged (What did he want to say to his father?)
3. (v17) — A Change of Mind (How did he come to a change of mind?)
4. (v20) — A Change of Action (What action did he take?)
5. (v21) — Confession (What did he say to his father?)
6. (v19) — Setting Things Right (Restitution) – Make me as one of your hired men… (How did he set things right?)
Ask
Can you share a story of personal repentance?
Application
What are some actions that show change in your life?
(1) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
(2) Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
How can you make repentance a lifestyle?
Prayer Model
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your forgiveness. I repent from my own wrong ways and turn to Your ways, which lead to life.
Key Verse
“Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
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