“When we deal seriously with our sin, God will deal gently with us.” Charles Spurgeon
What is Repentance?
It is a sorrow for sin against God, which leads to confessing sin. Hiding nothing and coming clean before God.
Why is Repentance important?
1.It affects our whole life.
2.When we turn away from Sin, we make a choice to turn to God instead.
3.Our sin separates us from God.
“It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, He has turned away and will not listen anymore.” Isaiah 59:2
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
How does one Repent?
Own your sin, confess it before God. Ask for His forgiveness and seek the Holy Spirit for continual help.
What does true Repentance look like?
Doing a 180 degree turn. Moving your life, thoughts and actions in the opposite direction.
How can the Holy Spirit help us with Repentance?
The Holy Spirit give us the ability to not be a slave to sin anymore. This supernatural change is only made possible through leaning on the power of the Holy Spirit.
Read Romans 6
Why is it important to not just Believe but Receive Jesus as Lord of our life?
“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” John 1:12
We must be Born Again; there are two births in the Bible, the flesh and spirit.
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, He cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
What causes Repentance?
A realization of our True nature and how kind God has been to give us a way out.
“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” Romans 2:4
Application
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take your Holy Sprit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to you.” Psalm 51:10-13
Let’s take David’s actions as a template.
- David tells God to give him a new and pure heart. He is asking for a miracle only God can do.
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26
- David asks God to give him a Steadfast spirit so he could continue in the way of godliness. This is a work of the Holy Spirit! David expressed a humble reliance upon the Lord for a steadfast spirit is able to resist the Devil and turn to God.
How do we create a Steadfast spirit? By Daily feeding our spirits with the Word of God.
“It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4
“Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:11
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2
Another Example of David’s template of Repentance:
“Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones grew old. Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And you forgave the iniquity of my sin. For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You. In a time when you may be found; surely in a flood of great waters. They shall not come near him. You are my hiding place; you shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye.” Psalms 32:1-8
1.David talked about his mess up.
- David kept silent (verse 3) and felt as if his bones were growing old from his anguish.
- David felt God’s Heavy Hand upon him, (verse 4) telling him “I’m not going to let go until you repent.”
- David confesses sin (Verse 5)
- Praises God that He will carry you through the storm and make a way out of temptation. (Verse 6 and 7)
- David is communing with God again. (Verse 8)
Questions to ask in your Journaling time:
- How did David Repent in both Word and Deed?
- How have you dealt with sins in your past?
- How will knowing these truths Change how you deal with your issues going forward?
Thank you to Jessica Prines and Kristine Manuel for this amazing teaching and outline!
