Title: “The Nature of True Repentance” Scripture: Lk. 15:1-7
Type: Doctrine Series Where: GNBC 4-25-22
Intro: Back in college I had a friend that lived on my floor. His name was Tim. Tim was a very quiet and private young man. One Saturday morning, Tim was in our room talking with my roommate and me about various matters. He left the room and turned right to go back to his room. Within moments, however, “Tim” appeared to be walking past our room again, going the same direction wearing a different color shirt and wet hair! A moment later, Tim was back in our room with a cup of coffee, dry hair, and the original shirt! What was going on?! I had quit drinking six months previously, so I knew that wasn’t the issue! Tim began to laugh. Then he yelled down the hall to his room. His twin brother, Todd was visiting for the weekend! Ha! Tim and Todd looked exactly alike. However, they were different individuals. Sometimes in the Christian faith we have key doctrines that upon initial viewing look to be identical, however, when we examine them at a deeper level, we realize they are complementary. This is the case with the doctrine of Justification by Faith and the doctrine of Repentance. Over the next few weeks leading up to Pentecost I want us to examine key doctrines of the Christian Faith. Today we will perform a fly-over of the Doctrine of Repentance.
Prop: “Today we will examine 3 important aspects of the Doctrine of Repentance.”
BG: 1. As a background we will briefly examine Lk. 15:1-7. Parable of the Lost Sheep.
2. This parable is part of lesson Christ was teaching in response to Jesus’ ministry to people the “righteous” perceived as “sinners”. Famous section includes this parable, Parable of the Lost Coin, and the Parable of the Prodigal Son.
3. In my opinion, the concept of “repentance” is noticeably absent in much of the Christian Church today, as well as her academic institutions, and might I say, nations at large.
Prop: “Examine with me 3 Important Aspects of the Doctrine of Repentance.”
I. 1st Important Aspect: The Nature of Repentance.
A. First we notice the concept of Repentance in the OT.
1. Repentance is a concept firmly affixed in the OT.
a. “nacham” Hebrew word sense of sorrow, including a change of action, purpose, attitude, and direction. “shub”, another Hebrew word means “to return” (Hosea 6:1-2). Conveys the idea of leaving something behind, being done with it. Illust: People were returning from Babylon to Jerusalem where God’s blessing was. This is the heart of repentance, returning to God!
b. Illust: Couple of weeks ago, Asst. Pastor of a prominent IC church prayed a prayer thanking God for…and she went thru a litany of perverse behavior that the Bible specifically warns us from. Friend, true repentance does not come through embracing my sin and identity as I perceive it and my culture defines it. Rather it comes from accepting God’s assessment of my condition, fleeing from it as one would flee a fire, and embracing the eternal solution for my sin, the Savior, Jesus Christ.
2. True Repentance Begins Internally
a. Joel 2:13 – “Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” True repentance is internal and not merely superficial.
b. In the OT we see 3 Evidences of genuine repentance having taken place: a. A new trust in the Lord (Is. 30:15) b. New found obedience to the ways and laws of God. (Jer. 34:15). C. A rejection of ungodliness and a return to Covenant keeping (Jer. 26:3; 36:3), for both the individual as well as the nation.
B. Second, we Notice the Concept of Repentance in the NT.
1. Here in this parable we see the idea of repentance clearly noted.
a. Lk. 15:7 – Jesus is talking about a lost sheep, which obviously alludes to more than a sheep! Because v. 7 (read). Sheep aren’t sinners. They may be stupid, but that doesn’t make them sinners. Animals are morally culpable for their actions. Men and women are. Jesus speaks of the joy in heaven over the sinner who repents… metenoeo- It literally means to change one’s mind about sin, to repent with regret accompanied by a true change of heart towards God. Repentance requires change!
b. We are living in a day and age in which many in the Church are unwilling to call anyone to repentance. Effeminate and limp wristed preachers attempt to placate people in their sin, assuming that God has the same assessment of their spiritual condition that they do. True repentance is the return to God with which the Christian life truly begins, continues, and ends!
2. We are called I repentance to turn to God.
a. Illust – Later in Lk. 15 we see the parable off the Prodigal Son. Most people know the story of the spoiled rich kid who demands his inheritance early and wastes it on wanton living. Later he finds himself in a terrible way and dreams of eating the food he has been hired to feed the pigs. He remembers His father’s kind and merciful nature and plenty and determines to return home (read v. 17) . Upon seeing his father, he doesn’t demand his rights and restored place in the family. Rather, he comes with humility and repentance.
b. Repentance here means more than regret. It literally means a change of direction. As the prodigal he had gone to a far country. While there he came to his senses and turned back and took steps to go home.
C. Applic: Let me ask you who are here today. Is there one here today, who has gone off to that “far country” seeking riotous living, spurning your family’s witness, flaunting your immorality and rebellion towards God. Have you had enough of feeding on the husks a sinful life has to offer? Do you want the full banqueting table you can have with the Lord? Turn! Turn! Turn back to Christ today!
II. 2nd Important Aspect: The 5 Elements Involved in Repentance.
A. Real Repentance Includes a Sense of Shame.
1. The Westminster Shorter Catechism asks the question: “What is repentance unto life?” And answers: “Repentance unto life is a saving grace, whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, does, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavor after, new obedience. 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”
2. Alistair Begg has stated that “The beginnings of repentance are often accompanied by a sense of this personal disgrace of ourselves before God.” Paul speaks in Romans 6:21 that were once in their pasts that now makes them ashamed. Illust: I remember one time my mother was shopping in the downtown of my hometown. I was about 5-6 yrs of age. As a treat we went into the 5&Dime store (I think it was Woolworth’s.) They had a lunch counter. Mom order us a malt. Big time! Started to leave, and was an old Brach’s candy display! Mom was walking ahead and I saw chocolate covered cherry nougat! I LOVED them! So, I helped myself to two other them. As mom was standing in line I was moved to share my largess. As I was chewing my chocolate, I offered my mother the other! (Big mistake!) My delighful chocolate turned to cement as my mother dragged me to the manager’s office and declared: “Sir, you have a thief! Deal with him.” and walked away! (Felt the burning heat of shame.)
B. Real Repentance Includes being Humbled.
1. In a strange way a man who begins to feel shame over past misdeeds may discover a spirit of pride welling up within him/her. The individual may begin to justify his/her behavior and thus begin to harden their heart. However, when God works true repentance, the vanity and pride of our mouths are shut, we confess our guilt before God and are humbled before the throne. Illust: The last words that should come from the Christian’s lips are “I’m good!”, but the first should be “God is so very good!”
2. I consider the Apostle Paul’s example in this matter. What an example he set for us. He could have justified his persecution of Christians as a devout, Law-honoring Jew. He could have made excuses. Later in life he could have minimized his previous sin and lifestyle by bringing up all of his sufferings, successes, and service for the Lord. Yet, he didn’t! Near the end of his life, after 30 years of service, the Apostle writes in I Tim. 1:15, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” Saving grace humbles us and keeps us humble understanding that we had nothing to contribute to our righteousness.
C. Real Repentance Includes Sorrow and Regret.
1. Once God humbles our hearts we are often filled with sorrow and regret. We should be grieved and mourn over what we have done to God, others and ourselves. Sorrow and regret over what was and what could have been.
2. Illust: I think of the old Southern Gospel song, “Wasted Years”, 2nd verse: “Wasted years, wasted years, oh how foolish, As you walk on in darkness and in fears; Turn around, turn around, God is calling, He's calling you from a life of wasted years.” Most Christians I have known have only wished they had gotten saved earlier rather than later. I’ve known several men who have sorrow and regret over the damage their unregenerate lives caused wives or children before saved. I’ve known several women deeply discouraged by the abortions they underwent before coming to Christ.
D. Real Repentance Includes A Distaste for Sin for What it is.
1. Now the first three elements I have mentioned are not yet necessarily repentance. “However, these characteristics pave the way to produce a distaste for sin for what it is. This is part of what conviction is, that we taste the real nature of our sins. It is part of God’s divine illumination, that we see it in all it’s ugly horror.” (Begg, p. 69)
2. Illust: I recently heard of a young woman who attends a Christian college. This young woman was confronted over her immoral lifestyle and behavior. Her response was very telling of her true spiritual condition: “I’m fine. I can do whatever I want to do, it’s my body.” Oh friend, how different that response was from a repentant King David who in Ps. 51 stated (READ PS. 51:3-5) Illust: the famous hymn writer William Cowper wrote: “I hate the sin that made thee mourn, And drove thee from my breast.” In order for repentance to be real we must be sick of our sin! The alcoholic, the adulterer, the liar, thief, murderer, homosexual…
E. Real Repentance Requires the Recognition of the Pardon of God.
1. As the Westminster Shorter Catechism states: we repent because we have an apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ.” It is the grace of God that teaches us to fear, as well as relieves our fears! (Begg, p.69) That is amazing! Read Psalm 130, Martin Luther called this a “Pauline Psalm”. The Psalmist was overwhelmed by his sin and cries out to God from the depths. Yet, when we look to our sin and then the face of God we find pardoning grace! When pardoned we walk in confidence and love. Then, and only then, can we repent! Forgiveness, full and free is then offered.
2. Harold Morris began writing in 1984 when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He wanted to use his last few months to share the story of his life: falsely convicted of armed robbery and murder at age 29, he spent the next nine years behind bars, struggling to survive in one of the worst prison in the US - Georgia State Penitentiary. But inside prison he found something unexpected; he found Jesus Christ! After almost a decade behind bars, Harold Morris was paroled in 1978. Received a commutation from the state of Georgia, restoring all of his liberties, in 1981, on the day before he was graduated from college. Once a free man, he dedicated his life to speaking to millions in the United States and around the world about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and associating with the wrong crowd. For years he shared his tragic story, emphasizing the importance of making the right choices early in life. In 1991, thirteen years after his release from prison, Harold Morris received the Vice Presidential Humanitarian Award of Honor in Washington, D.C. for his contribution to the lives of youth and prison inmates. Morris died 2017, Sumter, SC.
3. G. Applic: As you examine your life, have these five elements been incorporated in your life? Are you truly repentant before God?
III. 3rd Important Aspect: The 5 Signs of Repentance.
A. Paul Clearly States 5 Signs associated with Repentance.
1. Let’s Examine a Passage in II Cor. 7:8-11
a. Illust: Signs have meaning and significance. Let’s think about something as mundane as driving. If I describe a red octagonal sign with a four letter word on it we think: STOP! If I describe a red and white upside down triangle with one word in the middle: YIELD! If I describe a black or white sign shaped as a rectangle with a bold arrow point one direction and two words: “ONE WAY!”. If I describe a diamond or house shaped sign with an individual or individuals walking on it we know to look out for PEDESTRIANS! Signs have significance and meaning. Signs of repentance are important. They have meaning and significance.
b. Read II Cor. 7:8-11. This is one of the classic passages on repentance. (READ). This was an unusual instance of repentance, committed corporately, by a congregation which had to that point been callous towards scandalous sin in their church. Nevertheless, the marks of the Corinthian’s repentance will commonly appear in all cases of true repentance.
2. What were those Signs of Corinthian Repentance?
a. Earnestness – The Corinthians no longer ignored, but rather adopted a serious attitude about the gravity of the sin in their church. Prior to their repentance they had demonstrated a careless indifference towards sinful behavior. After repentance their viewed sin as God did. Illust: Seeing this today at many Christian Colleges. Overlook sin so as to supposedly keep up enrollment.
b. Eagerness to clear themselves – apologia – means a defense to clear oneself of charges. Illust: If we are involved in litigation a prudent person hires a lawyer to make an “apologia” for themselves. Now, don’t think that the Corinthians were being self-defensive. Rather, after accepting their guilt that set about to rectify their faith with their actions.
c. Indignation – This was not an indignation against others, but an indignation with themselves. They were appalled at what they had been done. Illust: Probably no greater example from extrabiblical sources than that of John Newton. Most popular hymn in history. “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind but now I see.” “Wretch”, hyperbole? No, Newton, who went to sea at age 11. Rebelled against discipline and deserted Royal Navy. Free thinking, immorality. “I made it my business to tempt and seduce others into sin.” The slave trader actually became a slave himself for a period of time before escaping. Return to England terrible storm and called out to Christ. Lived remainder of years preaching the Gospel and combatting slave trade.
d. Fear. – phobos – Some scholars think this fear was towards Paul. I believe it was towards God. Modern Evangelicalism preaches a God we are on friendly terms with. That is good in its place. We should also have a healthy fear of God.
e. Longing.- not an idea we normally associate with repentance. However, the context may offer us a clue. The previous alienation from God produced at present a longing to be with God. Illust: Sometimes in matters of extreme Church Discipline the sinning believer is excommunicated from the fellowship for restorative purposes. The sinning believer misses the fellowship and privileges once enjoyed and longs to return.
f. Zeal – zelos – Jealousy. Intense focus of our desires on one particular object. We tend to think of this as a negative word. “A jealous boyfriend or husband that is abusive.” However, every Christian should be zealous/jealous for the Name and cause of Christ. Should be zealous to tell others, zealous not to bring shame and reproach on Christ.
g. Punishment – vengeance – If you have an NIV, translates this a little more gently. Illust: Remember Zacchaeus in Lk. 19? When comes to true faith in Christ he makes reparations and restoration in whatever relationship he has wronged. Repentance, for the Christian, is a new way of life built on the promise of forgiveness for the future, but also reaches into one’s past in order that damaged and destroyed relationships also experience God’s grace.
B. The Amazing Quality of Repentance.
1. From first to last, repentance is a spiritual work brought about by the grace of God. It is a radical thing! (Think about our world’s inherit pride in its sinful behavior! Never say “Sorry!”) True repentance affects our emotions, its influence extends to every aspect o our being and challenges every relationship we have with both God and fellow man. (Indirect quote- Begg, p.72) As we grow and mature in Christ, can never escape the paradox that the more we grow in Christ, His grace and assurance the more we grow in our need for and understanding of repentance!
2. Illust: Billy Graham’s interview with Diane Sawyer 1992. She questioned him about statement about longing for death and to be with the Lord. Still feel this way? “Yes, because of all the bondage I feel in this world.” “I am bound by this body, by thoughts I shouldn’t have. When I die, I don’t want people to say good things about me…because I don’t deserve them. I would like to hear one Person say something nice about me, and that’s the Lord. “I would like to hear from Him, “Well done good and faithful servant…but I am not sure I will.”
C. Applic: We will always sin in this life and have the weight of its bondage. However, living a lifestyle of repentance will lead to hearing those words.
