The
Foundation of the Christian Faith
Course: Salvation
Lesson
Four
Title: Repentance
Text: 2 Corinthians
Introduction: Two Greek words
for Repentance.
(1) 'For godly sorrow works repentance (Greek: metanoeo) to salvation…' 2 Corinthians 7:10a.
(2) '…not to be repented of (Greek: metamelomai): but the sorrow of the world works death.' 2 Corinthians 7:10b.
What Godly repentance is not: Repentance leading to salvation is more than 'metamelomai' regret over sin.
Introductory Illustration: Various examples of remorse.
A person may have great sorrow and remorse because of the consequences of sin.
Godly repentance is more than remorse or regret. Godly repentance is a complete change of mind. It is a turning away from sin to faith in Christ.
Main
Points
1 The meaning of repentance. Greek 'metanoeo' means literally 'to change one's perception' ('meta' after and 'noeo' to perceive).
(a) Repentance is a complete change in the way we think. Romans 3:23; Ephesians 2:2-3. Ephesians 2:12; Genesis 39:9; Psalm 51:4. (b) Repentance is continuous. It is a changed mentality that continues throughout a person's life. There is no going back. 2 Peter 2:22.
Story: Martin Luther's 95 Theses. Luther saw repentance as a continuous event. He regarded the whole of the Christian life as a life of repentance.
Question: In what way is repentance continuous? 1 John 1:6; 2 Corinthians 7:9; Revelation 2:5; 16; 21; 22; 3:3; 19.
2. The Call to Repentance, Matthew 9:13.
Testimony: The gospel is not just the
message ‘Jesus loves you’. Luke 18:23; Acts 17:30.
The message of repentance is unpopular
because (1) we are condemned sinners without Christ. 1 Timothy
1:15. (2) It has a negative
view of mankind. (3) It means that sin
will not go unpunished.
3. The Fruit of Repentance, Matthew 3:8.
(a) Difference between doing penance and repentance.
(b) The fruit of repentance. Luke 15:18; Luke 18:13; Luke 19:8; Matthew 18:21-35.
(c) Repentance unto life - evidence of new life. Acts 11:18; Acts 8:9-24
An example of godly repentance. 2 Corinthians 7:11
Summary
Godly repentance is more than sorrow over the consequences of sin. Repentance that leads to salvation…
1) …is a complete change of mentality. It is a turning away from sin.
2) …does not seek self-punishment but looks to Christ for forgiveness.
3) …will produce the fruits of a changed life.