Repent Series

OBEYING EVERYTHING JESUS DEMANDED

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”" (Matthew 28:19-20, NRSV)

Note:

1.Who gave the command and How?

2.What did He command?

3.How is His command to be done?

1. First Command: REPENT

"“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 3:2, NRSV)

"From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17, NRSV)

“and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem." (Luke 24:47, NRSV)

"Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” (Acts 2:38-39, NRSV)

"Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out," (Acts 3:19, NRSV)

"While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead." (Acts 17:30-31, NRSV)

"But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:8-9, NRSV)

What is Repentance?

Repentance is turning away from sin, a turning to God, which results to a change of heart and life and mind.

Why is Repentance Necessary?

1.ENTRANCE TO GOD’S KINGDOM

God’s kingdom is God’s rule, His government, and the sphere where His will is done.

His kingdom results in a life of peace, joy, freedom, forgiveness, victory.

We need to give up our own “kingdoms”.

Jesus does not overpower His subjects;

His kingdom comes when we yield our own kingdoms

The kingdom of God is near means that in and through Jesus God is opening a new way to enter His rule – way of repentance.

2. SAVE FROM GOD’S JUDGMENT (3:10,12)

"Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." (Matthew 3:10, NRSV)

"His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” (Matthew 3:12, NRSV)

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God." (John 3:17-18, NRSV)

"And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.” (John 3:36, NLT)

3. RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT (3:11)

“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire." (Matthew 3:11, NLT)

In contrast to God’s wrath, in repentance, God gives us Himself: loving, healing, near, forgiving, guiding, protecting, empowering, etc.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live for God.

The Holy Spirit empowers us to minister to others.

PRACTICAL WAYS TO LIVE IN REPENTANCE:

1.Live in humble dependence on God. Practice the First Law of the Christian life, “GOD IS GOD AND I AM NOT.”

2.Surrender every area of your life. Practice giving to God every room in our “Interior Castle.”

3.Practice the Lord’s Prayer everyday