Repent Or Perish

REPENT OR PERISH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 13:1-9

"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." – Luke 13:3

Supporting Texts:

Ezekiel 18:30-32, Acts 17:30-31, 2 Peter 3:9, Matthew 3:8-10, Revelation 2:5

INTRODUCTION:

Repentance is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus. In Luke 13:1-9, Jesus responds to a group of people who reported to Him about certain Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. The people likely thought that those who suffered such a tragic fate were worse sinners than others. However, Jesus corrected their perspective, teaching that everyone must repent or face judgment.

He further illustrated this truth with the parable of the barren fig tree. The owner of the vineyard sought fruit from the tree but found none. Though he wanted to cut it down, the gardener pleaded for more time, promising to nurture it. This parable highlights God’s patience, but also His expectation of genuine repentance and fruitfulness.

In this sermon, we will explore the urgent call to repentance, the danger of delaying it, and the fruits that must follow true repentance.

1. REPENTANCE IS A UNIVERSAL REQUIREMENT

Repentance is not for a select few; it is God’s demand from everyone.

a) No one is exempt from the call to repentance (Luke 13:3, 5).

Jesus made it clear that unless we repent, we will all perish.

b) Sin is the root cause of destruction (Romans 6:23).

Death and suffering are consequences of a sinful world.

c) God commands all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30-31).

In times past, God overlooked ignorance, but now He demands repentance.

d) Repentance leads to salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Godly sorrow produces true and lasting repentance.

e) Biblical Example: Nineveh’s repentance (Jonah 3:4-10).

When the people repented, God withheld His judgment.

2. THE DANGER OF DELAYING REPENTANCE

Postponing repentance is risky and can lead to eternal loss.

a) Tomorrow is not guaranteed (James 4:14).

Life is like a vapour that appears for a while and vanishes.

b) Delayed repentance hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:7-8).

The more we delay, the harder it becomes to turn back to God.

c) God's patience has a limit (Genesis 6:3).

There comes a time when judgment must fall.

d) Some will seek repentance when it’s too late (Matthew 25:10-12).

The foolish virgins were shut out because they delayed.

e) Biblical Example: Esau (Hebrews 12:16-17).

He sought repentance with tears but found no place for it.

3. TRUE REPENTANCE PRODUCES FRUIT

Repentance is not just a feeling of sorrow; it must be evident in our lives.

a) Repentance must be accompanied by a changed life (Luke 3:8).

John the Baptist warned the people to bear fruits worthy of repentance.

b) A repentant heart turns away from sin (Isaiah 55:7).

Forsaking sin is proof of genuine repentance.

c) Good works follow true repentance (Acts 26:20).

Paul preached that men should repent and do works befitting repentance.

d) True repentance seeks to make restitution (Luke 19:8).

Zacchaeus repaid those he had cheated.

e) Biblical Example: The prodigal son (Luke 15:17-20).

His repentance was demonstrated by his return to the father.

4. GOD'S PATIENCE IS NOT FOREVER

The parable of the barren fig tree shows that God gives time, but not indefinitely.

a) God expects fruitfulness from His children (John 15:2).

Every branch that does not bear fruit will be taken away.

b) His mercy gives us time to repent (2 Peter 3:9).

He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

c) There is a set time for judgment (Romans 2:4-5).

The goodness of God should lead to repentance, not complacency.

d) Wasted opportunities lead to destruction (Luke 13:7).

The unfruitful tree was given a final chance before being cut down.

e) Biblical Example: Jerusalem’s rejection of Christ (Luke 19:41-44).

Because they did not recognise their time of visitation, judgment came upon them.

5. REPENTANCE BRINGS RESTORATION AND REVIVAL

When we turn to God, He restores and revives us.

a) God restores the repentant (Joel 2:25).

He gives back what sin and disobedience have stolen.

b) The Holy Spirit renews a repentant heart (Psalm 51:10-12).

David prayed for a clean heart and a right spirit.

c) Revival follows true repentance (Acts 3:19).

When we repent, times of refreshing come from the Lord.

d) God’s grace empowers us to live right (Titus 2:11-12).

His grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and live righteously.

e) Biblical Example: The church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:5).

Jesus called them to repent and return to their first love.

CONCLUSION:

Jesus’ message in Luke 13:1-9 is a solemn warning that no one is exempt from the call to repentance. God is patient, but His patience has a limit. The parable of the barren fig tree reminds us that He gives us opportunities to repent and bear fruit, but if we remain unfruitful, judgment will follow.