What Is True Repentance?

I. Reflection

A. “I perish here with hunger” (v.17)

- To remain there would mean a slow but certain death

- To remain lost in our sin problem means a slow death

B. “Treat me as one of your hired servants." (v.19)

- It was better to be a lowly servant in his father house than to be in the pig pen

- The life that lead to the pig pen was more attractive at first

- This world seems more attractive but it is no different than living in a pig pen

C. “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” (v. 18)

- He considers taking an actual action to make right his wrong.

II. Resolution

- “I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.” (v. 18)

- He not only reflects and considers taking action here but when he sees an appropriate action he resolves to do it.

III. Return and turn away

A. Luke 15:20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.

- He took action, he got up and left his life of sin and went to return to the Father.

B. He turned his back on the old life and went to his Father’s house and did not stop until he got there.

C. Luk 15:21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.

- He made a confession and admitted all his wrong.

D. “I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”

- He humbled himself

- He was sincere in his actions and his demeanor and his words-

IV. Restoration

A. “ But the father said”

- “but” or regardless, or without consideration of his request to be only a servant.

B. 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.

- The repentant and humble son was completely restored to his former relationship.

- This restoration was celebrated

- This restoration was undeserved

- Tis restoration came only after all of the above

Conclusion: Luke_17:3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,

- Restoration comes only after a genuine and sincere repentance has been made.

- It must not just be words we say

- It must also be shown by our actions and demeanor

- “Showing is knowing”

- Romans 5:8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

- “If there ain’t no show, then there ain’t no know”