Getting Real About Repentance

Pastor Alan took a Sunday to address the concept of repentance, to help explain what true repentance is and why it is so important to us as Christians. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. I’ve also included some notes I took during his message, with links to Bible Gateway for the Scriptures referenced. Praying this is a blessing to you!

Repentance

• Biblical repentance means to turn from something (sin) and to Someone (Christ).
  • Daily self-examination is required.
• Repentance is NOT:
  1. “I got caught & I’m sorry [for getting caught].”
     • 2 Corinthians 7:10
     • True repentance is only possibly through the Holy Spirit.
  2. Just an outward “cleaning up” of behavior by your own self-discipline.
     • This is what Jesus called the Pharisees out on (Matthew 23:25-28).
  3. “Good” outweighing “bad.”
     • Must be an inward transformation
     • Colossians 2:13
     • Psalm 51:10 is the best definition of repentance.
  4. “Keeping up appearances.”
     • Two great tests to see what’s in your heart:
       1. Play around with God & see what comes out of your heart.
       2. Drive on the highway in Austin, TX. 🤭😁
• Four Things Involved in Repentance (Mark 8:31-38)
  1. Surrender
     • He must be in charge.
     • Ask yourself, “What do I love more than Jesus that I’m not letting go of?”
     • Hebrews 12:1
  2. Sacrifice
     • Ask yourself, “What am I going to give up today?”
     • Romans 6:11
     • Galatians 2:20
  3. Separation
     • Separation from sin & from this world
     • Ephesians 4:17-32
     • Ask yourself, “Do you care more about what others think about you or what God thinks about you?”
  4. Seriousness
     • Ask yourself, “As a Christian, how are you doing laying aside the things of this world, taking up your cross, and following Christ?”
     • Not in comparison to others, but in light of the holiness of God.
     • Romans 6:23
     • Luke 18:9-14