Live Right

 

“Live Right”

Philippians 4:9 

SUBJECT: ANXIETY

THEME: Part of the Secret to Victory Over Anxiety is Right Living, coupled with the “God of peace” to guide us and the “Peace of God” to shield us emotionally and intellectually through periods of worry.                              

RELEVANCE: Often, we forfeit the joy of the Lord through worries that plague our minds and hearts. Fears, worries, uncertainties, and even people can literally rob us of our joy, leaving us anxious.

INTRODUCTION:

What does the Bible says about dealing with anxiety, and fears that assume the worst things may and can happen? What strategies enable us to face life’s stress? Really the opposite of anxiety is “peace.” God’s brand of peace overcomes worry. Let’s focus more on this idea.

The great apostle yearned for the “God of peace” to dwell with these believers. He wanted God’s inner tranquility—encompassing peace with God and internal peace of mind—to characterize these believers. That is exactly what God wants for you as a believer instead of anxiety!

More importantly, the Lord wants us to have a heart that is joyful and uninfluenced by the many uncertainties life will throw at us as we maintain trust in Him. We can have great peace when we Pray, Think, and Live right, but we must rely on the “God of Peace” to give us the “peace of God” as we meet these conditions.

MESSAGE:

RIGHT LIVING; PEACE THROUGH A CORRECT LIFESTYLE.  (Phil. 4:9)

Philippians 4:9 says, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you”. Paul urges believers to put into practice the teachings they have received and witnessed in his life, as a path to experiencing God’s peace.  

A. THE LINK BETWEEN PERCEPTION AND PRACTICE.

We cannot separate outward action and inward attitude. Sin always results in unrest (unless the conscience is seared), and purity ought to result in peace. “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever” (Isa 32:17). “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable” (James 3:17). Right living is a necessary condition for experiencing the peace of God. To be clear, living in alignment with God’s will is not merely a path to peace, but is its very work, a predictable outcome of peace because of practicing righteousness.

When we turn away from sin towards God through repentance, the inner turmoil caused by guilt and a conscience troubled by misconduct is removed. The Holy Spirit enables us to overcome negative patterns and rest in Christ’s work, which naturally produces inner quietness and peace. The fundamental nature of God’s kingdom is not about dietary restrictions or outward rituals, but rather about a transformed inner life characterized by being right with God, experiencing peace, and finding joy through the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17, For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  

B. THE BLESSINGS OF A GREAT EXAMPLE!

A great spiritual example inspires positive godly change by establishing clear behavioral standards, fostering trust and respect, boosting motivation and productivity, and creating a positive and unified church culture. The encouragement to follow committed leadership is restated multiple times in the NT.

Phil 4:9, Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

1 Cor 4:16, Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

Phil 3:17, Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Col 2:6, As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

1 Thess 4:1, Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

Great spiritual examples show commitment to values, encourage collaboration, bridge the gap between theory and practice in instructions, and demonstrate self-discipline and holy resilience. 

Great Leaders Provide Great Examples:

• They Foster Trust and Respect: Leaders who set a positive example earn the trust and respect of the people, making people more likely to follow their lead and feel invested in common goals. 
• They Motivate and Inspire: Positive role models inspire others to embrace passion, dedication, and similar positive behaviors, leading to higher motivation and engagement. 

Certainly, we are challenged to be good example of peace for the benefit of other Christians and to influence others to trust Christ completely.

C.  THE HEARING AND OBEYING OF GOD AND HIS WORD.

Paul balances four activities: “learned and received” and “heard and seen.” It is one thing to learn a truth, but quite another to receive it inwardly and make it a part of our inner man (see 1 Thess 2:13). Facts in the head are not enough; we must also have truths in the heart.

By internalizing and accepting truth we embark upon lasting personal change. Such transformation involves a shift in our core beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, this is a “renewing of the mind” (Rom. 12:1-2). Beloved, we have great need to humble ourselves and come into connection with the power God to fully realize his truth in us and through us. 

In Paul’s ministry, he not only taught the Word but also lived it so that His listeners could see the truth in his life. Paul’s experience ought to be our experience. We must learn the Word, receive it, hear it, and do it. “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

D. THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR INVOLVEMENT AND COLLABORATION WITH GOD.

Again Philippians 4:9 says, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you”.

Reflect on this perspective of a cooperative relationship between divine action and human effort. I am saying that while each believer must fulfill their responsibilities and strive for God-given goals, God will provide support, wisdom, and power. This is especially true when we demonstrate our commitment through faith and obedience to His will. In this respect believing in Him and following His guidance, with the understanding that true effectiveness comes from being ‘attached to God’ and relying on His strength rather than our own. 

Each of us must invest ourselves in maturation to realize greater freedom and agility in the Lord. God does not operate alone in our lives; he wants our cooperation and effort. It is true that the good out of our experiences are His productions, but he desires that we take the journey with Him. It is not a solo act on God’s part or ours, but an interactivity between the divine and human. This is what God intended in the very beginning of the creation of mankind.

In John 15:5, Jesus echoes: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing”. This vine and branches metaphor illustrates that believers must remain connected to Christ to bear spiritual fruit, as we are powerless to do anything significant apart from Him.

Philippians 4:19, reads, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. God promises He will provide for our needs from his plentiful, magnificent storehouse, through Jesus Christ. God will do His part!

E.  THE TEST OF OUR WALK WITH THE LORD.

“The peace of God” is one test of whether we are in the purpose of God. Again, we want the peace Christ gives to protect us like a referee in our thoughts and emotions. If we are walking with the Lord, then the peace of God and the God of peace exercises influence over our core ideas. Whenever we disobey, we lose that peace and we usually come to realize we have done something wrong.  

The peace of God should act as an umpire in our hearts. If in anything we are in doubt, we should ask ourselves the questions: “Does it make for peace?” or “Would I have peace in my heart if I went ahead and did it?”

This verse is especially helpful when seeking guidance from the Lord. If the Lord really wants you to embark upon a certain course of action, He will most assuredly give you peace about it. If you do not have that peace, then you should not proceed. As has been said: “Darkness about going is light about staying.”^[a]

And even though Abraham (Gen. 22) did not feel good about offering up his son, Isaac, as a burnt sacrifice, he headed to Mt. Moriah anyway trusting guidance God had clearly given over his personal feeling or questions. God’s direction made the call!

CONCLUSION:

Right praying, right thinking, and right living: these are the conditions for solid peace and victory over worry. There is no middle ground. Either we yield heart and mind to the Spirit of God and practice right praying, thinking, and living; or we yield to the flesh and find ourselves torn apart by worry. Again, worrying is sin! We have the peace of God to guard us and the God of peace to guide us!

Again, many are motivated to protect their ‘peace,’ and they navigate through circumstances and conditions while making decisions to protect their own brand of ‘peace.’ Usually such pursuits demand avoiding drama, disorder, confusion, and chaos generated by anyone else. This vein of activity also saves money, time, and energy. They consciously select an external environment occupied with quietness, tranquility, predictability, calmness, and some boredom which is admirable in many regards. But, in contrast, we can be thankful that God’s brand of “peace” provides internal protection for us! His “peace” keeps us…garrison about us and protect us like a soldier from excessive anxiety regardless of the external conditions. Certainly, we must make correct decisions also, but we wisely place yourself in His capable hands and we are free of anxiety.

Psalm 19:14, Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. We yearn for our spoken words, and internal thoughts to be pleasing and acceptable to our Lord. So, we fully embrace the connection between our inner thoughts and outward expressions. We seek alignment between our external speech and internal reflections and want harmony with God’s will and character. There is an inner longing for an entire life of integrity, where thoughts and words are rooted in God’s eternal truth, bringing honor to the Lord as our strength-giving constant Rock and Redeemer. Beloved, this is our prayer to our Father.  

Lastly, please note Romans 15:33, “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” In this concluding blessing, the Apostle Paul prays for the “God of peace” to be with these believers. He desires God’s tranquility, unifying presence, encompassing peace with God, internal peace of mind, and unity among believers. Now read again Philippians 4:9 which states, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you”. This “God of Peace” is who I want for all believers as well instead of anxiety. Life with our Lord is so much better for us all regardless of the circumstances. One key to success over anxiety is accurate living, joined with the “God of peace” to direct us and the “peace of God” to shield us emotionally and intellectually through those periods we are inclined to worry.

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^[a] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2011.

Critical or Discerning?

 

“Critical or Discerning?”

Matt. 7:6 

Matthew 7:6, Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

SUBJECT: Judgment

THEME: Discern appropriate times to share God’s truth, our faith, or a spiritual insight and readily choose silence over self-defense.

RELEVANCE: God’s truth can be mishandled, treated with contempt, dismissed, rejected, argued, and not appreciated. We must exercise judgment to present the truth with clear motives and to entrust it with those we have appropriately considered. We must first assess the condition of a person’s heart before sharing God’s precious insights with them.

INTRODUCTION:  

According to Matthew 7:6, with the Lord’s help, we are to exercise wisdom and discernment when sharing sacred or precious things to avoid rejection, mocking, or even harm from people. The “dogs” and “swine” are hostile or unworthy and will not appreciate the spiritual truth. By sharing with them, we hazard or blaspheme the truth and risk negative repercussions. 

MESSAGE:

Some key features to consider:

I.                Jesus Commanded Discernment, Not Hypocrisy  

Jesus encourages discernment, which is the ability to distinguish between those who are receptive and those who are not, rather than being a hypocritical judge who pretends to abide by a higher standard or has superior uprightness. Being fake or disingenuous is frowned upon, but Christ-like authenticity is highly valued by the Lord Jesus!

II.             Jesus Prescribed Protection of the Sacred  

We are warned to protect the value of holy things—wisdom is crucial to spiritual perpetuation, to preserve the sanctity of sacred things for future generations, and precious truths by not exposing them to people who will disrespect, disregard, or ruin them. 

As God’s people, we are privileged to handle the ‘holy things’ of the Lord. He has entrusted to us the precious truths of the Word of God, and we must regard them carefully. 2 Cor. 4:7, says, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

“That which is holy” and “pearls” picture the teaching of the gospel of the kingdom (see Matt. 13:45-46 where the kingdom of heaven is compared to a pearl of great value).

III.           Jesus Suggested we can Avoid some Hostilities

God also suggests that those who are hostile to the truth may not only reject the message but may also turn to attack the messenger. While we cannot eliminate all of this we can reduce some of it.

Jesus explained the futility of teaching the gospel to people who do not want to listen; such people will only tear apart what we say. ‘Pigs’ do not realize the value of “pearls”; all they know is that they cannot eat them, so they spit them out and then trample them into the mud. Disapproving, sinful people cannot grasp the value of the gospel, so they scornfully cast it away. We should not stop giving God’s Word to unbelievers, but we should be wise and discerning so as not to bring scorn to God’s message or hostility to ourselves.

It is important to remember that God calls us to be witnesses to “every creature” and when we discover a person or a group that is not receptive, we simply move on to the next opportunity. It is God’s will to walk away from unwelcoming scenarios (Matt. 10:11-14). Refuse to allow the rejection to hinder you in your quest to be a witness. Go ahead and restart with someone else who is receptive. We are called to be witnesses who testify, not ‘lawyers’ who win arguments!

IV.           Jesus Required Us to Exercise Wisdom in Evangelism

One immediate application is obviously sharing the Gospel of Christ. As believers, we are to be wise and cautious about whom we share the message with. 

When is evangelism wrong? Is evangelism ever inappropriate?

a.      Sometimes our witnessing requires discretion. There are times and places when witnessing can be uncouth and unfitting. As a result, the gospel will be ridiculed.

b.     When you witness, there will always be resistance to the message. Don’t be put off. Resistance is normal.

c.      But when your witness provokes anger, slander, or ridicule, consider another time, person, and perhaps place.

d.     All people need to hear the gospel, but effective witnessing occurs in appropriate settings.

While it is true that we must carry the Gospel “to every creature” (Mark 16:15), it is also true that we must not cheapen the Gospel by a ministry that lacks discernment and appropriateness. Even Jesus refused to talk to Herod (Luke 23:9), and Paul refused to argue with people who resisted the Word (Acts 13:44–49).

V.              Jesus Disclosed the Tendencies of the “Dogs” and “Swine”  

These individuals are closed-hearted (emotionally unfeeling and unsympathetic), they are more concerned about preserving themselves/position and guarding against more pain or trauma, they fail to appreciate God’s truth, they unknowingly ridicule spiritual things, they are reluctant to be vulnerable with us believing they are showing weakness, or they are generally hostile towards spiritual facts. 

What about offering reasons or explaining our intensions? You may feel like the smartest thing to do is share your thoughts, defend your position, or share your story. But, there is no guarantee that your logical explanations will fall on listening ears or be received entirely. The best course of action is to close your mouth…directly to that person, to the authorities, to people you once respected or who once respected you. Continue to live with integrity and character and let these be your means of communication. Trust God to address the misrepresentations or lies in His way and at His pace. Do not seek validation through social media! No doubt, it is surprising what people will listen to or believe without even hearing your side of the matter. Yes, former friends will treat you wrong based on that half-truth or lie, you may have to explain yourself to an authority when pressed but entrust the entire matter to the Lord and he will see that we are vindicated eventually.

Notice again that Jesus always dealt with individuals according to their needs and their spiritual condition. He did not have a memorized speech that He used with everybody. Jesus actually deeply understood his subject! He discussed the new birth with Nicodemus, but Jesus spoke of living water to the Samaritan woman at the well. When the religious leaders tried to trap Him, He refused to answer their question (Matt. 21:23–27). It is a wise Christian who first assesses the condition of a person’s heart before sharing the precious pearls.

This strategy can also be applied to students in Bible college, members in a church, in counseling situations, a colleague at work, in preaching, with a neighbor, while witnessing, a friendship, when teaching a class, and in marriage scenarios.

CONCLUSION:

To be clear, it is not that we might condemn others, but that we might be able to minister to them appropriately. So, when trying to help others, we must exercise care to do what would be appreciated, helpful, advantageous, and beneficial. We should never entrust sanctified concepts to secular souls who are unprepared for them.

Choose rather to be a living example of God’s truth! So, instead of forcefully sharing the gospel, or meticulously defending ourselves, Jesus encourages us to live out our faith with character, commitment, joy, and peace, because these are a more powerful form of communication for those who are not otherwise receptive. 

In essence, we must use wisdom and discretion when sharing God’s divine realities and teachings, recognizing that some people will mock, reject, and even become hostile when presented with things they do not value or understand. 

Christians must exercise discernment because everyone is not a sheep. Some people are dogs or hogs, and some are even wolves in sheep clothing! Clearly, we are the Lord’s sheep, but this does not mean we should let people pull the wool over our eyes!

Repentance in the Bible

 

“Repentance in the Bible”

Luke 24:47 & 2 Pet. 3:9

SUBJECT: REPENTANCE

THEME: An Appreciation of the Doctrine of Repentance Help to Ensure a Genuine Salvation Presentation, and Provides a Vital Step in Christ-centered Living!

RELEVANCE: the neglect of a biblical teaching does not eliminate its significance. Repentance has become a lost doctrine in fundamental circles in this positive thinking, high self-esteem generation. Unfortunately, churches and Christians have adopted a weak gospel presentation to avoid offending people. Not even the average preacher has a sound biblical understanding of this great doctrine anymore. 

INTRODUCTION:   

SO, HOW PROMINENT IS REPENTANCE IN THE BIBLE?

The prominence given to the Doctrine of Repentance in the Scriptures can hardly be overestimated and we downplay this teaching to our own determent.

The Word correctly conveys the just nature of God issuing in His holy decision to hold mankind accountable for their failures to live up to His standards and man’s unrepentant sinfulness. The justice of God can be seen in his judgment of Noah’s Flood, the destruction of the Sodom communities, and the removal of Israel from the Land of Promise. He is a just God who holds people accountable for their unrepentant hearts.

Repentance is witnessed as God changed his direction with mankind deeply pained in his heart for the destruction he must visit upon them (Gen. 6:5-7). There was God’s deeply felt grief over king Saul’s failures and incomplete obedience to the requirement to kill all the Amalekites (1 Sam. 15:11, 35). We also witness God’s repentance in David’s sin of pridefully numbering the armies of Israel and God stopping His angel from plaguing and destroying Jerusalem (2Sam. 24:15-17). In all these instances we see God repenting which involved a change of mind, heart, and will! Repentance, biblically speaking, should be the same for us except in our case we are guilty!

 MESSAGE:

John the Baptist began his public ministry preaching a message of repentance. Jesus Christ was also a preacher of repentance and He sent out His Apostles to preach repentance not only to Israel but to every nation. Luke 24:47, And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Some have the idea that the preaching of repentance ended with the Jews, but it was preached throughout the Apostolic Age, and the same message was to be preached around the world!

The genuine burden of the heart of God is that all men come to repentance; he does not cherish the idea of anyone being lost to the Lake of Fire. 2 Pet 3:9, The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. This is significant because a sinner can never be saved without repentance. And more generally speaking, a believer can never please God by experiencing victory in their life without repentance.

A. GOD PLACED ETERNAL SIGNIFICANCE UPON REPENTANCE IN THE SCRIPTURES

Acts 17:29-31, Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. ³⁰ And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: ³¹ Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the appointed day of judgment is coming, all people in every part of the planet must repent or face these consequences. God previously tolerated humanity’s ignorance but now firmly commands everyone to repent because of their sins. Jesus Christ provides the proof of this because God has raised him from among the dead. We can only be saved by trusting Christ while abandoning a lifestyle of sin and rebellion against God choosing a life of submission and cooperation with God’s plan. It is true some people don’t understand the holy and just nature of God, accountability to anyone is foreign to them, and owning up to one’s sins seems strange, but none of this changes God’s just expectations. People must repent or face a holy God with their sin.

B. A REVIEW OF GOD’S HOLINESS IS APPROPRIATE

Revelation 15:4, says, “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”

Leviticus 19:1-2, And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, ² Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.^[a]

Isaiah 6:2-3, Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. ³ And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. ^[b]

God is utterly pure, morally perfect, and completely set apart from sin and creation, distinct in His being and worthy of awe and inspiring our worship. This holiness encompasses His intrinsic nature—His absolute separation from evil—and His moral guiltlessness, establishing a foundation that fills all His properties and demands a distinct astonishment from us. 

John 20:27-28, Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. ²⁸ And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

This declaration of the Apostle Thomas affirms the resurrection of Jesus the Messiah, and his belief in Jesus’ divinity and resurrection. This exclamation is a profound confession of faith, acknowledging Jesus as both his sovereign Lord and his personal God, signifying submission and worship. 

Repeatedly God is portrayed as sacred, holy, the holy One, and set apart! Then the Lord Jesus is clearly revealed to be that same God, not a denial of the Trinity. God is holy in His very essence/nature and so is the Lord Jesus and this fact demands a unique reverence for Him! It helps us to remember this fundamental concept of God when declaring the gospel. Essentially, “God is holy” His unparalleled nature and absolute moral integrity set Him apart from everything else. 

C.  THE OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS REQUIRED REPENTANCE

The book of Judges records a pattern of disobedience, rebellion, and repentance of the Nation of Israel. We have a record of Israel’s failures to live up to God’s high moral standards delineated by Moses. After each phase of spiritual apostacy, idolatry, and finally repentance, God would mercifully answer their cries for deliverance through a judge. A call to repentance was often issued by God’s prophets.

       1. The Preaching of Jonah Brought About Genuine Repentance in Nineveh - Jonah 3.

Luke 11:32, The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

Our Lord’s generation, despite witnessing His power and ministry, was more accountable than the Ninevites who repented at Jonah's preaching. They will therefore face more severe judgment for rejecting the Savior, “a greater than Jonah,” who was literally in their presence. This condemnation of those who demand signs but reject God’s message can be contrasted with Israel’s greater privileges and greater condemnation with those who received less revelation.  But please do not miss the fact that “they repented at the preaching of Jonah”!

       2. The Preaching of Jeremiah Leveled this Requirement to Repent.

Jeremiah 18:8, If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.

The prophet required Israel to change their minds about sin evidenced by a change in their activities. God’s willingness to withhold judgment and offer forgiveness when a nation repents from its evil actions, illustrates that true repentance can change a divinely planned outcome. God’s power to judge and his future for a nation are dependent upon their actions of repentance.

       3. The Preaching of Ezekiel Called the Jews to Repentance During the Captivity.

Ezek 14:6, Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.

Ezekiel’s message from the Lord to the elders was God commanding the people of Israel to abandon their false gods and detestable practices, which were a stumbling block separating them from Him. God instructed them to actively turn away from all their idolatrous practices. God was again calling Israel to make a choice: to either continue in their rebelliousness or to fully return their allegiance to Him. 

These hypocritical elders came to the true God for answers while having another “god” in their hearts. God asked Ezekiel, Should I let them inquire of Me at all? God was not obligated to answer them when they refused to acknowledge His sovereignty. So instead of giving these elders the information they desired, God instructed Ezekiel to give them the information they needed—God’s attitude toward their idolatry.

God informed the elders that when any Israelite came to God while harboring idolatry in his heart, God would deal with the idolatry. God would do this for the ultimate benefit of the nation, to recapture the hearts of the people. The message Israel needed to hear was not some oracle about Jerusalem or the Captivity. The urgent message was, Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!^[c]

Beloved, this emphasizes how genuine faith and repentance requires a wholehearted (concerning our love, worship, and service), internal shift away from anything that occupies the place of God in our hearts and lives. True repentance, not just outward actions, requires separation from destructive idolatry seeking a sincere relationship with God. Are there unchecked desires occupying our hearts in the form of pleasures, power, or worldly success? Are we approaching God with divided hearts or loyalties like a mere fortune teller? God is still calling individuals, households, churches, cultures, and nations to identify and renounce counterfeit gods that can take the form of materialism, careers, or other pursuits, and to find life and security in Him alone. 

D.  REPENTANCE IS A PART OF THE GOSPEL MESSAGE

Lk. 13:3, 5, I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Again, it may be necessary to spell out exactly what repentance is for some, but generally when we are confronted with the guilty weight of our sin, we naturally repent of our sin to trust Christ as our personal Savior. Sometimes people don’t feel guilt for their sin, they may be ignorant of God’s requirements in the 10 Commandments, they may have never accepted accountability for their actions, or they may have a twisted way of perceiving repentance. May God help us to know enough about the subject of repentance so we can help them repent of their sin and live victoriously after trusting Christ as Savior.

      1. Repentance is the heart of the Great Commission (Lk 24:47). 

Luke 24:46-48, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: ⁴⁷ And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ And ye are witnesses of these things.

Christ’s suffering and resurrection coupled with the message of repentance and forgiveness in His name are to be preached to all nations. We are commissioned to be witnesses to these truths. The gospel message cannot be complete without a call for genuine repentance. This is implied when it is not explicitly stated in the text. It makes no sense to call people to God without those individuals first acknowledging their sin, failures, guilt, responsibility, or faults. God has never changed, and he does hold people accountable for their sin against Him. In the modern ‘easy-believism’ movement there is little if any stress on this aspect or even respect for the holy nature of God. Thus, we end up with so called casual ‘Christians’ whose lives never really change and who treat God extremely nonchalantly. 

      2. Many Preachers and Evangelistic Programs Carefully Avoid Dealing with the Fact That Men Are Sinners Who Must Turn from Their Sin of Unbelief to a holy God.

ILLUSTRATION: During our pre-field ministry years ago, we visited a ‘church’ in Gary, Indiana who held to and taught ‘easy believism.’ The ‘pastor’ showed me his method of soul winning, and since I received his name and location from a ‘reliable’ publication, I tried to pay close attention. What was described to me was nothing more than easy believism’ salvation on steroids. I even went out in the community with the pastor as he demonstrated his method and message. I was shocked, appalled, surprised, disappointed, and confused! “You just simply have them repeat a prayer, don’t deal with man’s sin problem, just simply ask Jesus to come into your heart” …without the heart of the sinner being prepared to truly receive Him as Savior. The idea was “don’t worry about informing the sinner that he has greatly offended and extremely holy God. Just have them repeat a prayer and ask Jesus into their heart.” Beloved, this is a spiritual lie! This is not the Gospel of Christ, the good news of the grace of God proclaimed in our New Testament.

                a. John the Baptist Preached Repentance—Matt. 3:1, 2, and 8.

                b. Jesus Christ Preached Repentance—Matt. 4:17

                c. The Apostles preached Repentance—Mk 6:12, Acts 2:38; 26:20

         3.  From Theses Verses We Understand That Repentance Belongs to the Human Side of Salvation and That it Is Man’s Response to the Preaching of the Word of God.  Repentance is the negative aspect of that response while faith is the positive response!

In our day we don’t like it when the preacher deals with the negative, we want him to accent the positive!  But God has always used negative messages to bring about positive results just ask the people of Nineveh and the 3,000 Believers on the Day of Pentecost. The Ten Commandments are filled with “Thou Shalt Nots” but they work a positive work in the heart of the sinner showing him he is a sinner that he may be saved by Jesus Christ! 

QUOTE: “There are some people who do not like the negative. “Give us positive doctrines!” they say.  “Forget about negative warnings and admonitions!” But the negative warnings and commands grow out of positive truths of Christian doctrine. No amount of positive talk about health will cure a ruptured appendix.  The doctor will have to ‘get negative’ and take out the appendix. No amount of lecturing on beauty will produce a garden. The gardener has to pull weeds! The positive and the negative go together, and one without the other leads to imbalance.” -W. W. Wiersbe

We need to balance our teaching of Faith in Christ’s finish work on the cross for salvation with the truth concerning repentance from sin. We need to get back to addressing our sinfulness.

CONCLUSION:

Mark 1:14-15, Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, [15] And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

For a person to be saved they must repent of their sin and turn unto God in faith for salvation. In the life of the believer, there should be a healthy understanding of the Doctrine of Repentance and when sin is in our lives God expects us to turn from it and have victory over it. If believers refuse to repent, then we have automatically invited the chastening of God upon our lives to correct such folly.                                                                                                          

If John the Baptist preached a message of repentance, then we should be also. Easy Believism has no place in God’s economy. We need to get back to real Biblical teaching and Biblical living if we are going to have God’s blessings on our lives!

“GIVING UP FOLLIES”

“Well, Jack, old fellow” said a man to his recently converted friend.  “I hear you have given up all your pleasures.”  “No! No!” said the friend, “the fact lies all the other way.  I have just found all my pleasures and have given up all my follies.”

1) Are you saved? Really? How do you know for sure?  

2) Has your life changed since you professed Christ? In what ways?

3) Is your life consistently changing and becoming more pleasing to God?

4) Is God trying to correct you?  Are you being chastened by God?

5) Is repentance a part of your everyday life?

6) Do you by the power of Jesus Christ forsake sin and refuse to live in it anymore?

7) Are you comfortable doing your own thing?

8) Are you accountable to God? To his Word?

9) Do you treasure executing God’s will for you?

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^[a] The Holy Bible: King James Version., electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. (Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995), Le 19:1–2.

^[b] The Holy Bible: King James Version., electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. (Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995), Is 6:2–3.

^[c] Charles H. Dyer, “Ezekiel,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1253.

Why Repentance?

 

“Why Repentance?”

ACTS 17:22-34 & 20:17-27 

Acts 17:30, And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Acts 20:21, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

SUBJECT: REPENTANCE

THEME: A Correct Understanding of Repentance Will Not Only Ensure a Genuine Salvation Experience, but It Will Also Provide a Necessary Step in Progressive Sanctification and Continuous Clean Christ-centered Living!

RELEVANCE: the neglect and oversight of a biblical teaching does not eliminate nor diminish its significance. Repentance has become a lost doctrine in fundamental circles in this positive thinking, high self-esteem generation. Unfortunately, churches and Christians have adopted a weak gospel presentation to avoid offense. Not even the average preacher has a sound biblical understanding of this great doctrine anymore. 

INTRODUCTION:  

Among the multiplied thousands of conversions which are reported annually by churches, evangelists, missionaries, and para-church organizations, only a small number result in biblical fruit. There are many ways this is manifested.

1.  There Is, First of All, the Problem of Unchanged Converts. Large numbers of those who "profess Christ" or "pray to be saved," show no evidence that they were truly born again by the Spirit of God. Their lives are not changed.

2.  There Is Also the Problem of Worldly Converts. Vast numbers of those who are said to be converted to Christ remain worldly. They love the same music and fashions, run with the same crowd, retain the same humanistic philosophies, and have the same carnal mindset as before they were "converted." The "Christian rock" music crowd illustrates this category.

3.  Further, There Is the Problem of Ecumenical Converts. They have no zeal for the truth and no distaste for error. They accept anyone as a brother or sister in Christ as long as he or she "loves Jesus." They do not carefully test spirits and doctrines. In fact, they despise and mock those who measure everything by the Word of God and who practice biblical separation. The Promise Keepers crowd illustrates this category.

4.  I Believe the Primary Problem is a Failure in Presenting the Gospel Message. Even us who believe the Bible and follow Christ have failed to place a proper emphasis on repentance in relation to Salvation. We have no problem with sharing the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ as the basis of Salvation.  This we do well.  We have not failed to emphasis the need of the sinner to Believe and Receive the Lord Jesus Christ as one’s Personal Savior.  Certainly, we do this consistently. But we have failed to emphasize repentance as the Lord Jesus and the Apostles did in their preaching and witnessing as a condition for salvation. Repentance and Faith are the conditions for a genuine conversion experience.

5.  I Am Also Afraid to Admit That Some Preach Another Gospel Altogether, Which Is Not the Gospel of Christ. They might refer to it as “Easy-Prayerism” or “Easy-Believism” which effectively disregards the extreme Holiness of God and the exceeding Sinfulness of all mankind. Therefore, there is no Godly Sorrow, and no Sense of Shame about our sinfulness, and certainly no Conviction by the Holy Spirit of God.  There is no wonder the Apostle Paul spoke of another gospel.  2 Cor. 11:3-4, says,  But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. [4] For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Therefore, we need to revisit the subject of repentance and realize afresh the emphasis that God places on this important doctrine. Because a correct understanding of repentance will not only ensure a genuine salvation experience, but it will also provide a necessary step in progressive sanctification and continuous clean Christ-centered living! Our lives will literally change as we walk in repentance!

MESSAGE:

I.  WHAT DOES REPENTANCE INVOLVE?

QUOTE: “True Repentance Has a double aspect; it looks upon things past with a weeping eye, and upon the future with a watchful eye.” –Robert Smith   

"Easy-Prayerism" or “Easy-Believism” emphasizes faith and prayer. "Just believe. Don't worry about giving up things; that will come in time. Just pray this prayer." Bible evangelism, rather, emphasizes repentance.

 A.  REPENTANCE INVOLVES A CHANGE OF MIND (INTELLECT)

Matt 21:28-29, But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.

     1. There is Broad-scale Rebellion Against the Expressed Will and Desire of the Father.

Many ‘Christians’ still seem to be living this way. 1)  God the Father says to Tithe their Income and some have effectively said “I will not.” 2)  God the Father says, to attend church regularly and some have said, “I will not.” 3)  God our Father says, You need to be Baptized according the Bible, and some have said, “I will not.” 4)  God our Father has said, to share your faith regularly and some have said, “I will not.” 5)  God has said that we should treat others the way we want to be treated, but some have said, “I will not.”    6) God our Heavenly Father has said, Seek Me and My Kingdom first in your life, but many Christians have said, “I will not.” This teaches literally that a noncompliant spirit toward divine directives is inconsistent with the Christian life and it not evidence of a genuine conversion.

     2. Then There Was a Complete Change of Mind That Resulted in a Change of Course and Action. Now, that the sinner is repentant he begins to conform to the Fathers expectations and expressed will.  His life is no longer characterized by rebellion and refusal but instead with joyous compliance and obedience. 1) He is no longer trying to run the ladies on the side, he is faithful to the Lord and his spouse.   2) She is no longer trying to manipulate her husband to get her own way, she commits her case to God who judges fairly. 3) They are no longer trying to get away with irresponsible living but now trying to understand and comply with Bible expectations. 4) They are not ignoring the church’s ideals but instead seeking to follow its Bible principles and guidelines. 5) They are no longer looking to the World for answers and advice; they are studying the Word to secure the counsel of God on the matter. 6) They are no longer fascinated with themselves, but instead they are more concerned about serving others. 7) She no longer resorts to lying and covering up the truth, but instead is open, honest, and trustworthy. 8) He no longer resorts to cussing and profanity to accomplish objectives and push around his weight, he instead relies on quality leadership, good character, and morale discipline to influence others. You see there is conformity to the expressed will of the Father and not disregard and rejection of His plan for our lives.

 B.  REPENTANCE INVOLVES A CHANGE OF HEART (EMOTION)

2 Cor 7:9-10, Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. [10] For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 

Feeling sorrow, shame and embarrassment over our sin before a trice holy God is a natural emotional response when we are confronted with an absolute standard of perfection and right-ness. Extreme seriousness, and broken heartedness about the way we have treated a kind and loving God is a part of the repentance experience.

       1) Repentance Could Involve Tears, but not Necessarily.

       2) Repentance Should Involve Shame and Deep Regret Before God.  (Godly Sorrow)

       3) Repentance Should Involve Acknowledging Our Sin Against a Holy God.

       4) Repentance Should Involve Emotional Pain Because We Have Hurt the Lord.

             a. Some Folks are Sorry Because They got Caught in Sin.

             b. Some Folks are Sorry Because They Have Ruined Their Future.

             c. Some Folks are Sorry Because They Have Brought Shame to their Family’s Good Name.

            d. Some Folks are Sorry Because Someone Else got Hurt Because of Their Sin.

ILLUSTRATION: GOD WAS GREATLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE CONDITION OF MAN IN GEN 6:6. EVEN GOD EXPERIENCED EMOTIONAL REPENTANCE IN THIS CASE! Gen 6:5-6, And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. [6] And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. The sinfulness of man had an emotional impact upon the God of Heaven.  He was sorry that man choose the way of sin instead of a relationship with Him!

   C.  REPENTANCE INVOLVES A CHANGE OF DIRECTION (WILL)

THE PRODIGAL SON DETERMINED TO RETURN HOME AND HE DID IN LUKE 15:11-24 (18, 20). This was a definite change of Direction, which is the ultimate end of true repentance.

            1. We Will Confess Our Sin to God, because of a Changed Attitude About Sin.

            2. We Will Forsake Our Sin, and View It as Awful.

            3. We Will Turn Unto the Lord and live to please Him.

ILLUSTRATIONS: 1) Consider Zacchaeus. He repented, and the evidence of this is that he gave half his goods to the poor and restored five-fold that which he had stolen through his tax collecting business (Lk. 19:1-10). We see restitution accompanying repentance. 2) Consider the idolaters at Thessalonica. They repented, and the evidence of this was that they “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess. 1:9-10). This was a complete about face!  3) Consider the Jews who heard the sermon Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost. They repented, and the evidence of this was that they gladly received his word, were baptized, and willingly joined themselves with the hated Christians (Acts 2:41, 47). We could go on and on. There is no Bible example of people being saved who did not evidence an eventual and sometimes drastic changes in their lives. Repentance is a change of mind and heart which results in a change of life.

            4.  The Bible Approach to the Sinner Is to Demand That He Repent and Turn to God. The Apostle Paul, in reviewing his ministry before King Agrippa, noted that he went about preaching to Jews and Gentiles both "that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance" (Acts 26:20). This is exactly the message which we are to preach today.

“ENOUGH TO QUIT”

“A Sunday School Teacher once asked a class what was meant by the word “repentance.” A little boy put up his hand and said, It is being sorry for your sins.” A little girl also raised her hand and said, “Please, it is being sorry enough to quit.”

 D.  AN EASY--PRAYERISM GOSPEL WHICH FAILS TO DEAL PLAINLY WITH REPENTANCE HAS REPLACED THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!

"Easy-Prayerism" or “Easy-Believism” emphasizes faith and prayer. "Just believe. Don't worry about giving up things; that will come in time. Just pray this prayer." Bible evangelism, rather, emphasizes repentance. Yet, God says, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30).

That is what Paul required of his listeners, and that is exactly what we must require. Repentance was not just something preached by John the Baptist. No, it was preached far beyond his ministry. 

       1.  Repentance Was Preached by Christ. (Matt. 3:1,2; 13:1-5). He said, Lk 5:32, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Christ's goal in dealing with men was to bring them to repentance toward God…that they may know and experience the one they were made for originally.

       2.  Repentance Was Also Preached by the Apostles (Acts 2:38; 5:31; 17:30; 20:21; 26:20). The Bible says that God is "longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9). Repentance is God's goal in dealing with sinners all over the world.

       3. Repentance Was Even Preached by Paul to the Gentile World.

Acts 20:20-21, And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, [21] Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

It was not a message to be preached solely By Jesus and John the Baptist to the Jews only.  This message of Repentance was to be preached among all nations merely beginning in Jerusalem.

Luke 24:46-48, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: [47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [48] And ye are witnesses of these things.   

       4. We Should Require Genuine Repentance Today in Our Preaching and Witnessing.

This means that we cannot have the attitude that we will deal with specific sin only after the person receives Christ. That is the philosophy of many. If the sinner brings up his love for liquor or his love for immoral relationships or his love for gambling, some think it best to delay dealing with such things until after that one has come to Christ. Sometimes this is the best policy, but only if the sinner is clearly under the conviction of the Holy Spirit regarding his sin and is clearly ready to turn to Christ. On the other hand, if the sinner is obviously still wanting to hold onto his sin, the personal worker must deal with the fact that he must turn from it. You can’t hold on to a pet sin or some favorite sin and trust Jesus Christ to save you at the same time!

E.  THE DEFINITION OF REPENTANCE.

Repentance is necessary for salvation, but repentance alone does not save. It means to change ones mind about sin to result in a change of action. Repentance is the turning away from the life of sin and turning to Jesus Christ in faith.  Repentance means a change of mind which results in a change of life. It means to turn to a holy God from our exceeding sinfulness. It means to bow before Jesus Christ as the Lord and God of one's life. Bible examples of repentance show a clear change in people's behavior. The change does not save us from sin, but IT IS the clear fruit of Bible salvation. This is an authentic conversion, which involves both repentance and faith.

F. WHAT IS THE GOSPEL MESSAGE TO A SINNER?

1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; ² By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. ³ For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; ⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

     1.  Christ Died for Our Sins

The Death of Christ is significant because all sinners abide under the wrath of God and we were all sentenced to death. But JESUS CHRIST SUFFERED AND DIED IN OUR STEAD AS OUR SUBSTITUTE AND AS OUR REPRESENTATIVE! HE DIED FOR US!  Therefore if He took my death then I as a believer am no longer obligated to Death. That’s GOOD NEWS to the sinner!

Rom 6:23, For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Rom 5:12, Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Also Ezek. 18:4)

              (1)   God Has Declared That the Proper Punishment of Sin is Death.

We all have sinned; we all tend to sin and God has condemned that tendency in us all.  Because we have sinned against God, we deserve death. Eternal death—this is separation from God forever in the Lake of Fire also the Second Death. (Rev. 20: 11-15)

              (2)  The Good News is that Jesus Christ Died for Us. 

He took the punishment for sin that we deserved.  He was completely sinless and could not sin, therefore He did not deserve death.  But He willingly died in our place and as our substitute.

2 Cor 5:21, For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Pet 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Isa 53:6, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

The truth is that since Jesus Christ died for me and the penalty of sin was paid for everyone by Him then we who have accepted Him need not die for our own sin.  If  we accept His sacrifice for all sin, we receive to our sin debt the credit of death. We are no longer obligated to pay a debt that is paid in full by Christ. THIS IS GOOD NEWS!

    2.   Christ was Buried to Put Away Our Sin.

The Burial of Christ is significant because Christ bore in His body our sin upon the tree, then that same sin riveted body was placed in a new tomb. This is conformation that Christ literally died. Therefore, our sins were literally paid for in His death. The beauty here is that when Christ rose from the grave He was no longer baring our sin! The question here is where is our sin? The answer is it’s GONE! Jesus is the Lamb of God that taketh AWAY the sin of the World!

Illustration: The Day of Atonement and the SCAPEGOAT is a good picture of Christ the sin barer taking away the sin of the people.

     3. Christ was Raised Again for Our Justification.

This is significant because the same one who died for my sin is alive today to save me. We can trust a Living Savior: a living Savior can call sinners unto himself. The resurrection of Christ is God’s endorsement of Christ’s ministry! Clearly, He is the only one that can by His finished work bring sinful man back into fellowship with a Holy God.

                1.   When a sinner trust Christ as their Lord and Savior, he is accepting the credit of  being alive because he is identifying with Christ’s Resurrection.  For the sinner who believes on Christ, there remains no more obligations to sin and death.  He is freed from such obligations so that he can serve his Lord with his new life.   (See Rom 6:4-13).     

                2.   Jesus Christ literally and bodily came forth from the grave. Acts 1:3, To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

1 Cor 15:5-8, And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: [6] After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. [7] After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. [8] And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

(Also see John 20:26-31)

QUOTE: “When the risen Christ appeared unto the discouraged disciples and revived their faith and hope, they went forth, under the all conquering faith in a risen and ascended Lord, and preached the story of His life, death, resurrection, ascension, and coming again.” –Williams Evans

With this understanding this is the proper message for the masses. We as Gospel witnesses should know and understand the message that God has charged us to share. The better we understand it the more able we’ll are sharing it.