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Scripture Reading:  2 Corinthians 7:2-12

The Demands of Repentance

Intro.

1.  We live in a time when sin is erased from the consciences, minds & vocabularies of most people.  It is vital that we always remember God’s word of truth about this important subject.  Must be preached – Lk. 24:46-47.

2.  Are any demands placed on the sinner who repents?  What are the demands of repentance?

I.    SOME BASICS ABOUT REPENTANCE.

   A.      The Definition of “Repentance.”

      1.      metanoia – “a change of mind: as it appears to one who repents, of a purpose he has formed or of something he has done” (Thayer, 405).

      2.      Common mistake:  “Repent means to turn.”  But:  Acts 26:20.

      3.      No, it is the change of mind which produces turning!

      4.      Godly sorrow produces repentance which produces turning of one’s life to God – 2 Cor. 7:10.

      3.      Repentance results in a change of life concerning our sin – Acts 26:20; Rev. 9:20-21.

   B.      Repentance is Commanded by Christ - Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30.

      -(Not optional if you want to be saved!)

II.   SOME REAL DEMANDS ARE PLACED ON THE PERSON WHO REPENTS – Lk. 3:8-14.

   A.      First, There Must Be a Desire to Repent – Lk. 3:10.

      1.      Effect of the word of God upon the heart of sinners – Acts 2:37.

      2.      Godly sorrow due to one’s sin – 2 Cor. 7:10; cf. Acts 8:20-23, 24.

   B.      The Fruit of Repentance Must be Borne – Lk. 3:8; Acts 26:20.

   C.      Some Things “Must” be Done – Lk. 3:11-14.  (Jesus didn’t say, “there’s nothing you have to do, just don’t do it again!”)

      1.      Repudiation of sin (confess our sins) – Acts 19:18-19 (Ezra 10:10-11).

      2.      Restitution of the wrong (as ability allows) – Lk. 19:8-9 (cf. Lev. 6:1-7).  

      3.      Reformation of conduct – Matt. 21:28-31 (regret caused change); 1 Cor. 6:9-11.

         a.   Deliberate giving up of the sin – Eph. 4:20-24.

         b.   Often at great cost – Acts 19:19.

   D.      The Demands of Repentance Are Usually Emotional.

      1.      The correction of sin in one’s life can be a painful process (Acts 2:37) – Emotionally, materially, etc.

      2.      cf. Israelites who married pagan wives (Ezra 9-10):

         a.    Painful for the teacher of truth – 9:1-3 (cf. 2 Cor. 7:12).

         b.      Painful for those involved in sin – 9:4; 10:1-4, 9-12, 19, 44.

         c.    Painful for those effected by the sinner & his repentance – 10:16-18.

      3.      Emotional anguish &/or material cost do not change the nature or the demands of repentance!  (Repudiation, restitution, reformation) - Ezra 10:44

         a.    Liar – Eph. 4:25.

         b.    Stealing – Eph. 4:29.

         c.    Bitterness, wrath, anger, evil speech & malice – Eph. 4:31.

         d.    Adulterous remarriage (stealing a wife/husband) – 1 Cor. 6:9-11. 

Conclusion 

1.  When a sinner repents you can tell it! – 2 Cor. 7:11 (observe, behold)

   a.    Diligence – Haste, with care, to correct the sin.

   b.    Clearing – Their diligent change answered their critics.

   c.    Indignation – Great displeasure over their previous sin.

   d.    Fear – Dread of not pleasing God seen in their repentance.

   e.    Vehement desire – Earnest desire to do & be right.

   f.     Zeal – Fervent spirit rather than apathetic neglect.

   g.    Vindication – Meeting out of justice (to all involved).

   h.    Proved they were clear (pure) in the matter where before they were defiled by sin!

2.  Repent & escape the wrath to come!  (Lk. 3:7-8)