The Gospel's Answer To The "Practice" Of Sin - Part Two

The Gospel's Answer To The "Practice" Of Sin Part Two

Now that we may have a better idea as to what repentance is and what indications are that it has occurred, let's continue our study by considering what is involved in the production of repentance. In other words, what produces true repentance. A Godly sorrow produces repentance. Note carefully Paul's words in 2 Co 7:9-10 "Now I am happy, but not because I hurt your feelings. It is because God used your hurt feelings to make you turn back to him, and none of you were harmed by us. When God makes you feel sorry enough to turn to him and be saved, you don't have anything to feel bad about. But when this world makes you feel sorry, it can cause your death." Not simply "sorrow", but one that is "godly". For there is such a thing as "sorrow of the world". The difference between "godly" sorrow and "worldly" sorrow. "Worldly" sorrow is a selfish kind of sorrow, e.g., when one is sorry because he got caught or when one is sorry because what one did made himself look bad. In "worldly sorrow", one is concerned about one's self! "Godly" sorrow is sorrow directed toward GOD ("godly" is literally "according to God"). I.e., one is sorry because their actions are sins against a Holy God - fr example, the attitude of David in Ps 51:4 "You are really the one I have sinned against; I have disobeyed you and have done wrong. So it is right and fair for you to correct and punish me." Also, one is sorry because of the price God must pay to have our sins removed. Some more differences, "worldly" sorrow produces regret, "godly" sorrow suffers loss in nothing; "worldly" produces death, "godly" sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation.

Desiring such repentance in ourselves and others, how can we produce the "godly sorrow" that leads to repentance? Nathan's rebuke to David provides some insight - 2 Sam 12:7-12. Make an appeal to God's love - 7-8 "Then Nathan told David: You are that rich man! Now listen to what the LORD God of Israel says to you: "I chose you to be the king of Israel. I kept you safe from Saul and even gave you his house and his wives. I let you rule Israel and Judah, and if that had not been enough, I would have given you much more." Reveal the sin - 9 "Why did you disobey me and do such a horrible thing? You murdered Uriah the Hittite by having the Ammonites kill him, so you could take his wife." Warn of the consequences - 10-12 ‘"Because you wouldn't obey me and took Uriah's wife for yourself, your family will never live in peace. Someone from your own family will cause you a lot of trouble, and I will take your wives and give them to another man before your very eyes. He will go to bed with them while everyone looks on. What you did was in secret, but I will do this in the open for everyone in Israel to see."’

The gospel of Christ, when properly taught, is designed to produce "godly sorrow" in the same way, and in turn, repentance. It appeals to God's love as a basis for repentance - Ro 2:4 "You surely don't think much of God's wonderful goodness or of his patience and willingness to put up with you. Don't you know that the reason God is good to you is because he wants you to turn to him?" It reveals our sin - Ro 3:23 "All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory." It warns of the consequences - Ro 2:5-11 "But you are stubborn and refuse to turn to God. So you are making things even worse for yourselves on that day when he will show how angry he is and will judge the world with fairness. God will reward each of us for what we have done. He will give eternal life to everyone who has patiently done what is good in the hope of receiving glory, honor, and life that lasts forever. But he will show how angry and furious he can be with every selfish person who rejects the truth and wants to do evil. All who are wicked will be punished with trouble and suffering. It doesn't matter if they are Jews or Gentiles. But all who do right will be rewarded with glory, honor, and peace, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. God doesn't have any favorites!"

The gospel of Jesus Christ, properly presented and understood, can help produce the kind of
repentance that will effectively deal with the practice of sin! Have you truly repented of your sins? Can you look at your life and see indications that you have really had a "change of mind"?
That you made "a decision to turn from sin and turn to God"? Make no mistake about it. If you have not yet obeyed the gospel...you have not repented! If you have become slack in your service to God...you are in need of repentance! If such is the case, then you are in need of a healthy dose of "godly sorrow", brought about only by realizing...God's love for you. The fact you are still in your sins and the consequences if you do not repent. If you believe the good news of God's love for you, and godly sorrow has prompted you to have a "change of mind", why not do those "works befitting repentance"...? Confess your faith in Christ and be baptized into Christ for the remission of your sins (if that is your need). Confess your sins and ask for the prayers of the brethren (if such is your need). Let the gospel of Christ address the practice of sin in your life through its call to repentance!

After studying this lesson and you fell the need to repent and turn to God, please contact me at:
jnlnewsted@nts-online.net

This study is from The Executable Outlines Series, a collection of sermon outlines and Bible study lessons by Mark A. Copeland . These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001