Week 9: February 26th, 2017
Topic: Repentance - Part 1
Bible Reading: Joel 2: 12-17
Introduction
Repentance is the action of repenting your misdeeds or moral shortcomings. It is to feel sorry for the past misconducts and be filled with regret or to be conscience stricken about past actions or attitudes (stricken). In the Biblical context, it is to turn from sin and dedicate to the amendment of one’s life. It can be described as the feeling of sorrow for your iniquity and taking steps to change for better. In a nutshell, it is turning from evil to good by loving the will of God, deserting Satan and his works, and embracing the Lord Your Creator.
God love mankind so much and it is for this reason that the goodness of God leads to repentance. Do not forget about the loving-kindness of God towards you. Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that this kindness is intended to turn you from your sin by giving you repentance?
It is written “or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” Romans 2: 4. It is not because of your might or power, but the goodness of God that gives you repentance. Nobody likes to be sorrowful, but whenever you are sad in godly manners it will bring repentance, unlike the worldly sorrow which produces death. The type of sorrow God wants you to experience will lead you away from sin and result in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow which lacks repentance always results in spiritual death. The Bible says “godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted, but the sorrow of the world produces death” 2 Corinthians 7: 9. Henceforth, let your sorrow be godly.
Brethren it is time, the Kingdom of God is near. Repent of your sins and believe the Good News Mark 1: 15.
Why do you need repentance?
Humans need repentance for several reasons and we will discuss some of them.
The fall of mankind: Adam and Eve disobeyed the Lord God. He drove them out to the Garden of Eden which resulted in the fall of mankind. In order to restore humans to the original spiritual level, we need to repent and reconcile with God. Genesis 3: 23.
Wickedness of Humans: Among all the creations of God, it is humans that are very wicked and always break His heart. “The Lord saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth and every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth and He was grieved in His heart” Genesis 6: 5-6.
People have backslidden: People of this age continue with their sinful lifestyles and immoral activities. Change today, repent and reconcile with your Maker Jeremiah 3: 6. Return faithless people and God will cure you of backslidings, says the Lord if you come to him with repentant heart Jeremiah 3: 22.
All have sinned: The Bible confirmed that all humans, both male and female, old and young have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3: 23. For you to merit the glory of God you need repentance.
Humans were brought forth in iniquity: Every human is conceived in sin and brought forth in iniquity. Whether you are born naturally or delivered through Cesarean section operation, you are still a sinner, says the Bible Psalm 51:5. Turn to God fully today and repent of your inherited sins.
Repent To Be Purified: If God put no trust in His Saints and the heavens are not absolutely pure in His sight. How much less man, who is abominable and filthy, who drinks iniquity like water Job 15: 15-16. If the heavens are not pure before God, how much less humans, that are corrupt and sinful with a thirst for wickedness?
What have I done? Nowadays, people neither say what is right nor tell the truth. People are not usually sorry for doing wrong and they are not ready to repent of their wickedness. What they always say is “What have I done?” People always claim to be innocent or ignorant, but humans are always wrong while God is always right Jeremiah 8: 6. If you claim to be innocent, what about the sins inherited from your parents? For this reason, you are not innocent/right, but repent.
People are adamant: Most people are stubborn, despite the fact that they see people that are suffering the consequences of their transgressions; they still refuse to repent because they are comfortable. The fact that you are comfortable does not mean you don’t have to repent Revelation 9:20. Repent so that you too will not suffer the same fate. Some stubborn people will be thinking that judgment will never befall them, but they are wrong. The only way to escape is to repent Revelation 9:21.
Process/Steps of Repentance
We will discuss extensively the necessary steps to obtain repentance from the Lord.
Acknowledge your sins: Humans are sinners; so you must acknowledge your transgressions and realize that you are a sinner Psalm 51: 3.
Confess your sins: You need to confess your sins because God is faithful and just to forgive your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness 1 John 1: 9. Remember that anyone who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy Proverbs 28: 13.
Ask For Forgiveness: The Bible stated that there is forgiveness with God so that we can fear Him Psalm 130: 4. Since mercy and forgiveness belong to God, you have to ask for forgiveness from Him, even if you have rebelled against Him Daniel 9: 9.
Show Signs of Remorse: The Scripture says, surely after my turning, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck myself on the thigh; I was ashamed, yes even humiliated, because I bore the reproach of my youth Jeremiah 31: 19. If you don’t show signs of remorse your repentance is not complete. Also you cannot deceive God so let Him know that you are sorry from the bottom of your heart.
Make a Resolution: Resolve in your heart never to go back to your sinful lifestyle. You must determine to forsake Satan and his works. It is then that your repentance is complete.
Week 10: March 5th, 2017
Topic: Repentance - Part 2
Bible Reading: Joel 2: 12-17
We shall continue this study by discussing the Bible and the prophets that were sent by the Lord to mankind concerning repentance.
The Bible and the Prophets
People must realize that it is because of repentance that the Holy Bible together with the prophets and prophetesses were sent to mankind. Everything in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation is concerning the second chance called “Repentance” because of the spiritual fall of human beings. If God considers repentance to be important, necessary and essential, then you have to repent before it is too late so that you will inherit the kingdom of God.
King Solomon pleaded with God: King Solomon pleaded with the Lord on behalf of the Israelites at the dedication of the Temple. He said if the Israelites sin against God (because there is no one who does not sin) and He becomes angry with them and delivers them to their enemy, and they take them captive to the land of their enemy. Once they changed, repent and return to the Lord, God should please forgive their sins and have compassion on them 1 Kings 8:46-50. If your transgressions have put you in bondage, if you repent now, the Lord will forgive your sins and have compassion on you.
John the Baptist preached Repentance: John the Baptist, the forerunner of our Lord Jesus Christ preached about repentance, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” Matthew 3:1; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3. Emulate John the Baptist by preaching repentance to your neighbors and friends.
Parable of the wicked vinedressers: A landowner planted a vineyard and leased it to vinedressers, then went to a far country. At vintage time, he sent his servants to the vinedressers so that he might collect/receive its fruits. The vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. He sent another set of servants and they received the same fate. Finally he sent his son who is the heir to his Empire, and the vinedressers killed him. The landowner is God, the vineyard is this world, the vinedressers are humans and the servants are the prophets sent to the world. Matthew 21:33-41. If you don’t want God to destroy you, repent of your wickedness.
The Apostles preached repentance: Jesus Christ sent the Twelve Apostles to go and preach repentance, with the authority to heal and cast out unclean spirits Mark 6:7-12. If you are preaching repentance like the Apostles, God will give you the spiritual gifts of healing and deliverance.
Jesus Christ preached repentance: Jesus Christ preached saying “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” Matthew 4:17. If Jesus Christ can preach repentance, then don’t consider yourself too big to preach repentance. But you have to repent of your sins before you can preach repentance to other people.
You are instructed to preach repentance: Jesus Christ commanded us to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”. What are you going to preach? You are going to preach repentance because the kingdom of heaven is at hand Mark 16:15. Do not disobey the instruction and the voice of the Lord; henceforth, start preaching repentance to every creature.
Bear fruits worthy of repentance: Everybody must bear fruits worthy of repentance. You should stop thinking that you are a prophet or priest because God is capable to raise people who are better than you, if you fail to bear fruits worth of repentance Luke 3:8; Matthew 3:8-9.
Only God Can Give Repentance
I want us to know that it is only God who has the capability to grant repentance to humans. People who always say “when I attain certain age or position then I will repent” are deceiving themselves because they might not live to that age or they may have situations that make it impossible to repent when they get to their desired position.
God grants repentance: The Apostles rejoiced and glorified God saying “God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance of life” Acts 11:18. Do things that are acceptable to the Lord, so that He can grant you repentance unto life.
Be gentle when teaching/preaching: Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance, leading them to the knowledge of the truth 2 Timothy 2:25.
God is not a man: The Bible says “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor son of man, that He should repent. Has He said and will He not do? Or has He spoken and will He not make it good?” Numbers 23: 19. Only God doesn’t need to repent because He doesn’t do evil, though He can have a change of mind by granting repentance.
Repentance Comes Through Christ
Only God grants repentance, but it comes through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The death and resurrection of Christ: The suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ, together with His death and resurrection make it inevitable for repentance and the remission of sins to be preached in His name throughout the world Luke 24:46-47. Repent and preach repentance to others so that the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross will not be in vain.
God gives repentance to believers through Christ: God exalted Jesus Christ to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to the believers Acts 5:31. Your Savior is waiting for your repentance, therefore be prepared.
Repentance Period
God usually give humans a period to repent called the repentance period. Whoever repents during this period, their repentance will be acceptable. However, anyone who repents after the repentance period, their repentance is in vain.
God is not slack: The Bible says “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” 2 Peter 3:9. Since the Lord is patiently waiting for you to repent, because He didn’t want you to perish, repent now so that His patience will not be in vain.
People of Nineveh: People of Nineveh believed God through the preaching of Jonah. They changed, turned to God and repented before the repentance period passed away. God had a change of heart and He did not bring disaster upon them Jonah 3:5-10. You too repent before it is too late.
Peter repented on time: Jesus informed Peter about the Devil’s plan for him, and prayed for Peter. When the incident happened, Peter wept bitterly and repented before the repentance time passed away Luke 22:31-32, 56-62. Emulate Peter and repent before the repentance period passes away.
Judas Iscariot: Satan entered Judas’s mind and he betrayed Jesus Christ our Lord. He failed to repent when he had the opportunity. By the time he repented, he returned the money collected to the chief priest and the elders, but the repentance period had passed. Therefore his name was removed from the Book of Life and his portion erased from among the Apostles Luke 22:3, 47-48; Matthew 27:3-5. Repent today so that you will not suffer the same fate as Judas.
Week 11: March 12, 2017
Topic: Repentance – Part 3
Bible Reading: Joel 2: 2-17
Before we continue I will like to remind us to repent and seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near, before the repentance period passes away Isaiah 55: 6. This study shall progress by discussing the advices concerning repentance.
Advices
We will discuss some of the recommendations offered in the Bible as guides to repentance.
Preach Repentance to people: Declare the word of God throughout the globe, most especially to the Gentiles that they should repent, turn to God and do works befitting repentance Acts 26: 20. It is your duty to preach repentance throughout the world, so that people will repent of their sins and turn to God; also they must demonstrate/prove their repentance by their good deeds.
Do not waste Christ’s resources: Since Jesus came to call the sinners to repentance, repent now, so that you will not waste Christ’s time, energy and resources Matthew 9: 13, Mark 2: 17, Luke 5: 32. Beware and do not provoke the Lord by wasting His valuable time.
Do not compromise: Brethren do not compromise, but remember how you have received and heard the Gospel; hold firmly to it and repent; else Christ will sneak on you like a thief Revelation 3: 3. Since you do not know when Jesus will come upon you like a thief, repent immediately.
Do not deny Christ: Many people confess/profess to know Jesus Christ, but they are denying Him through their works/deeds. It is this category of people that the Bible stated about, “It is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, if they fall away to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God and put Him to an open shame Hebrews 6: 4, 6. If you belong to this group of people, please do not disgrace Christ so that it will not be impossible to bring you back to repentance, without which you can never inherit the Kingdom of God.
Do not miss the opportunity to repent: Christ has given you the grace to repent today; please do not miss this opportunity to turn and reconcile with your Creator. The people of Thyatira had the chance, but they failed to repent Revelation 2: 18-21. Do not fail to utilize the gracious time to repent. Do not be like Esau who did not repent, but wanted to inherit Abraham’s blessings. The Bible says “You know that afterward, when Esau wanted to inherit his father’s blessing he was rejected because he found no chance to repent and it was too late for repentance, even though he begged and sought the blessing with tears” Hebrews 12: 16-17.
We shall discuss some of the penalties that await the unrepentant people if they fail to quickly repent and turn to God.
Punishments For Not Repenting
Lampstand will be removed: If you don’t want to be in eternal darkness, stop and repent of whatever you are doing that is making the Gentiles to blaspheme the name of the Lord through you. The Bible stated that “Remember therefore from where you have fallen, repent and do the first works or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place – unless you repent” Revelation 2: 5. If you don’t want your lampstand to be removed from its place, repent, return to your first love and your first works. Refrain from whatever you are doing that is not acceptable to the Lord.
Christ will fight you with sword: Abstain from whatever you are doing that you cannot mention on the street. It was written that you must repent of your sins, else I will come to you quickly and fight against you with the sword of My mouth says the Lord Revelation 2: 16. Repent and stop doing things that can put Christianity to shame, so that Christ will not fight you with the sword in His mouth.
Bedridden: Unless you repent of your deeds, you will be casted into a sickbed; says the Bible. If you don’t want to be bedridden abstain from those conducts that are polluting your conscience Revelation 2: 22. Repent and stop doing those secret deeds which you think nobody sees you (knows about), else you will be bedridden.
Unrepentant people will be condemned: People who did not repent through the preaching of Jesus Christ and this discussion will be condemned. Since the people of Nineveh repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah, then they will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it Matthew 12: 41, Luke 11: 32. If you don’t want to be condemned, repent today through this word of Christ that was sent to you.
Unrepentant people will have great sorrow: This category of people will have great sorrow because they did not repent despite the great work which the Lord had done in their lives. They shall have great sorrow because if such works were performed in other people’s lives they would have repented Matthew 11: 20-21. If you don’t want distress but joy in your life then repent quickly.
The parable of the barren fig tree: A man planted a fig tree in his vineyard and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. He waited three years and found no fruit on it. Then the keeper of his vineyard pleaded with him to give one more year during which time he will dig around it and fertilize it. If it now bears fruit, he will keep and maintain it, else it will be cut down Luke 13: 7-9. Bear fruits that is worthy of repentance, else you will be cut down and perish.
Week 12: March 19, 2017
Topic: Repentance – Part 4
Bible Reading: Joel 2: 12-17
Implications of not repenting
We must realize that repentance is the best thing that can (has ever) happen to mankind and it is the only way to restore the lost glory to humans. Without repentance the following will happen:
· One’s life will be in disarray and one’s journey shall be ruined
· Mankind will be in spiritual slavery and the darkness shall prevail on people.
· Humans can neither mingle with the heavenly beings nor receive gifts of the Holy Spirit.
· The severe judgment of God will come upon mankind and we will end our journeys in Satan’s camp.
· Humans can neither please God nor be acceptable in His presence.
· The powerful Word of the Lord will be impotent in our lives and no one will enter the glorious home.
· Humans can neither be established nor prosper in their devilish ways.
· The suffering of our Lord Jesus Christ and His painful death on the cross will be in futility.
· The covenant of God will never be established in one’s life and His promises shall not come to pass.
For these reasons, repent and do the will of God.
Relief for those who repent
Son of Man, desert the Devil and his works. Stop all your wickedness and refrain from every evil deed.
· Repent today, turn to God and there will be great transformation in your life.
· Repent now so that God will overlook your past sins and aged iniquities.
· Repent quickly so that God will renew your life and restore your foundational glory.
· Repent and reconcile with your Creator before it is too late, so that good things will never lack in your life.
Rewards of Repentance
God did not ask you to repent in vain, but He has lots of benefits that will accrue to you and better your life, if and only if you can repent today.
Remission of sins and refreshing time: The only way for you to receive remission of your sins is to repent and preach repentance to other people around the globe. It is then that God will overlook and forgive your sins Luke 24: 47. Therefore repent, change your mind and purpose; turn around and return to God, so that your sins that Satan is using to petition you may be erased and the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord Acts 3: 19. If you want remission of sins and refreshing times, then repent today before it is too late.
You will be redeemed and live: God will visit the repentant people and redeem them Luke 1: 68. He will certainly redeem from your iniquities if you repent says the Bible Psalm 130: 8. Therefore, always do what is good and abstain from evil so that the Lord God of Hosts will be with you Amos 5: 14. Henceforth, seek God with a repentant heart and you will live, says the Lord Amos 5: 4. You need a repentant heart to receive redemption and live a meaningful life.
Mercy and restoration: There is no God like the Holy One of Israel, in all of heaven above or on earth below that is capable to keep His covenant and mercy to all who walk before Him with repentant hearts, states the scripture 1 Kings 8: 23. Therefore, come and let us return in repentance to the Lord so that He will restore us Hosea 6: 1. For mercy and restoration to manifest in your life you need repentance.
Security and Transformation: Repent immediately, if you want:
· To forget your misery and remember it as waters that has passed away.
· Your life to be brighter than noonday.
· To be secured, have hope and rest in safety.
· To lie down with no one to make you afraid and many people courting your favour Job 11: 13-19.
You will have plenty of good things: If you want the good things of life to be your portion and you want sufficient goodness to manifest in your journey. You have to be obedient to the Lord and repent at this moment Isaiah 1: 18-19. For unlimited goodness to come your way you have to repent.
Blessings and prosperity: The Bible says blessings are on the head of the righteous, therefore do the right thing and repent of your sins so that the blessings will be revealed in your life without hindrance Proverbs 10: 6. In order for the foundational blessing to be meaningful in your life, you need a repentant heart Genesis 1: 28. If you are thirsty to inherit Abraham’s blessings, you need to seek and walk with God with a repentant heart. If you will earnestly seek God with a repentant heart, if you are pure and upright, surely God will awake for you and prosper your rightful dwelling place Job 8: 5-6. For blessings and success to be visible in your life, it is inevitable to have repentance.
Gift of the Holy Spirit: Peter said through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that “Every one of you must repent of your sins, turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit” Acts 2: 38. Do not deceive yourself until you repent of your sins you cannot receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and if you already have the gifts without repentance, it shall be retrieved and it will be given to your neighbor that repents.
You will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven: The Bible stated that “Thus says the Lord of Hosts: ‘Return to Me’, says the Lord of Hosts, ‘and I will return to you’, says the Lord of Hosts”. If you return to the Lord with a repentant heart, He will return to you and give you His heavenly kingdom Zechariah 1: 3. A repentant heart will prompt the Lord to give you His kingdom; therefore do not delay, but repent now to inherit the Kingdom of God.
“Behold I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God and repent of your sins today; and the curse if you refuse to obey the commandment to repent” Deuteronomy 11: 26-28.
Finally as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent, says the Lord Revelation 3: 19.
The Seal: Hosea 14: 1:
O’ Christians, return to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.