based on the Love God Greatly Study, Firm Foundation, w4d5
Scripture
Acts 3:19-20; 2 Peter 3:9 / SOAP: Acts 3:19 and 2 Peter 3:9
Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.
Acts 3:19
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
2 Peter 3:9
Observation of the Journey
When we truly understand the weight and effect of our sins, there are no sweeter words than knowing that through repentance and turning to God, they are all wiped away. God doesn’t just push them aside; He throws them into the depths of the sea and remembers them against us no more! That’s worthy of some shouting and celebration! – Friend, in the quiet of the night or early morning light, or when you drive by a place or see a face that reminds you of some sin of your past – cast it down and remember this faithful and loving action of our God – Your sins have been wiped away. – they have been blotted out as though they never happened.1
Once again you will have compassion on us.
Micah 7:19
You will trample our sins under your feet
and throw them into the depths of the ocean!
Application: Living out the Journey
We could stop here, and it would be a powerful message, but let’s make sure that we truly understand the definition of ‘repentance.’ “Repent does not mean to apologize – it means to acknowledge your way is wrong and God’s way is right.” As Peter goes on to say, it involves turning back (or away from their sin); in other words, “It is a complete change in Your view of the world.” To fully appreciate the weight of Peter’s words here, it helps to understand that he is speaking to the people of Israel concerning their sin of turning Jesus over to be killed, a sin he said was of ignorance but a sin nonetheless and yet one that God would wipe away by their repentance.2
Repentance is a major theme in Jesus’ ministry, even now. In order to be saved, we must accept that our sins are wrong and that God provides the way we should live. This isn’t just an intellectual exercise; we need to allow the belief to change us, inside and out. That doesn’t mean we’ll never sin again. It means our goal is to hate sin as much as God does. True repentance is connected to a “godly grief” that we have rebelled against God (2 Corinthians 7:9).
Bibleref.com/Acts 3:19
Surely, I am not the only one who prays more and more frequently – “Come, Lord Jesus, come!” So today’s second passage was another sweet reminder that – He hasn’t forgotten us, nor is He being slow – He is simply yet profoundly patient, giving more time to the unsaved to come to repentance. It is all part of His plan and desire to “allow more people to place their trust in Christ and to enter into a relationship with Him.”
Repentance saves lives … changes everything … makes right … blots out/takes away … 🦋\
Prayer of Response to the Journey
Father, thank You for the reminder of the depth and utter importance of repentance, both its meaning and it’s blessing. As Isaiah wrote, I know my sins Lord, they are always before me – they taunt me at times and the enemy seeks to undo me with the memory of them – but You Lord, You continually remind me of Your promise that they have been thrown into the depths of the sea – they are as far away as the east is from the west – they have no power over me and I bless Your name for this truth of Your grace and mercy and loving kindness toward me, Your daughter. – Amen – in Jesus’ Name❤
️The More We Know
For more insight on today’s journey read the LGG Blog Post w3d5
Me From the Inside Out 