Tag: Repentance

Posted in Bible study, Journey Through The Word, She, Volume 1

Bathsheba, part 2

Posted on by

Adapted from the study ‘She, volume 1, pp 17-18

Read: 2 Samuel 12; Ps.51

She lost her firstborn son

“…she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon…”

Oh, how I love the hope from this passage of our journey:

  • Repentance makes a difference. (1 Jn 1:9)
    • “Our mistakes do not have to ruin our entire life.”
      • We can instead use the lessons we learn to encourage others to refrain from the same faults.

Bathsheba’s story, through David’s prayer of repentance in Psalm 51, confessing his sin concerning Bathsheba and Uriah, serves as a beautiful picture that God offers us true forgiveness when we repent of our sins.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

1 John 1:9
  • According to God’s mercy and loving kindness, He “blots out” our transgressions. The words of Isaiah confirm this in Isaiah 43:25
    • I, I am the one who blots out your rebellious deeds for my sake; your sins I do not remember.
  • Bathsheba is included in Matthew’s account of the genealogy. Note: She is referenced not by her name but as being the wife of Uriah. (Matthew 1:6)
  • It is said by some commentators that Bathsheba is the mother of King Lemuel, and therefore, perhaps the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31. I find joy in contemplating the very idea of this, but nowhere is this confirmed in the Scriptures. See: https://www.gotquestions.org/King-Lemuel.html

In the account of David and Bathsheba, we find many lessons. 

  1. Secret sin will be found out.
  2. God will forgive anyone who repents. 
  3. The consequences of our sin remain even when the sin is forgiven. 
  4. God can work even in difficult situations.
    1. In fact, David and Bathsheba’s next son, Solomon, became the heir to the throne. Even in bad situations, God has a plan that serves His sovereign purpose.  

“Bathsheba’s story reminds me that God has a plan, and that He can and does work even through difficult situations with imperfect people to bring about something good. Queen Bathsheba, despite the unsavory events surrounding her coming to the palace, became the mother of the wisest and most successful king ever to grace the throne.” (https://www.gotquestions.org/Bathsheba-in-the-Bible.html)   

Reflection and Application:
  • How important is repentance in your life? Are you quick to confess your sins, or do you let them pile up until the end of the day, week, or month…? What is/are the benefit(s) of confessing our sins to God?
  • What stood out to you in today’s journey?

I invite you to leave a reply below or at today’s Journey Through The Word post @ https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17nAoUC7AY/

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Our God Who Pursues, Quiet Time

Repentance or Regret?

Posted on by

The first chapter of Joel is not an easy or feel-good read. However, two things are made clear through the prophet. First, the message is of great importance and meant for all of Judah to hear (vs2). Second, and most important, was the need for repentance (vs. 13-14). Without repentance, as chapter one describes, there would be dire consequences. From swarms of locusts to the destruction of life and land, and even animals, nothing and no one would be left unaffected.

I wrote very little in the margins of my journal today, but of the few things I did write down, this one stood out: Are you sorry for what you did (repentance) or sorry you were caught (regret)? When I turned from my personal journal to the LGG journal entry, I was a bit relieved to find similar wording written by the LGG writing team – indicating that I wasn’t too far off in my understanding of what Joel was saying, namely that “true repentance is seeking forgiveness and running to Christ.”

True repentance is more than simply being sad that you were caught or sad over the consequences of your sin. Rather, true repentance comes from deep sorrow over our sinfulness and the realization that we have grieved God and hurt other people. It is seeking forgiveness and running to Christ.

Our God Who Pursues/p45

Another thing worth noting is that it wasn’t just that the people had stopped bringing offerings to the Lord – it was that these offerings were offerings of faith, given as acts of worship which represented their trust in God – that He would provide. It wasn’t that they couldn’t come; it is that they stopped coming. The bottom line is that their sins had separated them from their God, and anything that puts distance between us and the Father grieves Him and should grieve us. It is why He calls us to repent, to turn back to Him, and it is why Joel warns of the impending doom that awaits those who do not repent. May we be people who faithfully follow the ways of God, but when we sin, may we be swift to practice true repentance – letting nothing stifle our faith, hinder our worship, or harm our relationship with God.

Prayer

Father, like the Israelites, we are sinners, and like them, we are called to repent of our sins. According to Your promises, when we confess our sins and ask Your forgiveness, You forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Help us always stay alert to any sin in our lives and to remember the grief and separation it causes between us and You. We cannot live apart from You, so help us walk in obedience and quickly repent when we fail so that nothing will separate us from Your Holy presence. In the name of Jesus – we trust and pray – amen.

The More We Know

Book of Joel – an article from Got Questions Ministries

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

The Blessing of Repentance

Posted on by

based on the LGG Study of Lent, A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d4

The Journey (Scripture and Observation)
Scripture: Psalm 32 / SOAP: verse 5

Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, “I will confess my rebellious acts to the LORD.” And then You forgave my sins. (Selah)

Psalm 32:5 NET

Refusal to confess sins creates physical problems but, as David teaches us here in Psalm 32, confession (repentance) brings the blessings of forgiveness and joyful deliverance!

Me – from the Inside-out 🦋

Today’s devotion by the LGG Team is a wonderful capstone for the week we have spent looking at and making repentance part of our observance and/or study of Lent.

“This week, we’ve studied repentance. Repentance is a key component of our faith. In the season of Lent, as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the saving work of Christ on the cross and His resurrection, repentance is one way we turn our hearts to Him.

In Psalm 32, David expresses the way repentance and confession of sin brought him true joy and peace. He writes how, when he refused to confess his sin, he experienced great pain. The weight of his sin tormented him, nearly destroying him, and even affecting his physical health.”

Living the Journey (Application)

David’s example sets the stage for a wonderful application – as the LGG team member writes:

“Once David confessed his sin, he recognized and accepted God’s incredible forgiveness. He no longer suffered pain but experienced great peace and joy. When he trusted God to forgive him. God’s faithfulness overwhelmed him.

David also encourages God’s people to pray and repent while they can still do so. Because of Jesus, all our sins are forgiven and paid for if we have placed our faith in Him. So our lives no longer need to be tormented by the weight and destruction of sin. When we turn back to God and seek His forgiveness, we find life, peace, and joy.”

Repentance is not a one-time action but a discipline and a posture of our hearts. The more we recognize the freedom and blessings that come from repentance, the quicker we are to repent when we make mistakes.

LGG Team/ LENT Journal w3d4
Prayer for the Journey

“May we be followers of Jesus who continually humble ourselves before Him in repentance and live in the freedom and joy that comes from His forgiveness.” – Amen!

The More We Know

What does Psalm chapter 32 mean?

For more insight check out today’s LGG BLOG post

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Sin’s Requirement

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d3

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Acts 2:38; and SOAP: 1 John 1:9

But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9 NET

Sin requires something of us, and according to God’s word in Roman’s 6:23, that requirement is death. However, great provision was made through Jesus Christ and we are given a second option – which is a commitment to God, through faith in Jesus Christ. That faith, according to Jesus’ teaching demands that we turn from our selfish (sinful) ways, deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow Him. Or, as it is written in 2 Chronicles, “If my people, who belong to me, humble themselves, pray, seek to please me, and repudiate their sinful practices, then I will respond from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.“

I love words, and I love running across words I’m not familiar with – like “repudiate,” which we find in the NET version of 2 Chronicles 7:14. The meaning of repudiate is to refuse to have anything to do with, to refuse to be associated with, or to divorce or separate from formally. In other words – naming the name of God, choosing to place our faith in Christ requires us to divorce ourselves from sinful practices and instead seek to please God and call out to Him. In return, God promises to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Sin requires something of us – either death or a commitment to God.

Me, from the Insideout –
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

Before writing the beloved promise of forgiveness that we find in 1 John 1:9, John penned the words: “If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.” (1 John 1:8) Clearly, if our desire is to live (abide) in Christ, who is the Truth, then we must own up to our sins, confessing them before God who is faithful to not only forgive us but to cleanse us from all of our “all unrighteousness.” The promises don’t stop there though, remember He also promises to help us stay faithful by giving us everything we need for a godly life (2 Peter 1:3-4) and to show us the way of escape when we are tempted to return to our old ways (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Cor 10:12-13 NLT

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 4 And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.

2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, turning from sin and living righteously – denying ourselves our selfish, sinful desires and following Jesus does not come naturally to us – but You knew this and provided a Way where there was no way. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have received all the precious promises of Your Word, promises that guarantee us forgiveness and enable us to share in His divine nature and escape not only the world’s corruption but the wages of our sins – which are death. Father help us to ‘repudiate’ our sinful practices and follow Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life whom You have provided so that we might receive the free gift of Your grace, which is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord. – And Father, if anyone is reading this today who does not belong to You – may their heart and mind be opened to the Word of Your Gospel – which has the power to save and to forever change their life! – In the most holy and powerful name and blood of Jesus I pray – trusting and believing –

Amen and Amen!

THE MORE WE KNow

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.

Forgiveness’ cleansing power!

For more insight on today’s passage – visit https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg-blog/

Posted in Advent, Bible study, Devotion, Journey Through The Word, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Repentance Leads to …

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God w3d2

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Exodus 34:27-28; Romans 10:17; and SOAP: Romans 15:4

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV

INTO THE TEXT – borrowed from the LGG Journal for Lent –


Have you ever stopped to contemplate the vastness of God’s character? He can possess both wrath and mercy, justice and compassion, and offer them perfectly. God can look at our sin and hate it, but also offer us mercy and desire that we would repent and turn to Him.


Since Creation, God has made Himself known. He has displayed His character and love through creation, His people, and Himself. Though He is holy and cannot be near sin, He has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him. He desires that all would repent and turn to Him.


When we are believers in Christ, we have the Holy Spirit in us. When we sin, we experience godly sadness. This sadness is not condemnation but is intended to lead us back to God. The purpose is both to show us that we need God and to lead us to repent and turn to Him.


Often, that sadness can be brought about when we recognize God’s kindness. Yes, there are times when God will allow us to experience the consequences of our sins, natural or otherwise. But God’s kindness is what often leads us to repent. When we see and understand how much God loves us, we are moved to repent from our sins and follow Him.


God’s desire for us is to recognize our need for Him and to repent. That repentance leads first to salvation, and then continual sanctification for the rest of our lives. Whenever we experience sadness and sorrow over our sin, may we recognize it as a mercy from God intended to bring us to repentance. May we turn away from our sin and toward Him so He can replace our sorrow with true joy.

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Lent, LGG Study, Quiet Time

A Plea of Repentance

Posted on by

based on the Love God Greatly Study, Lent – A Season of Drawing Close to God / w3d1

THE JOURNEY (SCRIPTURE AND OBSERVATION)

Scripture: Psalm 51; SOAP: verses 1-2

Have mercy on me, O God, because of your loyal love.
Because of your great compassion, wipe away my rebellious acts.
2 Wash away my wrongdoing.
Cleanse me of my sin

Psalm 51:1-2 NET

What a beautiful prayer and example of repentance! It is a prayer of David, following his affair with Bathsheba, after he was confronted by the prophet Nathan. David was clearly undone before God. As we saw with Esther in the previous post – sometimes (if not often) we need people in our lives that will speak the truth to us – even if it is about a sin in our life. I believe God used Nathan’s bold obedience to confront David to change the trajectory of David’s life. I have learned from personal experience that God can and will use David’s prayer to change the path we are on as well. For surely you have found, as I have, that we don’t always see sin for what it is and even when we do we find it hard to turn away from and/or never confess before God the guilt and shame we are under.

For I am aware of my rebellious acts;
I am forever conscious of my sin.
4 Against you—you above all—I have sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
So you are just when you confront me;
you are right when you condemn me.
5 Look, I was guilty of sin from birth,
a sinner the moment my mother conceived me.
6 Look, you desire integrity in the inner man;

Psalm 51: 3-6 NET

David was made aware of his rebellious acts and became conscious of his sin. He knew that he had sinned against God and that God was right to confront and condemn him for his behavior. He knew what God desired of him was a heart of integrity, not the sexual transgressions and lies and murder1 for which he was guilty. David understood that God would be well within His rights to reject him or even to take His Holy Spirit from him but he cried out for God’s mercy and prayed that God would create a pure heart and renew a right spirit within him and that he might be sustained by the desire to obey. David also committed to then teach other sinners God’s merciful ways so that they would turn to God as David had.

Create for me a pure heart, O God.
Renew a resolute spirit within me.
11 Do not reject me.
Do not take your holy Spirit away from me.
12 Let me again experience the joy of your deliverance.
Sustain me by giving me the desire to obey.
13 Then I will teach rebels your merciful ways,
and sinners will turn to you.

Psalm 51:10-13 NET
LIVING THE JOURNEY (APPLICATION)

The end result David was looking for, which should always be the point of our repentance – was being restored to a right relationship with God. Jesus died for it and we should strive for it – by living as God has called us to live and repenting when we fall short. As David pointed out, God does not want us to offer Him burnt sacrifices or great offerings while our hearts are still far from Him. This is why Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites and quoting from Isaiah, said: “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me” (Matthew 15:7–9).

2“Today, some believers try to erase their guilt over sins by increasing their offerings, or helping in the nursery, or cleaning the church, or observing optional traditions such as Lent, or a number of other good works. But these “sacrifices” can never substitute for a heart that loves and obeys the Lord. Nor can those efforts outweigh the offense our sin causes to a perfectly good and holy God.”

Bibleref.com / Psalm 51:16
PRAYER FOR THE JOURNEY

Father, Holy is Your name! We are a blessed people to know You as our God and be invited, through the blood of Christ, to boldly approach Your throne – but God forbid that we only approach it for our needs and desires and earthly sorrows. Let us learn from David and from the teaching of the New Testament saints that we must be in the habit of confessing our sins before You, in repentance seeking Your merciful and graciously promised forgiveness. For when we continually fail in repentance we place a wedge between us and You – and though we may go through all the right motions of church and prayer and devotions – when we continually fail in repentance we will wallow in our sin and be hypocrites like the Pharisees, a people who worship You in vain, honoring You with our lips, when in reality our hearts are far from you – O God forbid that this be true of us and where it is – speak truth into our lives and lead us, as You led David, to full and beautiful repentance.

THE MORE We Know

1“Rescue me from the guilt of murder – “

Be sure and visit lovegodgreatly.com for more insight

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

They Glorified God

Posted on by

Today’s Scripture: Luke 7:1-17; SOAP / Luke 7:16

 Fear seized them all, and they began to glorify God, saying, “A great prophet has appeared among us!” and “God has come to help his people!”

Luke 7:16

There were two miracles in today’s passage. The first emphasizes the faith of a Centurion, the second the compassion of Jesus for a widow whose only son had died. While our focus verse is on the second miracle I can’t help but pause a minute to shine light on the first one as well. It excites and amazes me every time I read it. First of all that Jesus said of the Centurion, who was not a Jew (from the people of God) but a gentile, “… not even in Israel have I found such faith!” Second of all, that without even going to the home of the Centurion or being near his servant, Jesus healed him, not because of what a good man the people told Jesus the servant was – but because of the Centurion’s great faith.

“I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith!”

Luke 7:9

The focus verse is equally exciting and amazing, as we see Jesus raise a dead man to life. not because of any words of faith but from what appears to be Jesus’ compassion for a widowed mother whose only son had died. Unlike the other miracles we have seen, this isn’t about a someone seeking out Jesus and asking Him to heal or help. Instead , this one paints a picture of God’s sovereignty and perfect timing, as Jesus enters a town right when people are carrying the dead man out of town for the burial. Jesus stops the procession, tells the mother’s son to “get up! So the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.” A man raised to life out of compassion, a miracle witnessed both by the crowd with Jesus and by the crowd accompanying the mother in the funeral procession. That’s pretty exciting stuff, right? Yet, it is what happens next that must not be missed. I mean it isn’t uncommon for fear to be aroused by this miracle – considering no one had ever seen someone raised from death to life – but this “fear” seems to provoke an awe at what Jesus had done, which led to the people “glorifying God,” as they realized Jesus must be “a” (inferring one of many) “great prophet,” not The Messiah, God had promised – but admittedly, “one” whom, “God had come to help.”

A Response to God’s Word

Father, may we let the acts You do – big or small, significant or seemingly insignificant – move us to glorify You. May we stop and stand in awe of You. May we also, like Jesus, stop and show compassion for those who are hurting or struggling around us – and this that – You, like in the story we read today, might be glorified for who You are!

Want More?

Check out Love God Greatly’s Blog

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, He Sees He Knows He Cares, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time

None Righteous, Not Even One

Posted on by

Inspired by: He Sees, He Knows, He Cares / w2d4

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:27-6:11; SOAP / Luke 5:32

I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 5:32 NET

Jesus makes it clear that His purpose was not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. He said this in response to a question that had been raised by the Pharisees concerning why He and His disciples were eating and drinking with the tax collectors and sinners. To be righteous is said to mean you are morally right or justifiable, which is exactly how the Pharisees and experts of the law saw themselves. However, we would do well to understand and remember that Scripture says – “There is none righteous not even one.”, but that – “all have sinned“, and having done so, face the penalty of death. It is this group of people that Jesus says He is calling to repentance. Which, in relation to salvation is changing your mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ. Summarizing a quote from Gotquestions.org, repentance is not something we do but something God gives; and that it is only possible because of His grace – Acts 5:31, 11:18; John 6:44; Romans 2:4 and 2 Peter 3:9

He Took The Time

The conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees doesn’t stop with our focus verse, but is followed up with more questions and lessons from Jesus, as well as details about another healing which I hope you’ll read. If you were to look at my Scripture reference page for this day you would see many red highlights around the words “Jesus answered them” or “He said to them”. You would also find where I scribbled in the margin how “I love that Jesus took the time to not only listen to them but to answer them, to try to relate to them, and to teach/show them His ways and power.” Whether we are filled with mindless rage, as the Pharisees were after Jesus healed a man’s withered hand on the Sabbath or we simply have yet to repent – we are all left with this one question – “What will we do with Jesus?”

Knowledge Into Wisdom

Taking the facts from this passage and what Jesus said we should be – is a great reminder that:

  • We can talk to ‘sinners’, eat dinner with them, and even invite them to church. While we must not be like them our goal should not be to avoid them but to demonstrate and to share the love of Christ with them.
  • We should, as has already been pointed out, never forget Paul’s words to the church at Rome when he wrote, “There is no one righteous, not even one, there is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, together they have become worthless; there is no one who shows kindness, not even one.” (Romans 3:10-12). To be clear, “not only one” means “not even me”. Only through God’s grace have we been clothed in the righteousness of Christ – to forget this will quickly lead to attitudes like those of the Pharisees and the experts of the law.

Which leads to this last statement –

  • We should daily rejoice in the grace of God, without which we would still be a sinner condemned unclean.
Responding to God’s Word

Father, I was a sinner condemned unclean but You called my name and I was forever changed! You set me free! You changed my name from too far gone to saved by grace! No longer condemned for I am Yours, a chosen child of God! Thank You for Jesus! Thank You for the cross and the empty tomb – without which I would still be lost, a sinner condemned unclean! Thank You God for Christ’s righteousness which You have imputed or credited to me. Jesus, thank You for Your example not just with the sinners and tax collectors but with ALL – so that all might come to know You – including me! Oh Yes Holy Three in One! Thank You, thank You, thank You! It is in Your name I pray and trust – Amen and Amen!

Know These Truths

Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study

The Brothers Go Down to Egypt

Posted on by

WEEK 5, DAY 1 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 42 (SOAP – 2 Corinthians 7:9-10)

Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way. 10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.  2 Corinthians 7:9-10NLT
OBSERVATION:

THE GENESIS SAGA: The Brothers Bow Down

The famine was severe in the land of Canaan but Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt so he sent his sons, except for Benjamin, down to buy grain. Because Joseph was the ruler of the country, the one who sold grain to all the people, it was him that they appeared before with their request and him they bowed down to. Years had past but Joseph still recognized his brothers, however they did not recognize him, most likely because he would have been dressed like an Egyptian and addressed by his Egyptian name. Scripture says, he did not disclose his identity but acted like a stranger and treated them harshly. I imagine that the harshness was most likely in some ways his true emotions spilling out toward those who had betrayed him but perhaps also an attempt to keep his identity a secret not know knowing what they would do if they found out he was alive and well. He was undoubtedly curious too as to the condition of his father and other brother so he asked questions prompting the information. Unsatisfied with, or untrusting of, their answers – he sends all but one of them back to Canaan, keeping Simeon as a prisoner to be released upon their return with his brother Benjamin.

Back in Canaan they explained the events to their father but after much conversation and promises to protect him he refused to let Benjamin go.

Other Notable Observations:

  • Joseph originally had all of the brothers imprisoned for three days while he considered what to do.
  • Joseph had cried out to his brothers for mercy before they sold him into slavery.
  • At one point he turned away from them and wept because he had understood their language and their conversation about what they had done to Joseph. (They did not know Joseph had understood them because they were using an interpreter.)
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

In a previous letter Paul had rebuked the Corinthians for a particular sin. He had been concerned that his rebuke would have angered them but instead learned that they had repented – which is the best outcome to any rebuke. God intends for knowledge of our sins to make us sorrowful and lead us to repentance, which is to stop whatever worldly behavior we’re doing and choose instead to follow Him. Whether it is a repentance of the lost that leads to salvation or a repentance of the believer that leads to a right relationship with God – repentance is always best. This is what we saw with the brothers after their trip to Egypt – even before they knew that they had bowed before Joseph, they, specifically Reuben, realized the wrongness of their actions and the debt they owed.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word.

Father, help us to live with yielded and repentant hearts – In Jesus’ name, amen.

YOUR TURN:PERSONAL REFLECTIONS
  • How does sadness lead to repentance and salvation ?
  • Have you experienced the sadness of God?
  • Did it lead you to repentance?
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout
Posted on by

Repentance and the Kingdom of Heaven

Day 2 of Jesus, I Need You – Part 2, a study of Thistlebend Ministries

Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:1-12 and 11:15

 In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was,  “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming!
    Clear the road for him!’”

3:11“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

11:15Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!

Matthew 3:1-3,11 and 11:15 NLT
Observation: What’s the Message?

Today’s message is undoubtedly the message of repentance because the “Kingdom of Heaven was near”, perhaps best explained by Bibleref.com

John’s Jewish listeners would have been familiar with the idea that a new kingdom would one day be established by the promised Messiah. John will point to Jesus as that Messiah, and to the imminent establishment of His kingdom. John will insist, though, that repentance—turning from sin—was necessary for his Jewish listeners to be included in that kingdom. The mere fact of their Israelite heritage would not be enough. This would have been a new idea to some.

However, let’s also look at the underlying message – the one we find in Matthew 11:15 which is nearly the same as what we previously read in Revelation 2:7. Both passages call us to listen to what’s being said. We’ve seen it twice already in our study. Once as a warning about being alienated from God and the other in the message from Jesus to the Church at Ephesus concerning how they had left their first love. In both passages He wants the people to know how imperative it is for them to listen to what He’s saying. He wants them to listen so they will know how to live and choose to turn from what is wrong and do what is right.

In today’s passage, we read how John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for the Lord, the long awaited Messiah. His message is one of repentance in order to prepare the hearts of those who will listen – to be ready to receive the salvation that Jesus is bringing. It is so important to realize that if we fail to listen to His instructions or if we fail to make much of His Word we will lose the opportunity to draw close to God and to have Him draw close to us.

So Why A Message Of Repentance?

Repentance is to make a turn – a change of heart and mind that changes the actions or thoughts and words of a person. One commentary described repentance like this, “To stop going the wrong way and start going the right way.” So John was preparing the people to think differently and respond differently to people and situations. Jesus would be bringing the message of Salvation – “He who believes in me will have eternal life the one who does not believe will not have eternal life”, (John 3:36).

Application: How Then Should We Live?

To be sure, salvation is through faith alone in Christ alone -but repentance is part of that faith. The understanding or foundation of our faith is that we are all sinners (Rom 3:23), in need of a Savior because the wages of our sin is death (Rom 6:23), the requirement – an atonement we could not provide – a spotless, sinless sacrifice, (2 Corinthians 5:21). This is the sacrifice God sent because He so loved the world (John 3:16).

Because we have believed, we – like John, are now witnesses and messengers meant to prepare the way for others to come – making sure they know the way. If we don’t listen to this teaching and follow we may well be a hindrance to the Gospel message.

Since John’s message was one of ‘repentance’, we must understand what repentance is and make sure that we turn from our sin and walk in the ways of the Lord, who left a bold and lasting legacy for us to follow – namely, loving God with all of His being and loving us more than He loved Himself – even to the point of death on the cross.

Prayer: Response to God’s Word

God forbid that we would be a hindrance to the message of Jesus Christ! Help us to make straight the path so that all will come to You and be saved. Help us to understand the promise isn’t ours through our goodness or family heritage – but – as Your Word teaches – it is through faith alone in Christ alone. Help us to not forget the importance of listening to the message Jesus and John and others like them came to bring – for as Timothy said,  All Scripture is inspired by [You] and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. Use it to prepare and equip us to do every good work! In His Name — and for Your Glory! Amen –

Your Turn:
  • What’s your take away from today’s message?
  • What are some things you can do to make sure you are listening to God’s Word?
  • Are there things you currently need to repent (turn away from)?
Want More?

Go deeper with…

Thistlebend’s devotional

An understanding of Matthew chapter 3, who John the Baptist was, and what he was doing to prepare the way for the Jesus, The Messiah