Obeying the Gospel Involves Repentance (Luke 24:45-47)
Introduction:
1. Four weeks ago we showed from the Scriptures that we must obey the Gospel of Christ to be saved from our sins (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10). 2. This principle will help us to understand why the Lord wants everyone to hear the Gospel (Mark 16:15). 3. According to Luke's account, the Lord wants everyone ["all nations"] to learn about "repentance and remission of sins." 4. The last 2 weeks we have shown from the Scriptures that obeying the Gospel involves hearing God's Word and believing that Jesus is God's Son. 5. In this lesson we are examining passages which teach that "obeying the Gospel involves repentance." 6. The first point we need to make is that . . .
Discussion:
I. "REPENTANCE" IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE PLAN OF SALVATION A. Jesus placed great emphasis on "repentance." 1. Examples: a. Jesus began His ministry by calling upon people to repent (Mark 1:14-15). b. According to Mark 2:17, Jesus came to call "sinners to repentance." c. Jesus stated twice that those who fail to repent will perish (Luke 13:3, 5). d. Jesus included "repentance" in His Great Commission (Luke 24:46-47). 2. We must listen carefully to Jesus because He is "the author of eternal salvation" (Hebrews 5:9). B. The apostles also emphasized "repentance." 1. Examples: a. Peter (Acts 2:38; 3:19) b. Paul (Acts 17:30) 2. We must listen carefully to the apostles because they confirmed the "great salvation" that Jesus first proclaimed (Hebrews 2:3-4). C. To further stress the importance of "repentance," the Lord requires everyone to repent (2 Peter 3:9). D. Now that we understand that "repentance" is a requirement for salvation, . . .
II. LET US DEFINE "REPENTANCE"
A. Repent: to change the mind 1. This is illustrated by the fact that God has repented on various occasions. a. 1 Samuel 15:10-11 b. Jonah 3:10 2. This is also illustrated by the prodigal son's reaction (Luke 15:17-19). 3. "Repentance" is a change of mind; however, . . . B. The fruit of "repentance" is a change of life (Matthew 3:7-8). C. "Repentance" involves much more than feeling remorse for something we have done -- it is a change of mind that results in a change of life (Matthew 21:28-32).
III. LET US EXAMINE 5 FACTORS THAT SHOULD LEAD US TO REPENT
A. The Word of God (Luke 16:27-31) B. Joy in heaven (Luke 15:7, 10) C. The judgment (Acts 17:30-31) D. The goodness of God (Romans 2:3-4) E. Godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)
Conclusion:
1. "Repentance" can be challenging because it involves making a change that may include giving up something that is special to us. 2. The Lord exhorts us to make any necessary sacrifices (Matthew 18:8-9). 3. He will bless us in return (Matthew 19:29).
