Real Repentance
You hear the phrase “repent and believe in the gospel” often. And for good reason. It’s a summary of the preaching ministry of Jesus, so clearly it’s important and central to salvation.
But what does it really mean? 2 Corinthians 7 gives us a very clear, beautiful picture of what true repentance is.
This passage is about repentance and the context is relational reconciliation. The Corinthian church had sinned against Paul. For the relationship to be restored meant there needed to be repentance on the part of the church.
The plain principle in this passage is this: When it comes to a broken relationship, restoration requires repentance.
That same reality exists between us and God. We’ve sinned against Him and the relationship needs to be restored. And that requires repentance. Whether you’re talking about salvation, or a broken friendship, repentance is key.
1. NO REST (v. 5)
When there is no restoration, it leads to no rest. It will be constantly on your mind.
2. TWO WORDS (v. 6)
The two words are: But God… Ultimately, God must do a work in the heart of the sinner to bring about repentance.
3. RESTORATION (v. 7)
Three things brought the church back to be loyal to Paul
Longing - they longed to be with him
Mourning - they mourned over the hurt they’d cause
Zeal - they had a zeal to protect him
4. REPENTANCE (vv. 8-10)
When there’s conflict leading to a break in relationship, repentance is required for restoration.
We must understand the central importance of repentance to salvation
Basic Definition:
Change your mind
Change your direction
Change of Mind - You have to cognitively, intellectually, in your mind - know, understand, and believe that you are a sinner. Not just that you’ve committed sinful acts, but that you are, inherently, a sinner.
Change of Direction - Repentance is not merely realizing and acknowledging your sin and your sinfulness. It’s also turning around. Turning both away from your sin, and toward God - Returning to God.
5. SORROW (v. 10)
There must be sorrow in genuine repentance. Sorrow over your own sin. Sorrow isn’t merely guilt, it’s a brokenness over your own sin. There are two kinds of repentance. True repentance, which comes from God and is connected to salvation. And false repentance, which is simply remorse over getting caught.
6. COMPREHENSIVE (v. 11)
Repentance affects your entire being.
1. Earnestness - a sincere desire for righteousness.
2. Vindication - you wan to right the wrong
3. Indignation - a hatred of your own sin
4. Fear - God does punish and judge.
5. Longing - longing for relationship restoration
Both indifvidually, and to the whole Body.
6. Zeal - passion for the pursuit of sanctification
7. Avenging of Wrong - desire to repair damage done
7. GOD FOCUSED (v. 12)
Paul wanted to return the focus to God. The letter wasn’t for his sake, or for the sake of anyone else, but his hope was to turn minds and hearts back to God.
8. UNITY (v. 13)
Repentance leads to unity. The collective repentance brought comfort, joy, and refreshment, leading to a renewed unity in the church.
9. OBEDIENCE (vv. 14-15)
Christians obey. Obedience is a distinctly Christian characteristic. Obeying together also catalyzes unity (above), trust (below) and so much more.
10. TRUST (v. 16)
In spite of everything, Paul had a trust and confidence in his brothers and sisters in Christ. He not only thought the best about them, but was encouraged by their character and behavior.
Be intentional to pursue each of these 10 things in your life and in your relationships as a product of your repentance with the hope and goal that the Lord is glorified, and your brothers and sisters in Christ are edified.
Grace & Peace
Pastor Rob