The Gift of Repentance
Sermon Notes
Introduction:
Have you ever started a journey having an idea which direction you should go but do not have your google map on, only to realize later when you turn on the google map that you are heading in the opposite direction? Or have you gotten lost driving somewhere but refusing to ask for help or silently arguing with the directions on the map? Worse still, have you found yourself driving with your spouse in the car confidently heading a particular path only to be asked, honey, where are you going? I can identify with that perfectly. We are all heading somewhere with our decisions about our lifestyles, habits, attitudes, addictions, or simply what we do with the resources and gifts God has given us. Sometimes we have been on a particular path so long that we do not know how to make a change. We keep coasting on the same road or direction, hoping things will one day change. Sometimes, honestly, we do not want to make the change. Today’s message focuses on how to make the U-turn in our lives the way God wants.
The big Idea: Repentance brings joy and healing to our lives.
Background
In the last book of the Old Testament, the prophet Malachi indicated that the Lord will send a prophet in the spirit of Elijah, and he will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so God will not destroy the land with a curse (Malachi 4:5-6). After this prophecy, Israel had no prophetic message for 400 years. A period theologians referred to as the intertestamental period or period of silence. Malachi’s prophesy anticipated the ministry of John the Baptist, recorded in Matthew 3:1-17. John was a prophet in the spirit of Elijah.
He’s called John the Baptist because he was the first preacher who baptized those who believed as a sign of conversion. He didn’t start the Southern Baptist Convention, and as you probably know, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was not a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Instead, John came to prepare the heart of the Jews so they could receive the ministry of Jesus. He was the forerunner of Jesus Christ.
Although John was associated with water baptism, his core message was repentance. “Repentance as means to conversion.” He baptized all who repented of their sins. Repentance is the process of changing one’s mind involving the change of direction of life from that self-centeredness or sin-centeredness to God or Christ-centeredness (Metanoia). The word comes from two sources “meta”—change and “noeo”—mind. A change of mind results in a change of heart and actions. It is not a one-time action; it is a continuous practice that allows God to take control of every area of our lives. God’s forgiveness is available to those who are repentant. We will draw four essential points from this morning’s passage.
The courage to embrace repentance (vv.1-2)
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judah and saying, “Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is near.”
Matthew does not introduce John because he assumed the Jews knew who he was. Luke tells us that he started his ministry in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea. This confirms that John was a historical figure, not a character that someone made up to tell a story. He was a strange and rugged fellow, for his clothes were made of camel's hair, he had a belt around his waist and ate locust and wild honey. Matthew ensured we knew John was not an ordinary guy—hence his wardrobe and diet.
The Desert of Judah was an actual place but also signified the condition of the nation. The people were living without the presence and voice of God as a source of direction for their lives. This is similar to Israel's experience in the desert, when they murmured, grumbled, and disobeyed God. The people in John's days were living in a spiritual wilderness and needed the presence of God. The prophet Isaiah referred to John as the voice in the desert crying, prepare the way for the Lord and make straight paths for him. John was calling the people to repentance in preparation for Jesus' ministry for the Kingdom of heaven is near. The Kingdom of heaven is where God rules. God manifests his Kingdom where his power and grace are found. So, Jesus taught his disciples to pray to our father who art in heaven hallowed be they name, they Kingdom come.
After 400 years, John had the courage to tell the people to repent for the Kingdom of heaven is near. Courage is knowing what is right to do, understanding the consequences, and still going ahead to do it. It comes from the French word "corage," meaning inner strength or strength in the heart to do something. Repentance is God's way for us to change our minds and turn around so we can experience God's rule in our lives.
In what areas in our lives are we frustrated with our decisions because we know we are heading in the wrong direction according to God's word?
What behaviors and attitudes in our lives are displeasing to God, but somehow, we have made peace with ourselves not to address, and they are hurting us deeply?
What wilderness experience are we currently having that we need God to intervene?
Repentance is God's gift for us to return to him. Do you have the courage to accept that you are heading in the wrong direction? Are you willing to say to God today, I am sorry, I am wrong, and please forgive me? Embracing a change of mind and acceptance of wrong is not a sign of weakness but a significant sign of courage and recognition of God's love for us.
To experience joy and healing in our lives. I have been a Christian for many years and a preacher for decades. I have never seen a joyous and truly fulfilled person heading in the wrong direction—refusing to repent. However, I have seen so many people experience joy and emotional and physical healing by turning to God and telling him, I am sorry, I will follow your path for my life. Do you have the courage to embrace God's gift of repentance? Because repentance brings joy and healing to our lives.
The decision to change direction (vv.5-6)
“People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.”
True repentance always leads to confession. The present participle here indicates that confession of sins accompanied the baptism. John preached repentance, and all who repented confessed and were baptized. This is not about a few tears, transient emotion, a few sighs, an excuse or two, or a wish to be different or change by our effort.
Confession in the bible is agreeing with God and simply saying exacting what God’s word says about your situation. If God’s word says you are wrong, you confess when you agree and declare to him that you are wrong. Sometimes we confess to our neighbors when we do something wrong. We accept responsibility for our actions, and we apologize for the wrong we have done. Sometimes you ask children to apologize, and they say, “If I have done something wrong, then I apologize,” or “If I hurt you, then I apologize.” The fact is you have done something wrong that’s why you are in the current situation. We can’t tell God; if I have sinned, then I confess. We need to agree with God and confess. It is agreeing with God that he is smarter and more powerful than we are, and we are deliberately choosing to follow him.
In 1 John 1:8-10, If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a lair and his word has no place in our lives.
Like John crying in the wilderness, God, through his Holy Spirit, uses the preaching we receive here at City Awakening to call us to repentance. We receive the strength to repent and turn from our selfish ways when we accept the message and ask God for help. God is more willing to help us turn around than we are ready to receive his message. The decision to repent and change direction comes from you but God supplies the inner strength and grace for us to follow through. If you are frustrated with trying to fix your life, marriage, children, and all the essential things in your life, you can turn to him. Make the decision in your mind and heart today. I want to change my situation and confess it to him and ask for his help. God is gracious and merciful, and he will help you.
Once we change direction, we can produce fruit that befits repentance—fruits of a changed life, as John told those who came there to be baptized. True repentance must be associated with specific actions and behaviors. John admonished the people to bear fruit that befits repentance.
The power of the Savior (vv. 11-12)
“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
John was not presumptuous in claiming the title of the Messiah. Instead, he pointed to Jesus, indicating he was not worthy to untie the straps of Jesus’ sandals. Untying sandals and washing feet is the lowliest household task and is devoted to slaves. John, therefore, assumes a position lower than that of a slave in his effort to point to Jesus. Here John performs his primary function, “pointing to Jesus as the coming Messiah.” The baptism with the Holy Spirit symbolizes empowerment through the Spirit’s work in our lives, and “with fire” indicates future judgment.
Although Jesus Christ is more powerful, he didn’t change the core message of John the Baptist to repent for the Kingdom of God is near. Jesus started his ministry with the same message that John declared in Matthew 4:17, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is near.” For I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32). We have a powerful Savior who can help us turn from our sinful and destructive ways. All he needs from us is to acknowledge our sinful ways, confess them and ask for his forgiveness and power to pursue the right path. We assume this posture; we can experience a change in every area of our lives. He did not promise to take away all our problems and burdens, but he promised to bring change to our lives if we repent. Because repentance brings joy and healing to our lives.
The obedience of Jesus (vv. 13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.”
Jesus’ visit to John at the Jordan to be baptized is not because he has repented but to affirm John’s ministry and “fulfill all righteousness”—meaning carrying out the righteous acts of God, including baptism. The visit confirmed that the forerunner’s message was valid and that he was indeed sent by God. Although Jesus did not need to repent, he humbled himself to be baptized by John as an example to all who desired to follow him. Immediately after the baptism, God confirmed John’s message that Jesus indeed is greater, as the Holy Spirit descended on him and a voice from heaven declared, “This is my son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased.”
Changing your mind (repenting) to follow Jesus is not a mistake. Jesus demonstrated that we can obey God in almost all our endeavors—by his obedience into baptism. We don’t have to keep going the wrong way where there is no exit. Jesus has provided a path for us to repent, confess our sins and turn from our evil ways. Then we can follow the Lord in the waters of baptism and identify with our risen Savior. In Luke 15, when the prodigal son repented and went home, the father organized a big banquet to celebrate his return. Repentance brings joy and healing to our lives if we dare to listen to the Lord’s loving invitation to come to him with our burdens, and he will give us rest. It doesn’t matter how far you have fallen, how deep your sin, how treacherous your rebellion, or how long you have been
rebelling against God, you can start heading home to the loving arms of your father. Like the prodigal son in Luke 15, all it takes to restore your joy and receive healing for your soul is to repent and turn to Jesus. Would you do that today? Would you allow him to help turnaround your life and embrace his peace and joy?
Conclusion
Nothing is as frustrating as being in a situation where you cannot make any change. Fortunately, God has created a way for all humanity to come to him regardless of our condition. He has given us the gift of repentance so we can turn him and follow his plans and purposes for our lives. You can trust God to forgive every sin and give you a fresh beginning. If you follow through with this change, you will receive the freedom and joy that comes from the Lord, and he will bring healing to our broken and wounded hearts. Repentance brings joy and healing to our lives.