REPENTANCE: A PREREQUISITE FOR ENTRY INTO GOD’S KINGDOM

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REPENTANCE precedes KINGDOM entry.

Now in those days  John the Baptist  came  preaching… Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:1-2 (NASB)

From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  Matthew 4:17 (NASB)

“The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:15 (NIV)

Clarifying our definition of the word repent:

  1. My Repentance, if genuine, STARTS on the INSIDE.

People will not be able to say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is! That is because the kingdom of God is inside you.’ Luke 17:21 (WE)

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)

Repentance (metánoia): a CHANGE of MIND.

Application: I change my WORLDVIEW. I change KINGS.

For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear, and they have closed their eyes–so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to Me and let Me heal them.’  Matthew 13:15 (NLT)

But the people’s minds were hardenerd…so they cannot understand the truth.

 2 Corinthians 3:14 (NLT)

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Ephesians 4:18 (NIV)

NOTE: I am CALLED to repent & CONVINCE others to repent.

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)

“If your brother sins against you, go to him and show him his fault. But do it privately, just between yourselves. If he listens to you, you have won your brother back. Matthew 18:15 (GNT)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness… 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Revelation 3:19 (NIV)

  1. My Repentance, if genuine, SHOWS up on the OUTSIDE.

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Luke 3:7-9 (NIV)

  • I Should Expect A Strong Rebuke From God If…

…I prioritize EXTERNALS over INTERNALS. (v. 7a)

…I act to be SAVED but not  SURRENDERED. (v. 7b)

…I emphasize my HERITAGE over my HEART. (v.8)

…my ATTITUDES or ACTIONS  hurt myself or others. (v.9)

  1. KINGDOM repentance will always show up in my life!

“What should we do then?” the crowd asked.11 John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do? “He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” Luke 3:10-14 (NIV)

NOTE:  3 people groups are challenged in one common area of life:

   A totally different perspective on MONEY & MATERIAL things.

“Don’t save treasures for yourselves here on earth. Moths and rust will destroy them. And thieves can break into your house and steal them. 20 Instead, save your treasures in heaven, where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them. 21 Your heart will be where your treasure is….24 “You cannot serve two masters at the same time. You will hate one and love the other, or you will be loyal to one and not care about the other. You cannot serve God and Money at the same time.” Matthew 6:19-21, 24 (ERV)

But put God’s kingdom first. Do what he wants you to do. Then all of those things will also be given to you.”  Matthew 6:33 (NIRV)

  1. My Repentance is a GIFT that I must ACCEPT.

The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging on a tree.31 God exalted this Man to His right hand to be a Ruler and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. Acts 5:30-31 (MEV)

And they praised God, saying, “Then obviously God has given to the Gentiles as well the gift of repentance which leads to life.” Acts 11:18b (PHILLIPS)

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

NOTE: The gift is COMPELLING, but not IRRESISTIBLE.