The Vitals of a Disciple

Repentance

Matthew 4:17

Introduction

Repentance the Beginning of a Lifelong Journey

“Repentance is the ongoing turning of the heart from the deceitfulness of sin to the glory of Christ.” John Piper

1. The Call to Repentance

“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”

The forerunner’s voice was silenced, but the Messiah’s voice now thundered across Israel with the same message: “Repent!”

The Greek word used here for repent is metanoeō, meaning “to change one’s mind”—but more than an intellectual shift. It is a radical change of mind, heart, and direction. It involves turning from sin and turning toward God.

“Repentance is a heartfelt sorrow for sin, a renouncing of it, and a sincere commitment to forsake it and walk in obedience to Christ.” Wayne Grudem

1. Repentance: More Than a Moment

“When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent,’ He willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.” Martin Luther

True repentance is ongoing transformation—a daily dying to sin and living unto God.

“Repentance is the first word of the gospel and the continuing word of the Christian life. It is not a single act, but a lifestyle.” Richard Owen Roberts

We do not graduate from repentance; we grow deeper in it. Repentance is the Spirit’s way of keeping us soft, teachable, and humble.

III. The Nature of True Repentance

1. Repentance Is God-Centered

“Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight.” Psalm 51:4

Repentance sees sin not merely as breaking rules, but as breaking God’s heart.

“Repentance must be toward God, not just away from sin. It is not only turning from evil but turning to the Lord Himself.” Wayne Grudem

1. Repentance Involves the Mind, Emotions, and Will

Repentance engages the mind—a new understanding of sin; the emotions—godly sorrow; and the will—a decisive turn of obedience.

“Godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation without regret.” 2 Cor. 7:10

1. Repentance Bears Fruit

“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance!” Matthew 3:8

Real repentance produces real change. It’s not perfection, but it is progression. When the heart changes, so do the habits.

“The evidence of true conversion is not the absence of sin but the presence of repentance.” John Piper

1. Repentance and Faith Combined

Repentance and faith are inseparable. You cannot turn to Christ without turning from sin; you cannot embrace the Savior while clinging to your idols.

“Repentance and faith are the two wings of the soul that lift it to heaven. They are distinct yet inseparable turning from sin and turning to the Savior.” John Piper

1. Barriers to True Repentance
2. Pride

“Pride is the great enemy of repentance because it will not admit fault and therefore shuts itself out from mercy.” Richard Owen Roberts

1. Fear of Exposure

Repentance is not running from God but running toward the One who seeks us.

1. Worldly Sorrow

Repentance is never meant to leave us in despair. It leads us to hope.

1 John 1:9 promises: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Christ’s blood guarantees that every repentant sinner is fully pardoned, fully restored, and fully loved.

Conclusion

“The Christian life is a long journey of turning away from sin, toward Christ, again and again, until we see Him face to face.” John Piper