March 22, 2010
Luke 13
Pastor Wil Mouer
True Repentance
Many people in the church get confused about the real meaning of repentance. I used to think that it meant to be sorry or to feel regret. These feelings are associated with repentance, but this is not what Christ truly wants us to understand about this subject. Sometimes we can feel sorry for sin and regret, yet find ourselves going back to the same sin time and time again. This is not true repentance.
In the early part of Luke 13, we see that Jesus addressed repentance multiple times. He then told a parable. Parables were not designed to state things simpler, but to give a different perspective on a topic in order to challenge the listeners to pay attention and look for the deeper meaning. In this case, Jesus described the true nature of repentance by sharing the parable of the fig tree (verses 6-8). In the context of this chapter, repentance is a clear 180-degree turn from sin, followed by a consistent new direction that bears lasting fruit.
As the Holy Spirit reveals sin in our lives, it is our responsibility not only to feel sorrow but to turn from it and forge a new path of fruitfulness. This is God’s desire for us. Take the opportunity to really analyze your life and seek the Lord about any area of sin, then take the necessary steps to truly repent.
Know this…God loves you greatly just the way you are, yet He loves you so much that He doesn’t want you to stay the same.
From the New Living Translation, Galatians 6:9 is Pastor Wil’s favorite passage of scripture: "So don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time."
