1. Matthew 7:13-14
A. There are only two roads: wide and narrow. (No middle road)
B. Discuss the characteristics of both roads. (Easy versus hard, popular versus unpopular, etc…)
2. Luke 13:1-9
A. Jesus presents two options: repent or perish. (Narrow road and wide road)
B. Bad things happen so that we understand that our time is short. God wants everyone to come to repentance. (II Peter 3:9)
C. We are the unfruitful fig tree before repentance.
D. God sends people to “dig around” and “fertilize” us with the Word of God.
3. Matthew 5:29-30
A. Repentance must be radical; not gradual.
B. We must be willing to cut off the things that “cause” us to sin.
– Relationships (I Corinthians 15:33)
– Commitments (Matthew 6:33)
– Habits (Luke 9:23)
4. I Timothy 4:16
A. Repentance needs to occur in life and in doctrine.
B. “Persevere” in them. (Repentance is not a one time thing.)
5. Acts 26:20
A. Repentance is not a feeling; it’s a turning.
B. Greek word for “repentance” is metanoia.
– Meta = Change
– Noia = The Mind
C. Repentance is a decision that must be proved by our actions.
D. Since repentance is a decision, it can happen quickly.
6. II Corinthians 7:8-11
A. Comparison between the godly sorrow and worldly sorrow.
B. Only godly sorry leads to repentance and to life.
C. Characteristics of true repentance: earnestness (sincerity), eagerness (excitement), indignation (seriousness), alarm (shock), longing (desire), concern (care), and readiness (no hesitation).
7. Acts 3:19
A. Repentance is refreshing.
B. Have to get through the initial shock to get to the refreshment.
