PRINCIPLES OF KINGDOM LIVING
LESSON 2
REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS
(1) What is repentance?
Repentance is a gift from God. It is the ability God gives us to turn from our way of living to His way of living.
“When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles GRANTED REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE.” (Acts 11:18).
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; IF GOD peradventure WILL GIVE THEM REPENTANCE to the acknowledging of the truth.” (II Timothy 2:24-25).
“Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for TO GIVE REPENTANCE to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 5:31).
(2) The first word of the Gospel is REPENT. The Second is BELIEVE. (Mark 1:15).
A. John’s first message was Repentance. (Matthew 3:1-8). B. Jesus Christ’s first message was Repentance. (Matthew 4:17). C. The twelve apostles preached repentance. (Mark 6:7-13). D. The first message on the day of Pentecost was repent. (Acts 2:38). E. Paul’s first message was repentance. (Acts 20:20-21).
(3) Some false concepts concerning repentance:
A. It is not conviction of sin. (Genesis 3:6); see also (Acts 24:24-27).
Conviction precedes repentance, but not all who are convicted repent.
B. It is not worldly sorrow. (II Corinthians 7:10). Worldly sorrow is simply being sorry “for getting caught”, but not being sorry for the crime committed.
C. It is not reformation. Reformation is turning over a “new leaf”, but not genuine repentance.
D. It is not being religious. The Pharisees in Christ’s day were extremely religious, yet they were hypocrites. They never experienced repentance, rather crucified Jesus. (Matthew 5:20); (3:7-12).
E. It is not only “believe-ism” or mental faith. Mental faith is merely a mental acceptance and assent to a set of creeds or doctrines, but without any change in the life. This is dead faith. (James 2:19-20).
(4) The first step:
Repentance is the first step in building a successful foundation in the life of a believer. We have no choice or option concerning repentance, for God commands it. (Acts 17:30)…”And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.”
(5) What does the word “repentance” mean? What is the proper root of repentance?
The Root of Repentance, (Matthew 3:8). The root meaning of the word repentance is “a change of mind, or a change of heart and attitude“, and this in particular, concerning sin and relationship with God. It means a complete about turn; a change of direction. The fall brought about in man a mind in rebellion against God and His law; a mind which desires to go its own way. (Ephesians 2:3); (Colossians 1:21). Repentance, brought about by the Holy Spirit, is a change of mind; a facing towards God. No man can or will repent of himself, but true repentance is brought about by the conviction of the Holy Spirit; God grants and demands repentance. This is the root of repentance. (Isaiah 53:6), “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Romans 2:4), “Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
(6) What is Sin?
There are two types of sin:
A. Original sin which is the total corruption of our whole human nature.
“Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
(Psalms 51:5).
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation with the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” (Ephesians 4:22).
“Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law
of God, neither indeed can be.” (Romans 8:7).
B. Actual sin, which is the actual breaking of the law of God; Every act against the
will of God.
“For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications,
thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” (Matthew 15:19).
“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is
finished, bringeth forth death.” (James 1:15). (This is the act of committing sin).
“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”
(James 4:17). (This is failure to do right, which is sin).
(7) What is “Our Way of Living?
We are born with a sinful nature. This sinful nature causes us to commit sin. OUR way of living is the sinful way.
“Behold, I was SHAPEN IN INIQUITY; and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
(Psalms 51:5).
“That ye put off concerning the former conversation with the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” (Ephesians 4:22).
“Because the carnal mind is ENMITY AGAINST GOD; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” (Romans 8:7).
(8) What does turning from our way to His way do for us?
This turning gives us right standing with God. This right standing is called JUSTIFICATION. WE receive this right standing when we believe Jesus shed His blood for our sin, and we accept and use His sacrifice for ourselves.
“Being justified freely BY HIS GRACE through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24).
“Much more then, being now JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” (Romans 5:9).
“Therefore being JUSTIFIED BY FAITH, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2).
“For He hath made HIM TO BE SIN FOR US, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.” (II Corinthians 5:21).
(9) How is Justification obtained?
A. The Holy Spirit must work repentance in us through Godly sorrow.
“For GODLY SORROW WORKETH REPENTANCE to salvation not to be repented of; But the sorrow of the world worketh death.” (II Corinthians 7:10).
B. Because we are by nature opposed to God, the Holy Spirit must work faith to believe God’s Word.
“Because the CARNAL MIND IS ENMITY AGAINST GOD: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” (Romans 8:7).
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My Word, AND BELIEVETH on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24).
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved; For with the heart man BELIEVETH UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:9-10).
“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God…But the NATURAL MAN RECEIVETH NOT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD; for they are foolishness unto him; Neither can he know them, because they
are spiritually discerned.” (I Corinthians 2:12-14).
C. We are convicted of sin by hearing the Word.
“And when He (The Holy Spirit) is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” (John 16:8).
“Now when they heard this, THEY WERE PRICKED IN THEIR HEART and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).
D. The Holy Spirit shows us our lost state.
“And when he (the Holy Spirit) is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” (John 16:8).
E. God grants us the ability to repent.
“When they heard these things, they held their peace and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles GRANTED REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE.” (Acts 11:18).
“Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long suffering; not knowing that the GOODNESS OF GOD LEADETH THEE TO REPENTANCE?” (Romans 2:4).
(10) How important is Repentance?
A. Essential for salvation (Acts 16:30-31).
B. It is commanded by God (Acts 17:30).
C. It was a reason for Christ’s coming (Luke 5:32).
D. Necessary to avoid destruction (Luke 13:3,5).
E. Part of the Lord’s commission to us (Luke 24:47).
F. Necessary for eternal life (Acts 11:18).
G. God desires it for all men (II Peter 3:9).
H. It is a foundational truth basic to all believers (Hebrews 6:1-2).
(11) How do we repent?
We repent by:
A. Confessing our sin to God. “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful TO ME A SINNER.” (Luke 18:13).
B. Forsaking our way and turning to God. “Let the wicked FORSAKE HIS WAY, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: And let him RETURN UNTO THE LORD, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:7).
C. Confessing our faults. “CONFESS YOUR FAULTS one to another and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16).
(12) From what are we delivered when we are justified?
We are delivered from the guilt of actual sin when we find repentance. We no longer have to worry about the wages of sin which is eternal death. We will live forever with Christ.
“Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.” (Romans 8:33).
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23).
(13) How do we obtain deliverance from original sin?
Only death can free us from original sin. When we are buried with Jesus in our water baptism, the old original nature is cut away from us. We arise a new person.
“Therefore we are BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM INTO DEATH; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in NEWNESS of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection; knowing this, that OUR OLD MAN is crucified with Him, that THE BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” (Romans 6:4-6).
(14) Is repentance a part of the doctrine of Christ?
Yes, Repentance from dead works is an important part of the doctrine of Christ. Without a true work of repentance in our lives we cannot experience any of the other foundational doctrines of Christ. Repentance is the first work of redemption.
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the FOUNDATION OF REPENTANCE from dead works, and of faith toward God.” (Hebrews 6:1).
15) What then are the dead works that we must repent of?
A. Dead works are man-made Laws, beliefs and works that dominate our frame of thought and actions concerning God (Works of the flesh).
1. One practices dead works in order to gain favor and earn grace in the eyes of God. (Ephesians 2:8-9).
2. This is an impossibility. It is not by the works of our own hands that we obtain mercy. (Titus 3:5); (II Timothy 1:8-9).
B. The “Traditions of the Elders”, as practiced by the Scribes and Pharisees, are examples of dead works.
1. They transgressed the commandment of God by functioning within the realm of their traditions. (Matthew 15:1-9).
2. Though the Pharisees were extremely religious, their worship was in vain. (Mark 7:7-9). 3. They never experienced repentance; instead, they sought to destroy Christ. (Matthew 12:14).
(16) Dead works are not to be confused with the true good works that God has
purposed for Christians in spreading the Word of God.
A. The scriptures encourage that our lives be fruitful. (Colossians 1:10).
B. The works which we do are inspired by the Holy Spirit rather than by the prompting and effort of man. (Ephesians 2:10).
C. We are admonished that the unfruitful branch is put away, while the fruitful branch is purged, that it might be more fruitful. (John 15:1-2).
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It is imperative that we turn from dead works, because they only serve to frustrate the work of God in our lives. God desires a people who will worship in truth and in Spirit. (John 4:23-24). We have not been redeemed by corruptible things, but by the blood of Jesus Christ.
TO (I Peter 1:18-19).
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Thus, our attempts toward making ourselves acceptable to God are tile. It is God who must turn our hearts from the performance of dead works and birth within us a desire to serve the living God. (Hebrews 9:14).
(17) What are some fruits of genuine repentance?
The Fruit of repentance. (Acts 26:20); (Matthew 3:8), “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” If there is genuine repentance inwardly (the root), this will be evidenced outwardly (the fruit).
John the Baptist called for “fruits for repentance”.
The fruits of repentance are evidenced in:
A. Godly sorrow for sin. (II Corinthians 7:9-11).
B. Confession of sin.(Psalms 32:1-5); (I John 1:9).
C. Forsaking of sin. (Proverbs 28:13).
D. Hatred of sin. (Ezekiel 36:31-33); (Jude 23).
Fruit involves restitution where possible. (Leviticus 6:1-7); (Luke 19:8). Without these fruits being manifest, there is no genuine Bible repentance!
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STUDY QUESTIONS:
1. What is repentance?
2. What is justification?
3. What is faith?
4. What is sin?
5. How do we repent?
6. How do we obtain faith?7. What is “Faith toward God“?
PRINCIPLES OF KINGDOM LIVING
LESSON 2—STUDY SHEET
REPENTENCE FROM DEAD WORKS
Please fill in the blanks and bring this sheet with you to next class.
1. Repentance is a ____________________ from God.
2. The first word of the Gospel is _________________________.
3. The root meaning of the word repentance is a change of mind, or a change of ________________ and ___________________, and this in particular, concerning sin and relationship with God. It means a ____________________ about turn; a change of ________________.
4. The fall brought in man a mind in rebellion against God and His law; a mind which ________________ to go it’s _________ way.
5. Original sin which is the _________________________________ of our whole human nature.
6. Romans 8:7 Because the ____________________ mind is _____________________ against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
7. Actual sin, which is the actual breaking of the law of God; ______________________ act against the will of God.
8. What does turning from our way to His way do for us? This right standing is called __________________. We receive this right standing when we believe _____________ shed His blood for our sin and we accept and use His sacrifice for ourselves.
9. The __________________ must work repentance in us through Godly sorrow.
10. II Corinthians 7:10 For _________________ sorrow __________________ repentance to salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worth death.
11. Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at: but ________________ commandeth ____________________ men every where to repent: (Look up scripture)
12. Luke 24:47 And that ___________________ and _________________ should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Read Luke 24:46-47)
13. On page 17 three things are mentioned on how do we repent, they are: A.____________________________________________________________________ B.____________________________________________________________________ C.____________________________________________________________________ 14. We are delivered from the ________________________ of actual sin when we find repentance.
15. Who delivered us from original sin and how? Read Romans 6:4-6 for the answer. _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
16. Dead works are __________________________ laws, beliefs and good works that dominate our frame of thought and actions concerning God (works of the Flesh).
17. Dead works are not to be confused with the true good works that God has
___________________ for Christians in spreading the Word of God.
18. If there is genuine repentance inwardly (the root), this will be evidence outwardly (the ______________________).
19. List five (not four) fruits of repentance. 1.__________________________________________________________________ 2.__________________________________________________________________ 3.__________________________________________________________________ 4.__________________________________________________________________ 5.__________________________________________________________________
20. Faith towards God. Faith is the trust and confidence in our hearts that what God says He has done and will do in our lives is fact, not just a possibility. If He says in I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, then we should believe this word in our heart and act upon it (do what it says). God does forgive us and does cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Remember, words without action is not true confession or repentance. Actions speak louder than words.
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