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Gospel Meeting October 2008

The 3rd Annual Preachers Files Lectureship

Youth Gathering Oct 25th


 

                                         No Shame in Repentance

 

-Introduction

-the danger of becoming desensitized to sin

-We become accustomed to that which we are regularly around.

            -example of Scott Berna

-1 Cor 15:33

-When we consider the ways of this world, we see a great amount of sinfulness - many atrocities -   many things contrary to God’s will

-When we are around these things more, hear these things more, see these things more, we

    become more used to them (more so than we should be).

 -example of programming on tv

 -In too many of our own homes, we’re falling victim to this process - and with our

   kids right there beside us - desensitizing them at an early age.

-1 Tim 4:2

 

-We Must Remember the Atrocity of Sin and the Necessity of Forgiveness

-Sin should bother us - plain and simple. 

-We need to properly train our conscience in accordance with God’s will.

      -How did we get a conscience?  Gen 1:26 - made in the image of God

      -We need to properly train our conscience with the studying & application of God’s word.

-Matt 7:21, Rom 12:1-2

-When considering God’s word, it doesn’t take long to realize that forgiveness is a must.

      -Rom 3:23, 6:23

      -Sin is a violation against God’s will.  It is digusting in His sight – Isa 1:6.

-Sin has many consequences - worst of which is separation from God - Isa 59:1-2.

-God doesn’t want us to be separated from Him and that’s why He sent Jesus.

      -2 Cor 5:21, Rom 5:9

-We have a drastic problem of sin.  Let’s not become desensitized to it.

 

-We Must Remember There is No Shame in Repentance

-For us to receive forgiveness, we must repent - Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30

-Story of asking David South a question and his answer

      -You can’t measure the success of your efforts just by immediate responses.

-Usually, when we talk about responses, we usually think in terms of somebody’s initial

  obedience to the Gospel. 

      -What about those who have previously obeyed the Gospel, but need to come in confession

        and repentance of wrongdoing?

-It seems that we rarely see that taking place. 

-There are probably a multitude of factors that effect that.  Could it be that some view that step of

  repentance as shameful?

       -If so, they are sorely mistaken!

 

-We Must Remember that the Shame is in the Sin

-Jer 6:15; 8:12 - Let’s be careful that we don’t allow our hearts to be hardened and our

                           consciences calloused to the point that sin doesn’t bother us & cause shame.

- Jeremiah writes in other places about the topic of shame:

     -Jer 3:22-25 - Sinning against God is shameful.  Repenting of that sin is not.

     -Jer 23:39-40

            -vs 40 - “perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten”

            -This is a record of their shame.  It is perpetual due to the fact that it is recorded in the

              scriptures and in the records of history.  Their shame will always be remembered.

-Would their “record” be different had they repented?  Absolutely.

-The Corinthians:

      -1 Cor 5:1-2 - shameful conduct of fornication within the church

      -Yet, the record of this man (and of the Corinthians as a whole who had their struggles) is not

        left as one of shame.  To the contrary:  2 Cor 2:7-11 - gladness, joy, rejoicing, love, forgiveness   Clearly…

-Sin is shameful.  Repentance is not.

-I’m afraid some fail to respond because they incorrectly feel that it is a thing of shame.  Not

  responding when needing to do so - that is where shame is. 

-But, when should we feel it necessary to respond in a public fashion with a public confession

  and make our repentance known and request prayers on our behalf?

      -1 John 1:7-9 - “confess” - With some logic and rational thought, we can properly conclude that the  acknowledgement of sin should correspond with the knowledge of sin.

            -Matt 18 - private manner - handle privately

            -If it is of public knowledge, it should be handled publicly including an acknowledgement to the congregation.

 

-Summary and Invitation

-Please don’t become desensitized to sin.  Sin should bother us.

-We need to remember that sin is a violation against God and separates us from Him.

-We need God’s forgiveness. 

-So, don’t feel that there is any shame or cause for embarrassment in responding to God’s

  word in repentance.  Shame is in sin, not in repentance.

-Do you currently have sin in your life that needs to be addressed?

-Perhaps you are here today and you need to respond to the invitation:

     -Initial obedience:  Believe (John 3:16, 8:24), Confess (Matt 10:32, Rom 10:9-10), Repent

       (Luke 13:3,4; Acts 17:30), Be Baptized (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16), Live Faithfully (Rom 6:4)

-Return to faithfulness:  Confession, Repentance, Prayer - 1 John 1:7-9, Acts 8:22-24

 Pat Cowden


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