Sermons

Reading: Ephesians 4:17-32

Introduction

Repentance is “a change of mind” that involves a turning from sin and a turning to God. To repent is to “turn.” E.g. “U-turn.”

Outline

1. The Gospel of Repentance
   1. Repentance is Foundational to the Gospel (Mt. 3:2; 4:17; 10:7; 11:20; Ac. 2:38; 3:19)
   2. Bear Fruit of Repentance (Mt. 3:7-10; 2 Cor. 7:9-10)
2. Complete Repentance
   1. Repentance Involves Three Important Parts (Ep. 4:22-24)
      1. “Put off” – stop sinning
      2. “Be renewed” – change your thinking
      3. “Put on” – start doing right
   2. The Value of Renewal (cf. Mt. 13:20-21)
3. Josiah: Repentance in Action
   1. Josiah’s Spiritual Heritage
      1. Hezekiah (2 Ki. 18:3, 5-6) “He trusted in the Lord”
      2. Manasseh (2 Ki. 21:2, 9) “He did evil”
      3. Amon (2 Ki. 21:20) “He did evil”      
      4. Josiah (2 Ki. 22:2; 23:25; cf. 2 Chr. 34:3) “He turned to the Lord”
   2. Discovering God’s Law (2 Ki. 22:3-13; cf. 2 Chr. 34:3)
   3. Destroying Idolatry: “Put Off” (2 Ki. 23:4-20; cf. Ex. 32:19-20; Mt. 5:29-30; Ac. 19:19; Ga. 5:24)
   4. Keeping Passover: “Put On” (2 Ki. 23:21-23)
   5. What is Missing? Renewing Heart and Mind…

Conclusion

“Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand…” (Mt. 3:2; 4:17)