Sunday School

MEMORY VERSE: “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.”Psalm 9:1

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 107:21-22

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the year 2024, we are so grateful to God who has faithfully seen us into the new year and trust that He by His Spirit will make our spiritual journey glorious as we continue to learn at His feet in Jesus name Amen. Gratitude is fundamentally about not taking things for granted. Many believe that most things they get are their rights. They believe in their sweat, smartness, and intellect; hence, they see no reason why they should give thanks to anyone, not even to God-Almighty. This is not only wrong but a wicked and dangerous act. To be grateful is to recognise the influence and blessings of the Lord in our lives. Gratitude also means thanksgiving, thankfulness, or appreciation.

OUTLINE

1.SHOWING GRATITUDES

2. SOME BENEFITS OF SHOWING GRATITUDE

SHOWING GRATITUDE

Thanksgiving should be the first fruit of our lips. Hebrews 13:15. It should come out of a pure, broken, and contrite heart Psalms 51:16-17. Thanksgiving should not be offered grudgingly or of necessity but willingly and cheerfully. Exodus 35:5, 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Therefore, we can offer thanks to God with joyful noise Psalms 95:2, singing Psalms 13:6; Psalms 126:1-2, clapping of hands Psalms 47:1, musical instruments, and dancing Psalms 150:3-6, etc. Offering of quality substance like our time, material resources such as properties, and money are other acceptable means of showing gratitude to God Proverbs 3:9-10. We can also show gratitude with our voluntary heartfelt service in God’s CHURCH Psalms 107:22; Hebrews 6:10.

SOME BENEFITS OF SHOWING GRATITUDE

1.Our gratitude helps us glorify God as we focus on the giver and not the gifts.
2 Corinthians 4:15.
2.It helps us enjoy fully God’s presence, Psalms 95:2; 103:13-14.
3.It makes us conform to God’s will. 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
4.It brings peace, joy, and contentment Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Timothy 6:6-8.
5.It makes our testimony complete and perfect. Luke 17:17-19.
6.Our faith deepens as we praise Him for past faithfulness, this enables us to confidently face new difficulties ahead. Psalm 103:2.
It accelerates answers to all our prayers John 11:41-44

CONCLUSION

Gratitude should be part of our daily lives so that we can enjoy unending benefits.

MEMORY VERSE: “For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. ”.Isaiah 30:15.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 10:19-21

INTRODUCTION

Words are powerful and can make or mar situations they are sent into Proverbs 6:2. Words can save or put one in trouble. It takes foresight ,maturity, and self-discipline to be a person of few words (spoken in wisdom). Therefore, being in a rush to speak always, is a sign of weakness and foolishness.

OUTLINE

1.THE MOUTH A FOOL

2. BEING ‘SLOW TO SPEAK’ AND ITS BENEFITS

THE MOUTH A FOOL

A fool is a person who acts unwisely or imprudently. However, one of the downfalls of a fool is their mouth which is very quick to express all the thoughts of their heart. According to Proverbs 18:7, a fool’s mouth is their destruction and a trap to their own soul. This is because fools do not exercise any control in the use of their tongue neither do they keep their mouth shut or speak only, when necessary, Proverbs 18:6; Proverbs 17:28. A fool reveals their entire mind because they believe they are always right and hate any form of accountability Proverbs 29:11. The talk of a fool destroys them because it puts them into trouble Ecclesiastes 10:12. A fool argues and expresses frustrations openly and will often engage in strife Proverbs 20:3.

BEING ‘SLOW TO SPEAK’ AND ITS BENEFITS

Being ‘slow to speak’ is not a sign of weakness. Apostle James, in the book of James 1:19, admonishes everyone to be ‘slow to speak’. This means that we must learn to do the following:

1. Think before speaking Proverbs 23:7; 29:20.
2. Choose and use our words wisely Proverbs 25:11.
3. Let our words be gracious Colossians 4:6.
4. Avoid being rash with our words and decisions Proverbs 15:1; Acts 19:36.
5. Speak words full of wisdom. Psalms 37:30.
6. Talk less Proverbs 15:28 and listen actively and attentively to others Job 29;9-10
7. Ask the Lord to set a guard at our mouth Psalm 141:3; James 3:2

Being ‘slow to speak’ has a lot of benefits. For instance, it shows we are knowledgeable Proverbs 17:27; 15:2. Also, it shows great understanding Proverbs 10:13; 17:28b and the right use of words Proverbs 8:8. If we able to ‘bridle’ our tongue, we will command the attention and respect of others Proverbs 12:14. Our words will be sound and seasoned with wisdom Titus 2:8; Proverbs 15:23. We will avoid needless arguments, troubles, battles, and keep safe Proverbs 13:3; 21:23.

CONCLUSION

We can create unneeded tension if we are rash with our mouths. Relationships grow by listening actively and speaking slowly.

MEMORY VERSE:“Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more”. 1 Thessalonians 4:1

BIBLE PASSAGE: Romans 8:5-8

INTRODUCTION

Pleasing God in all things should be the goal of all believers-all who call upon the name of Christ for salvation. The requirements for all who want to please God are that they must seek God by faith, walk in the Spirit and not in the natural human nature of the flesh, and walk worthy of our calling in obedience and submission to the will of God.

OUTLINE

     1.WALKING IN THE SPIRIT

2. LIVING BY FAITH

WALKING IN THE SPIRIT

Paul reminded the believers in Rome that “those who operate in line with desires of the natural human nature cannot please God” Romans 8:8. So, the first step in pleasing God is to accept the sacrifice for sin that He provided in the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Only then are we “in the spirit” and not “in the natural fleshy nature of our humanness”. We do this by faith because “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” Hebrews 11:6.

In Romans 8, Paul explains the difference between the sinful nature of the ‘natural man’ we were born with and the nature of those regenerated by the Spirit of God at salvation. Those who are still in their sin have their minds set on sinful desires, whereas the ones regenerated by Christ have a completely new mindset that is controlled by the Spirit and desire to live in accordance with Him Romans 8:6-8. So, the first step for believers in pleasing God is to be sure we are walking in the spirit, not in the desires of our natural nature as exhibited by our human fleshly desires Galatians 5:16..

LIVING BY FAITH

Furthermore, we must live daily by faith Hebrews 10:38; 11:6. God cannot be pleased with those who “draw back” from Him because they have no confidence in Him Hebrews 10:39 or those who doubt the truth of His declarations and promises 2 Corinthians 1:20. Neither will God be happy with those who do not believe that His ways are right or holy and perfect Psalms 18:30. The requirement of faith and confidence in God is not unreasonable; and it is an indispensable condition of our being pleased with them. So, it is with God.

Therefore, pleasing God is a matter of living according to His precepts, commandments, and doing so in love John 14:15. The Epistles are God’s plan for believers and are filled with exhortations to display throughout our lives the behaviour that is pleasing to God: “ For the rest, then, my brothers, we beseech you and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more”. 1 Thessalonians 4:1.

CONCLUSION

Pleasing God may seem impossible to do, but God wants us to please Him, and He makes it possible for us to please Him. We do these things by the power of His Spirit who lives in our hearts.

MEMORY VERSE:“For  yet canal: for whereas themes among you envwing, and s and divisions, are ye not canal, and walk as men?” 1 Corinthians 3:3

BIBLE PASSAGE: Hebrews 5:12-14

INTRODUCTION

Spiritual maturity is a conscious decision a believer in Christ takes to leave the longings for continuous “milk or baby steps in faith” and grow into the full stature of Christ in all ways. This involves feeding on “strong meats of Christian doctrines” and living for Christ alone. Every believer is expected to grow in grace daily Ephesians 4:13. 

OUTLINE

1. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
2. JOURNEY TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY

SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY

The following are some of the signs that a believer in Christ is not growing in the faith as expected by God:

1. Selfishness Like babies, they care about themselves alone 2 Timothy 3:2a; Philippians 2:21.
2. They might be gifted but they lack the corresponding fruit of the Spirit 1 Corinthians 12:7.
3. They are often quick to speak, slow to hear Proverbs 12:18; James 1:19.
4. They are always complaining and murmuring 1 Corinthians 10:10.
5. They are very quick judge others and justify themselves John 8:7; Matthew 7:1.
6. They are unable endure sound doctrines 2 Timothy 4:3: loves to be pampered and listens to only what is soothing.
7. They are controlled by sights/emotions/feelings 2 Corinthians 4:18.
8. These always engage in envy, strife, heated arguments and disagreements James 3:14-16.
9. They gets upset over petty things Proverbs 19:11 10. They love the world’s values more than God’s standards 1 John 2:15-17.

JOURNEY TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY

The journey to spiritual maturity begins with a deliberate walk with the Holy Spirit Romans 8:4, 14. It involves feeding intensely on the word of God Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15 and doing what the word says James 1:25. Also, there must be visible manifestations of the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-24.

The spiritual mature believer walks in forgiveness towards all Colossians 3:13; they submit to corrections and instructions Proverbs 1:8; 4:13. They manage their emotions and live beyond their feelings Proverbs 16:32; they have integrity in all things and are not conformed to the world’s standards Job 27:5; Proverbs 20:7. These believers do away with strife Proverbs 20:3; are humble Proverbs 22:4; James 4:6; put on the righteousness of Christ so as to produce pure fruits always Ephesians 4:24.

CONCLUSION

Although spiritual maturity is a journey, we must never remain on the same level; we must make noticeable progress in our Christian walk.

FURTHER READINGS: SUN: 1 Cor. 10:24. MON: Prov. 17:14. TUE: Lk. 1:52. WED: 2 Cor. 3:18. THUR: Phil. 3:10. FRI: Eph. 2:10. SAT: Job. 13:15.

MEMORY VERSE: “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Psalms 100:3

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 23:1-6

INTRODUCTION

Psalms 23 is an expression of our confidence and trust in the Lord. Each verse reveals the close relationship David shared with His God. Metaphorically, David portrays God as a loving “Shepherd”. This is because being a shepherd himself; he knows what it means to cater for the flocks. The imagery of God as “THE SHEPHERD” is common throughout the Old and New Testament. Therefore, every believer should understand the place of God in their lives as the “Shepherd”, what it means to be a “sheep”, and how to rely solely on God.

OUTLINE

1. THE BELIEVER AS A “SHEEP”

2. GOD AS “THE SHEPHERD”

THE BELIEVER AS A “SHEEP”

The term “sheep”, in this context, is used metaphorically for believers Psalms 100:3. A “Sheep” is someone who obediently follows and totally trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ – “The Shepherd” John 10:14. Christians must subject themself to the leadership of the “Great Shepherd” who surely has their interest at heart Hebrews 13:20. Like the sheep, a believer needs God for daily provisions – both spiritual and physical Luke 11:3; Matthew 7:9-11; for protection from predators John 10:11- 12; for direction on the right Path Proverbs 16:9, etc.

Moreover, a believer needs the “Shepherd” to save them from “hirelings” -false Prophets, fake pastors, heretical teachers, apostate apostles, greedy evangelists, etc. Where the “sheep” only sees green grass, the

“Shepherd” sees hidden dangers. Hence, without the “Shepherd”, the “sheep” is in trouble 1 Kings 22:17. Also, a “sheep” needs the “Shepherd whenever life is hard Psalms 27:13; in time of anxiety Matthew 6:26; in need of safety Psalms 125:2; when they are downcast Psalms 43:5 need of help Psalms 121:1-2, etc. Therefore, believers should always call on God as their “Shepherd” Romans 10:13.

GOD AS “THE SHEPHERD”

A shepherd is a person who tends herds- someone who feeds and guards flocks of sheep. A shepherd’s primary responsibility is the safety and wellbeing of the flock. Like David, believers in Christ can call God their “Shepherd” Psalms 80:1; Isaiah 40:11. Jesus Christ also calls Himself the “Good Shepherd” John 10:11. In fact, Hebrews 13:2 calls Him “the Great Shepherd”. 

Our “Shepherd” performs His all-important role in the following ways

1. He leads us out and in, so that we find “pasture” and safety John 10:9

2. He knows how to take care of our needs by His abundant grace and providence that leads us in the way in which we should go Psalms 84:11; Isaiah 30:21.

3. He watches over us and keeps us from being destroyed by all forms of dangers around us John 10:10-11.

4. When we stray, He brings us back to the right path Matthew 12:11

5. Just as the shepherd brings the flock to the shade in times of scorching heat, in times of persecution and affliction, God becomes our refuge Psalms 91:4.

CONCLUSION

To enjoy the blessings of the Great “Shepherd”, we must humbly follow as responsive sheep.

MEMORY VERSE: “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth .” John  17:17 

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Timothy 3:13-17 

INTRODUCTION 

The Greek word for “truth” is aletheia, which literally means to “un-hide” or “hiding nothing”. It coveys the thought that truth is always there, always open, and available for all to see, with nothing being hidden or obsecured. The Hebrew word for “truth” is “emeth”, which means “firmness”, “consistency” and “durability”. Such a definition implies an everlasting substance and something that can be relied upon. Obviously, Truth must originate from somewhere. Ignoring the truth always leads to undesired consequences.

OUTLINE 

1. THE WORD IS THE TRUTH

1. BEWARE OF FALSE DOCTRINES

THE WORD IS THE TRUTH

Jesus made the simple statement “I am the truth” John 14:6 and John 1:1, 14 tells us that Jesus is the word. Mathematically, it means; 

If Jesus = The Truth- equation 1

And Jesus = The Word – equation 2

Therefore, The Word Is The Truth John 17:17.

The Truth is not relative; rather it is absolute, accurate and unchangeable.2 Corinthians 13:8; John 6:63. The truth of God’s word is divinely inspired and therefore profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness 2 Timothy 3:16; Psalms 119:9. The word gives wisdom and direction Colossians 3:16; Psalms 119:105.God’s word is sharp and powerful Hebrews 4:12; Jeremiah 23;29.If we know the word of  God, we know the truth will deliver and make us free Psalms 107:20; John 8:32,36. The word of God is incorruptible; it gives us solid spiritual foundation in the faith and an inheritance among the saints of God 1 Peter 1:23; Ephesians 4:14; Acts 20:32. 

BEWARE OF FALSE DOCTRINES 

As we approach the close of this age, we must be aware of the devises of the devil to counter the effort of God through diverse and varying false doctrines such as:

1. That Jesus is not the son of God. 1 john 4:1-3.
2.  That Jesus did not die on the cross. Colossians 2:14; 1 John 2:2
3.  That Jesus did not resurrect from the dead. Matthew 28:13-14
4. That Jesus is not coming back again. 2 Peter 3:3-4
5.  That there is no resurrection of the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:13-19, 35-45
6.  That the days of miracles are over. Hebrew 13:8.
7.  That the days of tithing are over. Malachi 3:10-13.
8.  That holiness is impossible. Phillippians 4:13; Luke 1:37

CONCLUSION

Time spent in ensuring that we know and are very familiar with God’s word, is not a wasted investment. This is pertinent now more than ever before especially as we know that satan is more organised in these last days in the spread of false doctrines.

THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

MEMORY VERSE: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 1:18-20

INTRODUCTION

There are diverse world views about the Christian faith. Some call it a religion, while others say it is “a way of life”. In some quarters, it is believed that it is personal relationship with God. What exactly is the tenet of our faith as Christians and how does it compare with other ‘faiths’? Is it a religion or a relationship?

OUTLINE

1.MORE THAN A RELIGION

 2.A CALL TO A RELATIONSHIP

MORE THAN A RELIGION

Simply put, Religion is “the belief in and worship of a supernatural being – with controlling powers as a personal God or idols” Exodus 34:14. In that respect, “Christianity can be classified as a religion”. However, practically speaking, Christianity has a key difference that separates it from other belief systems that are considered religions. Most religions are man centred. They are built upon the concept that man can reach a higher power – “God” through his own efforts – good works, sacrifices, rituals, etc. In that regard, Christianity is not a religion.

Just as the Jewish leaders made a religion out of a relationship with God, many people do the same with Christianity. They follow the way of the “Pharisees” in creating rules not found in Scripture Mark 7:8. Some who profess to follow Christ are following a man-made religion in the name of Jesus Colossians 2:8. While claiming to believe Scripture, they are often plagued with fear and doubt that they may not be good enough to earn

salvation or that God will not accept them if they do not carry out some ritualistic activities or perform to a certain standard Ephesians 2:8-9. The leaders of religious sects add many of their own rules to make it even more cumbersome Matthew 15:9. They pride themselves on their ability to keep the Law – at least outwardly. This is religion camouflaging as Christianity: it is one of Satan’s favourite tricks Matthew 23:1-7.

A CALL TO A RELATIONSHIP

The Christian faith is a relationship that God has established with His children. The Bible states clearly that there is nothing man can do to make himself right with God outside of divine grace Isaiah 53:6; 64:6; Romans 3:23; 6:23. God provided the way of salvation from sin for us that we cannot do for ourselves Colossians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21. Our sin separates us from His presence, and sin must be punished Matthew 10:28; 23:33. But, because God loves us. He took our punishment upon Himself Isaiah 53:5. All we must do is accept God’s gift of salvation by grace through faith Ephesians 2:8-9.

The grace-based relationship between God and man is the foundation of Christianity and the opposite of religion Titus 2:11-14. We can love God “because He first loved us” 1 John 4:19.

Holiness and obedience to Scripture are important, but they are evidence of a transformed heart, not a means to attain it. God desires that we be holy as He is holy 1 Peter 1:16. He wants us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Him 2 Peter 3:18. But we do these things because we are His children and want to be like Him, not to earn His love. God wants us to know Him, to draw near to Him, to pray to Him, and love Him above everything. That is not religion; that is a relationship.

CONCLUSION

Christianity is not about signing up for a religion. Christianity is about being born into the family of God John 3:3.

MEMORY VERSE: “Man that is in honour, and understand not, is like the beasts that perish.” Psalms 49:20

BIBLE PASSAGE: 3 John 2-4

INTRODUCTION

After we surrendered our lives to Jesus, He gave us our redemption package. Inside this package is everything that will make life enjoyable to us. These things make Christianity delightful and beautiful. It is therefore, expedient that we unfold our redemption package to fully enjoy its benefits.

OUTLINE

1. BARRIERS TO ENJOYING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE

2. UNFOLDING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE

BARRIERS TO ENJOYING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE

There are some barriers that might limit Christians from enjoying the full benefits of redemption. Ignorance of biblical truths is one of them John 8:32. These benefits are written all over the pages of the Bible. We must search them out to know them John 5:39; Acts 17:11. Until we discover them, we cannot enjoy them Isaiah 5:13; Hosea 4:6.

Another reason is that some Christians have been wrongly taught to be content with their present state. Sometimes you hear them say, “Thank God, I am saved: at least, I am going to Heaven”. Some Christians may decide to live and die like Lazarus: sick, afflicted, and poor; while others decide to live and die like Abraham; rich and healthy Luke 16:20-21; 3 John 2. Do not be content with your present state, if it is not a pleasant one. We must revolt against lack, want, sicknesses, affliction, and any other thing that does not bring glory to God in our lives.

UNFOLDING THE REDEMPTION PACKAGE

Some of the things that accompany salvation can be broadly categorized as follows:

1. Deliverance: This is being set free from the powers of kingdom darkness. This includes:
2. Deliverance from curses and evil covenants Galatians 3:13; Romans 8:1 
3. Deliverance from the spirit of fear 2 Timothy. 1:7.

Fear is a torment 1 John 4:18.

iii. Deliverance from demonic oppressions Isaiah 49:24-26; Luke 10:19

6. Deliverance from the wrath of God Romans 5:9; Ephesians 5:6.

2. Victory: This means triumphing, dominating, winning, succeeding, and conquering 1 Corinthians 15:57. In the victory package is victory over 

9. Sin Romans 6:14; 1 John 3:8-9.

19. Enemies Isaiah 59:19.

vii. Devil Revelation 12:11.

viii. Sickness and diseases Exodus 15:26; Isaiah 53:4-5.

1. Death (both physical and spiritual) – Isaiah 28:18a.

3. Prosperity: Abundant provisions have been made for us Psalms 118:25.

2 Corinthians 8:9; Job 36:11. However, some Christians are suffering, not because they are not saved, but because they are not meeting the conditions of the covenant of prosperity (sowing, giving, tithing, etc. Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6, 8.

CONCLUSION

If we, as Christians, look mournful and sickly, it may be that we have not been claiming our redemption benefits. We must claim our redemption package. It is our covenant right 2 Corinthians 9:8.

MEMORY VERSE: “Being born again, not of coruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7

INTRODUCTION

Being born again is a state of conversion from being a sinner to becoming a saint in Christ. It literally means ‘a new birth from above’ – a spiritual transformation which leads to a change of heart and life John 3:3-7 Being born again, is an act of God which imparts eternal life to a person who believes, confesses their sin, and accepts Jesus Christ as personal Saviour and Lord Titus 3:5. When you become “born again” you become children of God John 1:12-13 as you trust in the name of Jesus Christ. If we claim to be born again, there must be notable evidence to prove that we are children of God Romans 8:14.

OUTLINE

1. A SANCTIFIED LIFE

2. A SPIRIT-CONTROLLED LIFE

A SANCTIFIED LIFE

If we are ‘born again’, it is expected that we live a sanctified life: a life devoid of sin, separated unto God and Christ-like Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:13. This is what it means to be a ‘Christian’ or a ‘Child of God”.

It is the will of God that His children live a sanctified life daily 1 Thessalonians 4:3, 7; 5:23-24; 1 Peter 1:15-16. This great privilege and experience (sanctification) is made possible by the renewing power of the word of God on our mind John 17:17, Romans 12:1-2, the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Hebrews 13:12, and by the spiritual heart surgery’ as the individual daily surrenders unto God Ezekiel 36:25-27;

Romans 6:13. As children of God, we are empowered to live holy, bear the fruit of the Spirit, and have a guaranteed eternity in the Lord Romans 6:22; Galatians 5:22-23; Hebrews 12:14.

A SPIRIT-CONTROLLED LIFE

Anyone that is ‘born again’ should be controlled by the Holy Spirit who gives us power over sin Galatians 5:16, empowers us to serve God Acts 1:8 and to witness/testify persistently to our spiritual adoption Galatians 1 John 3:24.

Also, the Holy Spirit helps us to bear fruits worthy of our repentance in Christ Matthew 3:8. The Holy Spirit guides you into all truth John 16:13. controls the believers temperament Romans 8:4-5; Galatians 5:25, He gives life to our mortal bodies Romans 8:11; power to rebuke and cast out demons Acts 13:8-11; and ultimately should influence all our choices Acts 13:2. The Holy Spirit help and comforts Christians in times of pains, disappointment, loss, trials, etc 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 7:6.

CONCLUSION

Anyone who is born again must be sanctified and controlled by the Holy Spirit.

MEMORY VERSE: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19

BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Corinthians 7:9-10

INTRODUCTION

Technically, repentance is a change of mind, not just a turning from sin. The Greek word translated “repentance” is metanoia, and the meaning is simply “a change of mind.” In common usage, however, we often speak of repentance as “a turning from sin.” In this lesson, we will discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in repentance and its outcome.

OUTLINE

1.THE CONVICTING WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

2. THE FINAL PRODUCT

THE CONVICTING WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

 Repentance from the scriptural perspective is often associated with salvation, this is what happens when the Holy Spirit begins His work on the heart of a person to bring them to salvation. The Spirit gives the sinner a personal understanding and deep conviction of their precarious spiritual state John 16:8. The Holy Spirit exposes their personal sin, the eternal punishment due for such sin, the substitutionary nature of Jesus’ suffering for this sin as well as the need for faith in Jesus to save from the power of sin Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21. From that convicting work of the Holy Spirit, the sinner repents; they change their mind about sin, the Saviour and salvation Ephesians 2:8-9.

When a repentant person changes their mind about sin, that change of mind naturally leads to a turning away from sin. The desire or fun derived from sin brings condemnation rather than satisfaction Romans 5:17-18. The repentant sinner begins to dislike their past misdeeds and start seeking ways to make amends for their behaviour Luke 19:8; Acts 2:37.

THE FINAL PRODUCT

Ultimately, the result of the change of mind about sin is a devotion to good deeds Matthew S:8; Titus 2:7, 14. The sinner turns away from sin towards faith in the Saviour, and that faith is shown in their good worksof faith James 2:17.

Repentance in relation to Salvation, is a change of mind from a tendency embrace of sin to a state of perpetual rejection of a sinful life in honour of their faith in Christ Ephesians 2:1-5. Such repentance is something only God can enable John 6:44; 2 Timothy 2:25. Therefore, true biblical repentance will always result in a change of behaviour 2 Corinthians 5:17.

CONCLUSION

Your character must evidently change from sinfulness to godliness if you have repented. It is not just turning from sin but turning to God.