An Invitation to Repent
Pastor Aaron Sutherland
John 10:10
The thief enters only to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that they could have life—indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest.
Matthew 4:17
Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
The beauty of God’s promised land is often preceded by the uncertainty of the wilderness.
I. GOD INVITES US TO REPENT OF OUR UNBELIEF
John 16: 7-9
Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;
Matthew 12:31
Therefore, I tell you that people will be forgiven for every sin and insult to God. But insulting the Holy Spirit won’t be forgiven.
God does not convict us to condemn us, God convicts us to complete us.
II. GOD INVITES US TO REPENT OF MISTAKEN RIGHTEOUSNESS
John 16:10
...concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;
2 Corinthians 5:21
God caused the one who didn’t know sin to be sin for our sake so that through him we could become the righteousness of God.
Psalm 24:16
The righteous may fall seven times but still get up, but the wicked will stumble into trouble.
III. GOD INVITES US TO REPENT OF OUR LIMITED JUSTICE
John 16:11
...concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Luke 17:1-2
Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.
1 Samuel 17:30
He then turned away to someone else and brought up the same matter, and the men answered him as before.
Whatever God calls us to, God equips us for.
Discussion Questions:
1. How would you describe some of the difficulties you are walking through?
2. What do you think the “helper” is trying to show You in this time?
3. What are some of the new experiences that turning a new direction could make available to you?
