The purpose of repentance is not to make us feel better about ourselves but to restore us to a right relationship with God, so that our lives may again bring glory to Him and be used for His purposes. That is what personal revival is all about!
DeMoss continues:
So what does a repenter look like?...
- A repenter renews his/her mind with truth from Scripture consistently. He/she is aware that the battle against temptation is first waged in the mind and that the process of repentance begins there as well.
- A repenter responds to God immediately. At the first sign of conviction, he/she agrees with God about sin, turns from it, and turns toward the Lord.
- A repenter obeys God completely. His/her repentance is thorough, and does not cast a longing look back at sin. He/she forsakes the temporary pleasure of sin for the abiding joy of God's blessing.
- A repenter follows God personally. He/she does not base commitment to God on what others are doing. "Though no one joins me, still I will follow" expresses the attitude of the heart.
- A repenter accepts God's discipline faithfully. Realizing that sin has consequences, he/she accepts the Lord's discipline as an act of love and as a reminder when faced again with sin.
She concludes:
Responding to God is more important than whatever you were planning on doing next. If God is speaking, the time to respond is now. Will you humble yourself and allow Him to begin restoring you?
Think through what DeMoss suggests are signs of one who repents. Consider each point personally. Do these signs represent your heart to be right with God?
PERSONAL REFLECTION
(Contemplate God’s Word to you)
What was the most significant thought you received from this session?
Why do you think God implanted this upon your heart?
What do you think God wants you to do as result of what you have heard?
Is there anything that might keep you from receiving/doing/obeying what you heard?
Ask His help in achieving what He spoke to you.
Thank God for what you have heard; remember and apply it to your life.
