PUBLIC REPENTANCEActs 8:14-25

Introduction

Easily one of the most difficult things in life is to admit error.

Therefore, repentance is a very challenging command.

Luke 13:3-5

Acts 8:22, “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.”

Perception Versus Reality

What we think and what God thinks may differ completely.

For example, a child thinks their room is cleaned when Mom has a completely different interpretation.

Perception Versus Reality

God doesn’t base His judgments on our perceptions.

Revelation 20:11-15

Do we see how this impacts repentance?

Importance of Repentance

J.W. McGarvey said that if he were given miraculous gifts today he would ask for the gift of provoking repentance from his listeners.

Acts 17:30, “Truly these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent.”

Matthew 4:17, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Importance of Repentance

Repentance is more than being sorry for sin.

Matthew 27:3, “Then, Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.”

Acts 1:25, “Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”

Importance of Repentance

“Repentance is something that stands between sorrow for sin and the change of life in which sins are abandoned and a better course of conduct begins. When a man is so thoroughly filled with sorrow and mourning and self-reproach on account of his sins that his will is subdued to the will of God, and he says, I will sin no more, I will hereafter submit to the will of God, this results in a change of life, and it is repentance, a change of will in regard to sin.”

Repentance Is…

Repentance is godly sorrow. We must see our sins as God sees them.

2 Corinthians 7:10, “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

Importance of Public Repentance

Churches throughout the world have people that need to repent of their sins but they do not do so.

Problems have resulted from this refusal and division and doubt have resulted.

We are to be lights to the world.

Public and Private Sin

Secret sin (Psalm 90:8). National sin (Proverbs 14:34,

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people”).

Open sins (1 Timothy 5:24, “Some men’s sins are clearly evident”).

If the sin is public or private, what should the repentance be?

Why Do People Not Repent?

Denial of Sin Defiance Comparison Game Public Opinion 2 Corinthians 10:12-18

Public Sin Requires Public Repentance

Acts 8:14-25 Congregation knew Simon’s sin. Peter rebuked him publicly.

Public Sin, Public Repentance

Simon’s repentance had to be public so the congregation would know he had repented. His example was crucial before the people.

Simon’s Soul Was the Priority

This is the only relationship that matters (8:22).

When we focus on God our focus is vertical. When we focus on others, it is horizontal. In the latter situation, we are no longer focused on God.

Repentance Requires Fruit

Matthew 3:8, “bear fruits worthy of repentance.”

It is not real unless the fruit is real. Repentance is a true change of life before

God AND man.