Title: Repent / Matthew 4:17
What Jesus did at the beginning of his public ministry
"Repent" is God's word to everyone in this age. Therefore, we must all listen to this word. Because of the unrepentant people, the crimes of society increase, the church stagnates because of the unrepentant believers, and the country is destroyed because of the unrepentant people.
Repentance is not just a word. Repentance is a life, an action. In the meantime, we have said 'repent' countless times, and those who heard it only said 'repent'. However, looking back on the results achieved, it seems that we still have many shortcomings. The reason we all face difficulties in the current IMF economic system is that true repentance has not been achieved. Therefore, we should not only view this difficulty negatively, but see that God has given us an opportunity to repent. Then, how should we repent and live for a life in heaven?
First, we must turn around in the wrong direction of life.
'Repentance' is the Greek word for 'metanoia', which means complete change of direction. Repentance is a complete turning away from past bad habits, bad lifestyles, sins, and lawlessness.
We must boldly throw away the old garments of the past through repentance. Just as Bartimaeus, a blind man who met Jesus in Mark 10, completely turned away from the life of a beggar and became a disciple of Jesus, now we, leaders, people, and saints will all have to turn from the way we lived. .
We must give up bad habits. We must boldly abandon the wrong attitudes of life that are indolent, lazy, self-indulgent, extravagant, sin against God, and sin in society. David's crimes were personal murder and adultery, but because he was the king of Israel, he brought war and sorrow to the people. In this way, you should realize that my wrong actions have an impact both socially and nationally.
The wrong social structure must be reformed. No matter how much an individual repents, if the structure of society is fundamentally wrong, the consequences will inevitably appear as total sins. Therefore, the wrong practices of public officials, the political structure of the party party, the abolition of 'not guilty of hereditary', and lax corporate management and working attitude must be changed.
In order for us to repent, we must first realize what sin we have committed ourselves. A person who pretends to be righteous can never repent (Luke 5:32). Therefore, we should repent of even the sins we do not remember by praying to God to pour out the spirit of repentance.
Second, we must move forward on a new path.
The active side of repentance is walking in a new direction. You must not only throw away the past, but also have an active driving force to find a new life. When life changes for the future are made, complete repentance is possible.
The new path is the 'way of life'. Jesus is our way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Just as you can see the light when you turn your back on a dark road with your back to the sun, you can go on to the light of light after repenting. Heaven comes to those who repent. {From that time on, Jesus began to preach, saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand} (Matthew 4:17).
The new way is 'the way to be blessed'. A new road leads us to heaven, which presents a life of happiness, joy and blessing. Saegil is also a way to create a 'livable society'. The reason God is calling for repentance is not that it should be well with each individual, but that all of us as a community should prosper. Therefore, repentance of the heart alone is meaningless. Repentance, therefore, is good, and we desperately need it now.
Third, we must gain new strength.
Just as we obtain salvation by grace, life after repentance cannot be successfully made on our own. Complete repentance requires the help of the Holy Spirit. That's why David said, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me; do not cast me out from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me" (Psalm 51:10-11).
We must be filled with the Holy Spirit and have the courage to live. Just because you've lived wrong in the past doesn't mean your life is over. Realizing that and starting anew is the shortcut to success. The despair of life is not for those who repent, but rather for those who do not know how to repent.
You have to have a new vision. We must find a way to live in the future and draw a blueprint for life (Ezekiel 36:25-27). Armed with the new heart of the Holy Spirit, renewing our values with the Word of God, and aiming to apply them in our lives, we can be successful every day.
We must seek the blessings of heaven by praying. No one can guarantee tomorrow's success. Our repentance and efforts will only turn into success when God's blessings come upon us.
Fourth, you must enjoy a new life.
The life of repentance does not end instantaneously, but it entails constant effort and perseverance. The 'sanctification' of the saints is instantaneous and gradual. Although we may be forgiven of our sins by God's grace and change from a dirty and ugly life to the holy life of a saint in an instant, that does not mean that sinners become saints immediately.
We must be humbled even more. Just as the riper rice bows more, the more diligent and diligent people work, the more they repent and humble themselves (Luke 14:11). And just as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, we must take an attitude of serving others. We must also become responsible people through repentance. You must take responsibility not only for your own words and actions, but also for the mistakes of others.
If we repent, we can restore gratitude, joy, and emotion. {Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me; then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will turn to You} (Psalm 51:12-13). The characteristic of unrepentant people is that they do not give thanks, but rather grumble, complain, and slander others. However, those who repent will learn to be grateful for even the smallest things, to realize and enjoy the blessings they have received, to live happily, to find happiness nearby, and to be moved by the grace of salvation.
God gives heaven to those who repent. Now our country has had an opportunity to repent. Believers as well as unbelievers must all repent. You will need to clear up all your wrongdoings and repent thoroughly while looking at the vision of tomorrow. When we repent, individuals, families, communities, companies, and countries can live. If we honestly examine our sins, turn from all our mistakes, and live with a new heart, new dreams, new expectations, and a new vision, tomorrow will surely be a good day.