Day 13: True Repentance (Bible Tribe Matthew 3–5) - Denise Pass

Good morning, friends! Day Thirteen! They say “a leopard never changes its spots” which means that it’s impossible for one to change their character, even if they will try very hard. Honestly, change is not something we can make happen in our own strength. But the decision to change is one we have to make. True repentance opens the door for forgiveness.

Bible Reading: Matthew 3-5

Verse of the day is: Matthew 4:17 “From then on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.’”

Word of the day is: Repent. It is the Greek word: μετανοέω (met-an-o-eh’-o).

This word means: Conversion, change one’s mind, feel remorse.

True Repentance Is About Mindset

In today’s reading, Matthew tells about the ministry of John the Baptist, and the baptism and temptation of Christ. We unearth a significant spiritual truth in today’s reading that could change your life and should change your life. To access the grace of God we must repent. This repentance is not just a confession, but a change of mind.

Where Is Your Faith?

Mark 1:15, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” True repentance must be accompanied by belief in God. The word met-an-o-eh’-o is a word I have come across in beginning to work on my dissertation. I realized that people’s mindsets get stuck because of unbelief. They believe the lies in their mind rather than the truths and promises of God’s word. But when we repent of believing our thoughts over God’s, we open the doorway to change and healing.

Romans 2:4 reminds us that we don’t want to abuse God’s grace. The purpose of His grace is to draw us to Himself for salvation. “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

Is there something you need to repent from right now? Maybe it is judging others or talking about others, or unbelief. Sometimes it is as simple as giving in to depressive or anxious mindsets because we “feel we can’t help it”, but that is not what God’s word says.

Application

• • • Dare to repent. Ask God to reveal where unbelief has hardened your heart.
    • Ask God to help you to repent and turn from what is displeasing to Him.

    Go with God and His precious word, friends! Join us tomorrow in the book of Romans!

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