I. Introduction
A. Sorry, Not Sorry!
1. A somewhat recent trend in our culture is the “sorry, not sorry” attitude towards one another.
a. It usually shows up when you say something that may really hurt another person’s feelings, but you feel compelled to share it anyway.
b. It is often delivered with at least a slight attitude.
c. It might be true, or it may just be your opinion.
2. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the phrase is defined as: used, often humorously, to say that you do not feel bad about something.
3. We’re not sorry much anymore. When public figures appear before cameras or on social media to issue an apology, I sometimes wonder, “Are you sorry because you got caught or because you understand the hurt you have caused?”
4. In our text today, Paul isn’t sorry about making the Corinthians feel sorry because it led to repentance. What does repentance have to do with it?
B. Repentance
1. Repent is a church word that we don’t use much in our society.
2. We do talk about apologizing, walking statements back, and failing those who support us with the intention of doing better, but repentance is still a church-only word.
C. First, A Little Background
1. Paul had written a tough letter to the Corinthians. That might be the first letter we have or another one we do not have.
2. Word had come to Paul that the letter grieved them. Paul says he’s glad it did, but not for some sadistic or abusive reason. He was glad that it grieved them because it led to their repentance.
3. So, what is repentance, and why does it matter to Christians?
II. Good Grief!
A. Defining Repentance
1. Repentance is not just about saying “I’m sorry,” or about carrying the rest of your life; it’s about reformation.
a. We might be tempted to think that repentance is simply a feeling, such as remorse or guilt.
b. In verse 10, Paul says that repentance leads to salvation without regret.
c. Duane Warden observes, “Remorse is only regret that things did not turn out as expected…godly sorrow produces lasting changes in behavior.”
2. Repentance acts as a for changing course in life when necessary.
a. There was a sadness (λυπέω) among the Corinthians because Paul had pointed out behaviors that needed to change.
b. But Paul points out that it wasn’t about the emotional response; he wanted them to make changes so they could be in a relationship with God (2 Corinthians 7:8-9)
3. Repentance (μετάνοια) is a change of and that leads to a change in behavior.
B. Repentance
1. Repentance is revealed in our , not our intentions.
2. Repentance in Psalm 51
a. This psalm was composed by David sometime after being confronted by the prophet Nathan over his sin with Bathsheba.
b. David shows us what repentance looks like. He teaches us the meaning of godly grief.
3. What does Psalm 51 teach us about repentance?
a. Repentance is the of our sin (51:3)
b. Repentance is the of the separation from God that sin beings (51:4)-
c. Repentance is the for renewal (51:7,10)
d. Repentance is (51:12)
e. Repentance can be summed up in what we read in verse 17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
4. God is always for our return when we’ve wandered away.
a. Illustration: The best illustration of this is seen in the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. We read, “…when the son came to himself…” (Lk 15:17), he returned home ready to serve as a slave. His father, however, has been waiting for his return. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” This is one of the most beautiful pictures of God in the Bible! When the son allowed his heart to be broken, the father was ready to fully restore him.
b. Timothy Keller reminds us, “Legalistic remorse says, ‘I broke God’s rules,’ while real repentance says, ‘I broke God’s heart.””
5. When we are ready to truly deal with our sin, God is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9).
6. Repentance allows us to see both our value before God and our need for Him.
C. of Repentance
1. Leads to salvation
a. Repentance drives us back to God and into His .
b. Repentance is a requirement for salvation (Acts 2:38).
c. There’s nothing to regret when we return to God.
2. Leads to Growth
a. The Corinthians wanted to restore their relationship with Paul and with God, but they needed to make a change to make that possible.
b. When we are open to the need for repentance in our lives, we . As our relationships grow, we become more mature in our thinking, and we gain wisdom.
c. Earnestness and eagerness mean that we approach the challenges of life more maturely. When we learn how to truly be sorry, we get better at not having to be sorry so much.
d. True repentance involves learning how to approach things better the next time a similar situation arises.
3. Repentance leads to growth in our lives, which leads to salvation.
III. Conclusion
A. National Sorry Day
1. Every May 26th in Australia is National Sorry Day, which was renamed the National Day of Healing in 2005. It is a day that marks the lost generations of the indigenous people of Australia. It has grown beyond its original observation. It has become a day of healing for millions of people each year. People are encouraged to reconcile, right wrongs; in essence, it is a day of repentance.
2. Repentance is a healing thing.
B. Invitation