The Gospel Call to Repent

1Jesus Announces Good News and Calls for a Response

Read Mark 1:14–20

Jesus announces that the time is fulfilled and God's kingdom is at hand. His command to repent and believe belongs to that announcement. Repentance is more than feeling sorry that sin has caused trouble. It means turning away from sin and self-rule in response to God. Belief is more than agreeing that the announcement is true: it looks to Jesus and trusts the good news he proclaims. Jesus calls for both.

Mark then shows Jesus calling Simon, Andrew, James, and John to follow him. Their response makes the call concrete. The passage does not tell every believer to leave a job or family in the same way, but it does show that responding to Jesus concerns the direction of one's life, not words alone.

Discussion

?1. What does Jesus announce before he commands people to repent and believe? Why does that order matter?

?2. What do verses 16–20 show about the seriousness of responding to Jesus' call? What should we avoid assuming from these particular disciples' actions?

2Return to God, Not Merely Away from a Habit

Read Joel 2:12–13

Through Joel, the Lord calls his people to return to him with their whole heart. The contrast between a torn heart and torn garments shows that an outward display cannot stand in for a genuine turning to God. The invitation also gives a reason to return: the Lord is gracious and merciful.

A person can change a habit for fear of consequences or to improve a reputation. Such a change may be useful, but it is not by itself biblical repentance. Repentance names sin honestly before God, turns from it, and seeks him and his mercy. It reaches the heart as well as outward conduct.

Discussion

?3. What does Joel say God desires beyond an outward sign of sorrow?

?4. How does God's character in verse 13 encourage a sinner to return to him?

?5. How might a person change a harmful behavior without turning to God?

3Sorrow That Leads Toward God

Read 2 Corinthians 7:8–11

Paul writes about the Corinthians' response to a letter that grieved them. He does not celebrate their pain for its own sake. He rejoices that their sorrow led to repentance and an earnest response to what had gone wrong. He contrasts this godly sorrow with worldly sorrow, which does not lead to that turning.

The strength of an emotion is not the measure of repentance. Someone may feel deep regret over being exposed yet still excuse the sin. Another person may struggle to express grief but confess the wrong and seek God's mercy. The question is where sorrow leads. Repentance does not pay for sin. Jesus Christ is the Savior to whom sinners come, trusting his mercy rather than the depth of their sorrow or the promise of future improvement.

Discussion

?6. Why was Paul glad about the Corinthians' sorrow? What difference does he describe between two kinds of sorrow?

?7. What would happen if a person treated the intensity of sorrow as the basis for God's forgiveness?

4Respond to the Call of Christ

Jesus calls people to repent and believe the good news. Joel calls people to return to the merciful Lord. Paul shows that godly sorrow moves toward a changed response. Together, these passages direct us away from hiding sin, defending it, or trying to pay for it. They direct us to turn to God and trust Christ.

Personal Response

Consider privately: Is there a sin you have been excusing, or a form of regret that has kept your attention on consequences rather than on God? Bring it honestly to him. Ask for grace to turn from it and to trust Christ. You do not need to make yourself worthy before coming to him.

?8. Without sharing private details, what difference does it make that the call to repent comes with a call to believe the good news?