Bible Study - The Call to True Repentance

 

The Call to True Repentance

Lent is a time of self-examination, repentance, and renewal. It reminds us of:

• Our need to turn away from sin and return to God.
• God’s mercy and willingness to forgive when we truly repent.
• The importance of a sincere and transformed heart before God.

Our readings today focus on true repentance, using the example of Nineveh, Jesus’ rebuke of an unrepentant generation, and David’s deep cry for mercy in Psalm 51.

Main Themes for Today’s Sermon:

1. The Power of Repentance (Jonah 3:1–10)
2. Jesus Calls for True Repentance (Luke 11:29–32)
3. A Prayer of True Repentance (Psalm 51:11–18)

 

I. The Power of Repentance (Jonah 3:1–10)

A. Jonah’s Second Chance and Nineveh’s Response

“The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: ‘Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.’” (Jonah 3:1-2)

• Jonah had previously run from God, but after being swallowed by the fish, he was given a second chance.
• He obeyed and proclaimed:

“Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” (Jonah 3:4)

B. The Power of a Nation’s Repentance

“The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.” (Jonah 3:5)

• Even the king humbled himself, covering himself in sackcloth and sitting in ashes.
• Their actions reflected a genuine turning away from evil.

C. God’s Mercy in Response to Repentance

“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.” (Jonah 3:10)

• Repentance moves the heart of God.
• God’s judgment is real, but so is His mercy when we turn back to Him.

Am I truly repenting, or just going through religious motions?

 

II. Jesus Calls for True Repentance (Luke 11:29–32)

A. The Danger of Seeking Signs Without Faith

“This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” (Luke 11:29)

• The people demanded miraculous signs, yet they ignored the greatest sign—Jesus Himself.
• Jesus compares Himself to Jonah:
• Jonah’s message led Nineveh to repent.
• Jesus’ message is even greater, but many rejected it.

B. The Warning of Judgment

“The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here.” (Luke 11:32)

• The people of Nineveh responded to Jonah, a reluctant prophet.
• Yet, many in Jesus’ time refused to repent despite seeing God’s own Son.

C. The Urgency of Repentance Today

• We too have heard God’s Word—how are we responding?
• True repentance is not just about feeling sorry but about changing our ways and turning back to God.

Am I truly responding to Jesus’ call to repentance, or am I waiting for another "sign"?

 

III. A Prayer of True Repentance (Psalm 51:11–18)

A. David’s Cry for God’s Mercy

Psalm 51 is a deep cry of repentance from David after his sin with Bathsheba.

“Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51:11)

• David acknowledges that sin separates us from God.
• He longs for restoration and renewal.

B. The Heart of True Repentance

“You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.” (Psalm 51:16)

• True repentance is not about outward rituals—it is about a broken and contrite heart.
• God desires a transformed heart, not just religious acts.

C. The Promise of Renewal

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:12)

• Repentance leads to restoration—God renews us and fills us with joy.
• Lent is a time to seek that renewal and return to our first love—Jesus Christ.

Do I have a broken and contrite heart before God, or am I just going through religious routines?

 

How Should We Respond in Lent?

As we reflect on today’s readings, let us take repentance seriously:

Like Nineveh, let us humble ourselves and turn away from sin.
Like Jesus warned, let us stop waiting for “signs” and respond now.
Like David, let us pray for a pure heart and the joy of salvation.

Lenten Challenge:

• What sins or distractions do I need to turn away from?
• How can I make my repentance sincere and not just routine?
• How can I use this season to grow deeper in my faith and commitment to Christ?