2. Repentance

[kreilly]

On 1/14/2021 at 6:21 PM, Lisa Daley said:

Question 5 -

Repentance is a change of mind, so true evidence of this is the Saint stops sinning. James said, "Faith without works is dead." The Saint must substitute in the void for the absent sin. It is not a change to idleness but an occupation. The Saint in Christ must follow the Spirit to occupy the land. Since forgiveness is to be "released from captivity", the Saint moves from slavery/captivity to freedom. But not a vacaant, idle freedom! Instead this is a Chritianity that occupies, takes possession, controls the land...in Jesus. The true benefit, or fruit, is the rich fellowship with Christ that comes through obedience.

I get what you're saying.  How true!  In Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus said, "When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.  Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept

clean and put in order.  Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there.  And the final condition of that man is worse than the

 

 

first."

 

[kreilly]

Why do you think John the Baptist calls people a brood of vipers, a den of snakes?

It seems to me like he is speaking to all the people.  We are all covered in sin.  He seems to be calling all of us out, convicting us of our sinful state.  He was not a man to mince words or sugarcoat things.  

In what way does sharing clothing and food with the poor constitute meaningful repentance? What ways do you find to do this in your everyday life?

I think this is like the difference between saying you believe in Jesus and actually following Jesus.  Meaningful repentance is always followed up by action which shows the true change of heart.  I donate to a number of Christian charities that provide food and clothing while sharing the gospel and supporting needy Christians.  

 

 

Tax collectors were tempted to collect more than was due them. How does this same temptation show up in your line of work or education or home?

I think I am tempted to not tithe or donate as much as I possibly could because I would rather use the money to buy things for myself or my family.  It is a daily struggle not to fall into the trap of materialism.  We cannot worship both God and money.  It is one or the other.

How does discontent with our lot in life cause us to sin? What would constitute repentance in this circumstance?

I think discontent in and of itself can be a sin sometimes.  Not always, sometimes we are discontent with some life situation that could be caused by sin and God is calling us to change it.  Or maybe God has put a dream in our heart and we feel discontent until we pursue it.  But when we are discontent because of our perceived lot in life, we can fall into the trap of blaming God.  Our discontentment actually stems from thinking God doesn't know what he is doing and hasn't performed up to our expectations.  In other words, we are switching roles and thinking of ourselves as God and He is our servant to do our bidding.  That is sinful.  The tenth commandment is about not coveting.  That is exactly what we are doing when we are discontent.  We are comparing ourselves to others' situations and finding our circumstances lacking.  We can be discontent about a great many things--not just finances.  We are often discontent about traits God gave us-our appearance, intelligence, athletic ability, talents, or maybe about relationships or a job situation.  God is not happy with us when we are discontent with the things He has provided for us.  It reminds me of when the Israelites left Egypt and were immediately grumbling and complaining about being hungry and thirsty and wanting to go back to Egypt.  It is important to remember to be grateful to God for all He has provided and not compare what we have to what others have.  When I am tempted toward discontentment, I always try to think of a worse situation I could be in and that makes me feel grateful for what I have.  I think gratitude and praise to God is repentance from discontentment. 

 

[Nana Karlsson]

The jews being descendants of Abraham were blinded by their self righteous beliefs and did not acknowledge their need for any further repentance.

In modern times we can see a similar pattern in most churches. Most people born into or raised in christian families become so routined and traditonal whilst engaging in all kinds of church activities so they do not do checks and balances to see where they stand with God, their relationship with Him, doing His will, obedience, also how they relate to other members in their families, the church, their communities and even non believers. Some can have a " holier than thou" attitude towards others because of their background as being born and raised in christian families. They become very religeous and prideful and as a result they may not see their misstakes, sins and the need for repentance when necessary.

If we are seeking to please God then we must have God's heart of love for our neighbours and not turn a blind eye to their needs. We must share what we have with those in need, that is the basic repentance and obedience to God.

[Queen Mc Daniel]

1. Why do you think John the Baptist calls people a brood of vipers, a den of snakes?

          Because their teaching  and action did not represent their inward attitude. These men were not interest in the kingdom that John was presenting. 

        2.How did the Jews' religious pride in Abraham keep them from taking John's call for repentance seriously?  

           Their religious pride was self-righteous, thinking that being within the Jewish chosen religion made them privilege from other people

.           How could religious pride have that same effect on us?

          Christian may think because they don’t have certain behavior as other’s they are better;  For example: Luke 18:9-14 (NRSV)
           He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt:  “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. One Pharisee, standing              by  himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you  that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.'  But the tax collector, standing far off, would             not even look up to heaven, but was beating  his  breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'   I tell you, this man went down to  his home justified rather than the other; for all who    exalt  themselves will be humbled, but all                 who humble themselves will be exalted."

    3..In what way does sharing clothing and food with the poor constitute meaningful repentance?

         Sharing clothing and food with the poor is an outward evidence of repentance. " Faith without works is dead" James 2:17,26

     What ways do you find to do this in your everyday life?

     I am blessed to serve with a congregation that serve the community with fresh produce , clothing and  a homeless shelter women and children

[mary58]

1. They are dangerous -=-  killing those around them.  The "brood" is a family group encouraged by one another and much more dangerous, for it -- the brood -- may strike in any direction and many times at once.  Perhaps real snakes don't do this, but the Pharisees indeed took their strength from being a group.

 

2. They assume salvation and belovedness because of who they are, how they were born -- which is true -- but take that notion to mean there is nothing else to do (as a baptist, you'd think Wilson would be on the same page ? ) But indeed it is because of who they are that there is much to do (and not do).  They think they are "all set" but not so.  Nor is it so for us.

 

3. Sharing clothes and food with the needy is compassion, it is obedience: we are instructed to be compassionate and so, when we aren't, we are sinning and need to change.  And watchfulness of others' needs, and giving, takes our focus away from ourselves which is a very useful thing.  But be careful: the focus -- the heart -- the thing that matters to you should also not be the needy person; rather the thing that matters is the obedience to, and relationship with, God.
The question asks "in what way do you do this in your everyday life?" and my answer has to be "not much... not really".  I financially support the church and it has a benevolence fund; and support W and he cares for the poor... maybe others, but never directly.  The giving asked for here is giving out of personal excess, equalizing, only keeping what you need.  This isn't "solving poverty" but but being kind -- one by one.  I have never done that.  Like most, I look aside from a beggar.  But, how about with those I know?  Perhaps I am more generous, more equalizing, there?
I am convicted. This needs to be attended to !

 

4. Wilson points out the tax collectors weren't told "find a different job" but were told how to do their job ethically.  When they do their job they enrich the oppressors and sadden their brethren -- even ethically that is their job.  Perhaps this is a job that will be done in present circumstances, so let us have good people doing it as kindly as possible?  When a job BIbe done, do it with integrity and kindness; and question whether the job must be done. 
This comes up all the time in parenting and teaching.  I will watch -- even though I don't have a "job" -- for where it applies in my doings.  It is a lens to use.

 

5. "How will we know when we have repented? what are the fruits of genuine repentance?"
The fruits are doing differently.  You know if you have truly repented when you act differently.  It's not about being sorry.  That's first; that's the "broken and contrite heart" which is a goad to seek forgiveness and then turn from the path -- that is the behavior -- that was the sin.  When you find that you are no longer sinning in that way (e.g. overtaxing) you know you have repented.  It may be discovered by surprise that you no longer overtax, or even care to do so, or even think of it ("I found I was a changed man") or it may be a continual, intentional, choice you have to make over and over ("no, I'm not going to ask for extra; no, I'm not going back a second time") but -- either way -- it is true repentance.  Obviously we prefer the first; but second keeps us more mindful of God.

 

6. "How does discontent with our lot in life cause us to sin? What would constitute repentance in this case?"
Two things:
First, The continual yearning for more, and for change, is a sin because of the yearning.  It is the "always hungry" of the movie "the Right Stuff".  This is self centered, not God centered and, thus, is wrong.  Let alone, grim and uncomfortable
Second, This isn't advice to never make change for the better, but that change has to not hurt others.  There is no glory in being content with your pay if that pay is inadequate to feed your family.  God hasn't dealt that soldier the "lot" -- it's not some sacred trust !  Niebuhr's prayer "give us the courage to change what must be altered, serenity to accept what cannot be helped, and the insight to know one from the other"  (which has been restated as  The Serenity Prayer "Grand me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference")  is relevant to this. Although the "must be changed" of the original prayer is significant -- one doesn't change things just because one "can" (the serenity prayer) but because one must.

[Celia P]

Why do you think John the Baptist calls people a brood of vipers, a den of snakes?

Because they are deceitful, cunning, and prideful. Seeking after their own self glory. They only came to him to see what he was doing and to mock him, not to repent.

How did the Jews' religious pride in Abraham keep them from taking John's call for repentance seriously?

Because of Fathers promise to Abraham, they thought that through Abraham they were safe from judgement, that they need not change their wicked ways.

How could religious pride have that same effect on us?

We can think that just because we have salvation through believing in Jesus Christ as our Lord and saviour, that, that is enough, that we dont have to change, or continue to repent and seek the help from the Holy Spirit to turn from sin, that we can carry on being selfish, and greedy with no severe consequences.

In what way does sharing clothing and food with the poor constitute meaningful repentance?

They are acts of compassion and mercy, it shows that we are no longer thinking about ourselves, but about those in need who have little or nothing.

What ways do you find to do this in your everyday life?

By giving to, helping and supporting people, who Father draws near, and giving to charity as the Spirit leads.

Tax collectors were tempted to collect more than was due them. How does this same temptation show up in your line of work or education or home?

I guess in daily life this can be seen when purchasing items of food or clothing. One company may charge you more than another for the same item.

How will we know when we have repented? What are the fruits of genuine repentance?

Willingness to be Obedient to Father, seeking after His heart. Humility, compassion, mercy, and grace towards others. Fairness, honesty, and justice. Contentment in what we have.

How does discontent with our lot in life cause us to sin? What would constitute repentance in this circumstance?

When people are discontent, they can fall in to the trap of seeking after money, people, and things for their happiness, and not after Father and the life that He has provided for them for their growth and maturity. They might become unfair in their trading, and charge more than they should. They might cheat and steal from the vulnerable, or those who are struggling.

We need put down the love of money and material things, and turn away from selfishness and greed, and what we do have, when possible to do so, we should share what we have with those less fortunate.

Love and Blessings to you all.. xx

[Jemima]

1. Why do you think John the Baptist calls people a brood of vipers, a den of snakes? - John sees the people come out as if forced by some smoke to emerge from their hiding places. He sees them come to him, but among them he probably sees the Pharisees and the Sadducees who have come to listen to him, not because they intend to change, but because they are looking out to see what he is saying, and probably condemn him for it. So, John sees their motives and realises how ready they are to strike.
2. How did the Jews' religious pride in Abraham keep them from taking John's call for repentance seriously? How could religious pride have that same effect on us? - Jew's religious pride in Abraham and piously following the Law of Moses made them deaf to the message of repentance. Pride made them self-reliant and blocked their minds from recognizing their mistakes. Religious pride can affect us the same way today. Religious rituals like the ones exercised by the Pharisees can easily blind us. We can easily fall into pride by our religious association and start living the motions while neglecting the true call to discipleship and being living examples of Christ by loving our neighbors and being merciful and compassionate towards those in need. 
3. In what way does sharing clothing and food with the poor constitute meaningful repentance? What ways do you find to do this in your everyday life?  - By sharing with those in need and the poor in our midst we express mercy for them and true reliance on God for our sustenance. If we only shared with others who can give back to us, we are then not truly giving but investing in them. When we give to the poor, we are showing compassion to them. Our sharing is an act of service. In every day life, I can do this by giving to my community church towards the needy in our midst, serving in the children's homes around me and giving of substance towards their needs. 
4. Tax collectors were tempted to collect more than was due them. How does this same temptation show up in your line of work or education or home? - In my line of work, the temptation to get more than I should shows up when I am tempted to be selfish. It can come from doing less than is expected for the same pay. It can come in the form of wasting time at work or doing things that are not work related during my work-time. Being diligent helps me to overcome this temptation.
5. How will we know when we have repented? What are the fruits of genuine repentance? - Genuine repentance calls for us to be selfless. To show mercy and be compassionate to the poor among us. Love genuinely as Christ loves us and be true ambassadors of Christ wherever we are.
6. How does discontent with our lot in life cause us to sin? What would constitute repentance in this circumstance? - Discontentment causes us to be greedy and to want more than we already have, even when we have enough. This makes us want to even take shortcuts to satisfy our greed, which is sin. True repentance in this circumstance would be being grateful for what we have and being thankful to God for His provision in our lives. true repentance would be trusting God to provide our every need. I have found that when I share what I have with those in need, even when it is not enough, I find peace in God.

[Godswriter]

Why do you think John the Baptist calls people a brood of vipers, a den of snakes? I believe that John called them that because they acted like they were religious while they judged everyone else by a set of standards that were not set by God but by man. 

How did the Jews' religious pride in Abraham keep them from taking John's call for repentance seriously? They believed that they were already saved from condemnation of their sins and had complete salvation but didn't realize that it took more than that.

How could religious pride have that same effect on us? We could become desensitized to the Holy Spirit and His conviction of our sins by choosing to believe that we are okay with our own lives. When in fact the Lord don't agree with us.

In what way does sharing clothing and food with the poor constitute meaningful repentance? What ways do you find to do this in your everyday life? It shows that you care for the least of these in the Kingdom of God that the Lord spoke about. I work with people who need counseling online and make sure that they get the care the need in terms of counseling and seeing a specialist for mental illness who is a Christian who will understand them better than a secular one would.

Tax collectors were tempted to collect more than was due them. How does this same temptation show up in your line of work or education or home? For certain people who may be dishonest they may think they deserve a raise by stealing it but that is not the way to earn anyone's trust at all. It is much better to be honest than to be steal. 

How will we know when we have repented? What are the fruits of genuine repentance? True repentance is when we are no longer tempted to sin in the same area w/o a sense of genuine guilt and and looking to the Lord for repentance daily. 

How does discontent with our lot in life cause us to sin? What would constitute repentance in this circumstance? It caused us to be unable to happy with what we have and happy with what we don't have at the same time. Learning to be honest with others and the Lord about how you feel.

[HCDukes]

Quote

Jesus said if you love me keep my commandments…Love ain’t what you say it’s what you do!

 

1.    Why do you think John the Baptist calls people a brood of vipers, a den of snakes? Snakes are slithery, sneaky, reptiles that slither on the ground - hidden by their environmental surroundings. John the Baptist called people a brood of vipers, and a den of snakes because of their sneaky, slithery snake like natures. The tax collectors, lawyers, soilders and the Pharisees and Sadducee’s hid their dirt (i.e. sins from the public eyes). Brood of vipers or den of snakes would signify their place of living and the gathering together to plan their evil activities.

2.    How did the Jews' religious pride in Abraham keep them from taking John's call for repentance seriously? How could religious pride have that same effect on us? They believed that they were entitled, privileged, set a part, and God’s chosen (saved) people. Due to their historical connection to the linage of Abraham - self righteousness set into their hearts and blinded them of their sin of pride and the need for repentance. They could not humble themselves to partake in the ceremonial cleaning/washing/ that was for gentile converts to become Jews/ Judaism. They saw the mote in the eyes of others but was blinded by the beam in their eyes. They became content in their tradition and content in their understanding of God (in their minds they had everything they needed spiritually) nobody could tell them anything. 
 

When we allow self righteousness and pride to blind us today, we may come to think that just being saved is enough (and stop pursuing God)… because there’s always higher levels and deeper depths that we can learn about God if we remain humble, teachable (childlike). 

3.    In what way does sharing clothing and food with the poor constitute meaningful repentance? What ways do you find to do this in your everyday life? Sharing our clothing and food with the poor, speaks to the condition of our heart. It shows are care for those who don’t have food or clothing. Whatever we do unto the least of these … we do it unto Christ. 

4.    Tax collectors were tempted to collect more than was due them. How does this same temptation show up in your line of work or education or home? This is the temptation of greed and not being content with what one has and desiring or coveting or ******* after what isn’t your’s. 

5.    How will we know when we have repented? What are the fruits of genuine repentance? We will know when we have truly repented - when there’s a change in our actions, a change in our mind set, a change attitudes, lifestyles, desires. The fruits of genuine repentance is obedience to the word, will and ways of God. Fruits of genuine repentance is genuine love, kindness, peace, long suffering (the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5th Chapter).  The fruits of genuine repentance is “change” (spiritual growth),  allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us into the image of Jesus the Christ. 

6.    How does discontent with our lot in life cause us to sin? What would constitute repentance in this circumstances.

 Discontent with our lot in life causes us to sin by not be grateful, thankful and appreciative for all that God has given us. It can also lead to a complaining spirit. Impatient spirit, angry and accusatory spirit against God. When this happens, doors are opened that allows Satan a foothold into our lives and heart. Satan plants his seed weeds in our heart - that causes us to doubt God or to make us think God doesn’t love us or that he loves others more.
 

Repentance in these circumstances is much like tilling a ground full of weeds, roots, stones (we must break up our fallow ground). The book of Joel speaks to breaking up our fallow ground (things/sins/) in our heart that are deep rooted. Surrendering, Submitting, Yielding and confessing these sins and asking God/The Holy Spirit to uproot them out of our heart/out of our lives/out of our attitudes/ out of our spirit will bring about the CHANGE that comes from true repentance!

[crissy464]

1. Why do you think John the Baptist calls people a brood of vipers, a den of snakes?
        They were people that didn’t believe and they came  because they wanted to see what was going on, or maybe they wanted to be baptised.  

2. How did the Jews' religious pride in Abraham keep them from taking John's call for repentance seriously? How could religious pride have that same effect on us?
    They had Abraham as their father, they responded personally to God and his call. They believed that they were children of God so they needed not baptism

3. In what way does sharing clothing and food with the poor constitute meaningful repentance? What ways do you find to do this in your everyday life?
        To share clothing and food with those less fortunate requires that we repent of selfishness and greed. True repentance turns one away from trusting in self or material security to trusting in God. As a result, one is able to let go of things once grasped tightly. A repentant life is a changed life, not in that perfection is ever attained but in that the fruit of repentance — a change in action and attitudes — becomes discernible in a person’s character

4. Tax collectors were tempted to collect more than was due them. How does this same temptation show up in your line of work or education or home?

      When people try to sell something for more than it’s worth. There trying to get over on them. This is a dishonest action
        

      
5. How will we know when we have repented? What are the fruits of genuine repentance?
    When we put God first. The fruits of repentance is a changed life. A change of desire, turning away from sin and turning to the Lord, with a new life

 6.  How does discontent with our lot in life cause us to sin? What would constitute repentance in this circumstance?
           Lack of trust with God.