Sermon Notes

Series Truth: Revival restores the joy of knowing Jesus and reawakens us to a life that’s fully alive in Him.

First Step: Remember what was.

Next Step: __ of what is.

Question 1: What does it mean to repent? Repent means “to change one’s mind.” A genuine change of __ will produce a genuine change of __.

Ephesus was not the only church called to repent. Five of the seven churches of Revelation 2-3 were called to repent for specific spiritual failures or compromises:

1. Ephesus (Revelation 2:1–7): REPENT for leaving your first __ (Jesus).
2. Smyrna (Revelation 2:8–11): No command to repent.
3. Pergamum (Revelation 2:12–17): REPENT of tolerating false __, idolatry, and practices that led to moral compromise and sexual immorality.
4. Thyatira (Revelation 2:18–29): REPENT of tolerating a false prophetess who misled believers into sexual immorality and unholy practices.
5. Sardis (Revelation 3:1–6): REPENT of __ and spiritual death while acting like you’re alive and active.
6. Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7–13): No command to repent.
7. Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22): REPENT of being spiritually __ and acting self-sufficient. You are spiritually wretched, poor, blind and naked.

Key Idea: Repentance begins when we stop __ what God is __.

Question 2: How can we know if we’ve repented? 2 Corinthians 7:11 gives one of the clearest definitions of repentance in the Bible. When repentance is genuine, it will be marked by seven characteristics of purity. Genuine repentance…

1. Produces a desire for __. (What earnestness)
2. Brings a hope for vindication (What vindication of yourselves)
3. Results in anger over __ (What indignation)
4. Restores reverential fear (What fear)
5. Longs for restored __. (What longing)
6. Renews a zeal for holiness.(What zeal)
7. Avenges the wrong done by __. (What avenging of wrong)

Question 3: How can I discover areas in need of repentance? While this list is not exhaustive, it can help you pinpoint areas for repentance.

Truth/Honesty

• Do I tell the whole truth? Do I withhold facts that don’t reflect well on me? Am I living in the shadows or walking in the light?

• Have I been dishonest? Have I lied, exaggerated, or misrepresented the truth in any way to anyone? Do I keep my word?

Obedience

• Am I walking in accordance with God’s Word? Have I obeyed what God has called me to do? Is my repentance up to date? Do I yield to the promptings of the Spirit?

Spiritual Disciplines/Responsibilities

• Have I neglected God’s Word and prayer in my daily life? Is God’s kingdom the priority in my life? Am I living a prayerless life? Am I engaged in biblical community? Am I using my gifts in service to others? Am I worshipping God with all my heart, mind, soul and strength? Am I supporting the ministry of the local church?

Relationships

• Do I have feelings of jealousy? Is there anyone I dislike hearing praised? Am I secretly annoyed over the accomplishments and advancements of others?

• Is there anyone I have not forgiven? Is there any bitterness or resentment in my heart? Is there anyone with whom I have unresolved conflict? Have I wronged anyone and failed to make it right?

Heart/Character

• Have I stolen? Do I take little things that do not belong to me? Have I robbed God by withholding money or time that belongs to Him?

• Have I compromised God’s standard? Do I get angry easily? Am I easily offended? Do I have a critical, judgmental spirit towards others?

• Am I guilty of sexual sin? Do I allow my mind to dwell on impure and unholy thoughts? Do I have any secret sin that I should forsake?

Tongue/Speech

• Do I murmur and complain? Do I gossip about others? Do I speak unkindly about people when they are not present? Is the reputation of another person safe with me? Have I hurt someone—or my church—by needless talk about someone’s faults? Is the heart and character of Jesus reflected in my speech?

Faith/Trust in God

• Have I failed to trust God for my physical and spiritual needs? Am I constantly worried and anxious? Do I attempt to control people and situations? Have I rejected God’s call to walk by faith?