The Decision to Return to God

The Decision to Return to God

Do you feel trapped by a bad habit or tormented by guilt? Repentance is the key to finding freedom and joy again. We all probably know the story of David and Bathsheba, which is found in 2 Samuel 11:1-12:25.

A. What attitudes masquerade as repentance?

Someone may pray, “Lord, I really regret getting caught. Now, everyone knows about my wrongdoing.” Or, “God, I’m really sorry I sinned. I certainly hope I can do better next time.” These types of responses are usually prompted by guilt or embarrassment rather than a heartfelt sense of remorse. They include no commitment to responding differently to the temptation in the future, and no admission that our choice to rebel against the Lord is harmful to us and others. Believers talk to God this way when we simply want to escape the conviction of the Holy Spirit or feel better about ourselves. That’s why a “confession” like the ones above is not genuine repentance.

God want s us to have real “sorrow” about our sinning. “For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. (2 cor. 7:10)

B. What does genuine repentance involve?

1. We must confess.

Christians shouldn’t just say, “Lord, I’m sorry for my mistake.” Rather, they should acknowledge, “Lord, I have sinned against You.”

Physical symptoms can accompany unconfessed sin. David writes”When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long. Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.” (Ps. 32:3-4)



But look what the Bible says if we admit our transgressions and forsake them? “….. if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” (Prov. 28:13)



James says “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16. Note: Given its context, this verse most likely refers to spiritual healing in which a particular sin no longer holds us in its grip.

2. We must acknowledge that any transgression is primarily against God.

Although others may be hurt by our sin, believers should recognize that our greatest offense is against the Lord.

After David was confronted about his sin by the prophet Nathan, he composed Psalm 51. Look what he writes in Psalm 51:4: “Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.”

This doesn’t mean that David failed to recognize the wrong he had done against Uriah and Bathsheba. However, he realized that his sin was chiefly against the Lord.



3. We must take full responsibility for sin.

Anytime we try to blame someone else for our wrongdoing, repentance is incomplete. Ultimately, each individual involved in a sin has made a decision to rebel against God. David didn’t rationalize, “Lord, I wasn’t the only one involved. You know it takes two. She should have been more careful. I am only human.”

King David’s immediate response when confronted with the specifics of his sin and God’s judgment was not making excuse. He didn’t even mention Bathsheba. Instead he said to Nathan: “I have sinned against the LORD.” (2 Sam. 12:13) David accepted full responsibility for his sins.

Do most people tend to pass the blame to others, or do they typically own up to their sin?

4. Repentance involves total honesty with God.

The Lord wants us to be honest about our sin, weaknesses, and frustrations. Truthfulness promotes fellowship. As long as we are open with Him, He can continue to work with us.

Trouble starts when believers make excuses: “Now, Lord, I just made a mistake. After all, everybody has faults. Nobody is perfect.” Responding like this avoids the real issue. It is therefore dishonest. Those who constantly deny their guilt will not mature spiritually or find freedom from sin.

The Lord appreciates “… a broken and repentant heart” (Ps. 51:17)



David wrote that God desires honesty even from the time we are in the womb. (Ps. 51:6). In other words, we need to be totally honest with ourselves and the Lord. Are we usually able to do this regarding our sin and weaknesses?

C. What happens when we delay our repentance?

After David committed many sins in his relationship with Bathsheba including having her husband killed, he didn’t confess it immediately or even of his own accord. He didn’t confess until he was confronted by Nathan. (see 2 Sam 12:1-6)?



Whether we like it or not the Bible teaches that the Lord disciplines those who are disobedient. Even though David admitted his sin: “I have sinned against the LORD.” (2 Samuel 12:13), Nathan told him “….the LORD has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin. Nevertheless, because you have shown utter contempt for the LORD by doing this, your child will die.” (2 Samuel 12:14) This is really harsh but often sin has consequences. In fact, even though David was forgiven he had troubles throughout the rest of his reign as king of Israel!

David’s failure to repent sooner increased the severity of the penalty for his rebellion. But if we deal with our sin genuinely, openly, and immediately, God often lessens the harshness of His chastisement. Why is that? Because if He sees that we have plans to obey next time, stern correction is usually not needed.

The longer we put off repentance, the greater God’s discipline. Those who are wise will repent quickly.

We need to always examine our selves and see if the is Lord prompting us to repent of a particular sin? And DO IT!



Closing: False confession keeps us trapped in guilt and sin. Genuine repentance allows us to experience renewed fellowship with the Lord. When God convicts us of wrongdoing, we must honestly admit our sin and turn away from it. We won’t regret it.



FACE TO FACE



I had walked life’s way with an easy tread,

I had traveled where pleasures and comfort led,

Until one day in a quiet place,

I met the Master face to face.



With station and rank and wealth for my goal,

Much thought for my body but none for my soul,

I had entered to win this life’s mad race,

When I met the Master face to face.



I had built my castles and reared them high,

Till the towers had pierced the blue of the sky,

I had sworn to rule with an iron mace,

When I met the Master face to face.



I met Him and I knew Him and I blushed to see,

That His eyes full of sorrow were fixed on me.

I faulted and fell at His feet that day,

While my castles melted and vanished away,

Melted and vanished and in their place

Nothing else could I see but my Master’s face.



My thoughts were not for the souls of men,

I have lost my life-to find it again,

Since that day in a quiet place,

I met the Master face to face.