Godliness

“For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20 KJV).

Character is often defined as being who you are when no one is looking. All demonstrations of righteousness have their origin in repentance. Inasmuch as the Old Testament was written in Hebrew and the New Testament was translated in Greek, one of my go-to Bible study tools is Strong’s Concordance. Some versions also include Hebrew and Greek dictionaries. Using the appropriate tool, I learned the following translations for the word “repent”:

Hebrew: to turn around; to change the course of direction; to do about face

Greek: to change one’s mind; how they think pertaining to what God is revealing, or has revealed

When we combine the Hebrew and Greek definitions together, we gain a clearer, and more complete comprehension of the breadth and depth of real repentance. From my perspective, fusion of the definitions means: “After changing our minds, we’ll in turn receive strength to change our actions, and to live aligned with God’s ways.” That’s a mouth full, and worthy of meditation. In short, repentance is an about face, in response to having God’s perspective on a given matter. It’s an embracing of God’s perspective, and for the sake of living life in alignment with His desire and will, allowing it to become your new stance. However, it’s more than just changing our mind; it’s also influencing how we live. Real repentance will always alter how we live and walk in Christ. Apart from genuine repentance, there is no lasting change.

When we possess the humility to honor God’s Word, over our preferred ways, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit aids us in living out these new convictions. These convictions become the values that dictate our response to the impulses of the flesh and the suggestions of hell. This is why Jesus began His public ministry declaring, “Repent, for the kingdom is at hand” (Matt 4:17b NKJV). He was telling them that a new realm is open to you, but in order to access what He’s made available, a perspective upgrade is required. We see this concept echoed by Paul, “And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2 KJV). The degree in which your mind is renewed, through repentance, will determine what measure of God’s will you’ll be able to live out. We see the three measures communicated in the text: good, acceptable and perfect. We’ll examine later how there are levels to repentance.

The order of repentance is revelation, new convictions, and formulation of new values which ends in righteous living. What starts as a revelation will conclude in a revolution; you learning of God’s Word and ways should alter your living. This is the fruit of repentance mentioned in Matthew 3:8 (KJV), “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:” Real repentance should always have corresponding fruit. It’s not enough to know what God says; we must allow what He’s said, to change how we live. This is true repentance. Jesus required it of the disciples, and He requires it from us now. Fruit, or evidence of real repentance, is followed by a corresponding action that is consistent with an inward desire to walk in the will of God pertaining to any and every issue. Fruit of the Spirit begins with repentance.

I believe the primary reason Jesus emphasized repentance is because redemption starts with repentance. Repent and believe is the sequence presented by Jesus Himself in Mark 1:15 (KJV), “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Apart from genuine repentance, we cannot walk in true faith. Our eyes must be opened to God’s way, if we’re going to walk in God’s power. Life changing transformation is the desired end for every follower of Jesus. He’s not trying to do small renovations, tweaks and changes to our lives; He’s trying to make us new, and just like Him. As much as every person has modeled the nature of the fallen man Adam, so shall every believer model the nature of Jesus (Rom. 5:17–19). So, repentance was the first message of Jesus, and repentance is man’s first transformative response to God.

Questions:

(1) Explain how repentance leads to godly character.

(2) Transformation is the work of God, but what part do we play as believers to aid in change?

(3) What does Mark 7:14–23 mean to you?

Transformative Prayer:

Father, I want to be a light to others, and allow them to see and experience You through my life. I yield to your dealings, and I abandon my own ways that would dampen my witness. Just as Jesus demonstrated, I choose to live a life led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, so that it’s all You and not me that people will encounter. Let’s change the world, one day at a time. Amen.