Find Hope: Matthew 1-4Sample

Repent-Part 2-Filling

Yesterday we understood John's call for people to repent for forgiveness as a ministry of preparation—almost like an emptying that needed to take place before a filling. But if we stop at empty, we have totally missed the point.

While John was ministering, some people came out to be baptized by him who apparently didn't really understand what repentance was. They came wanting a get-out-of-jail-free card, but with no intention to live any differently after their baptism. They are simply trying to avoid the judgement and wrath that John is preaching about—which is logical, but it's not repentance; it's kind of a half repentance.

You've worked out you don't like where this road is leading you, but you're not necessarily wanting to turn to Jesus in confession, trust, dependence, and worship. And if it's not a turn to Jesus, it's not Christian repentance.

Genuine repentance produces fruit. A relationship with Jesus changes who we are and how we live. John baptized with water, but Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire. He fills us, writes his good law on our hearts, reminds us whose we are, and strengthens us to trust and obey—which is the fruit of repentance.

Today, ponder this: Genuine repentance produces fruit. Are there areas of your life where you have only half repented? You have confessed sin, but have continued walking in the same pattern. Turn to Jesus in prayer now, ask him to change you by his Holy Spirit so that you would love and trust him in this area of your life.