Theme:
Repentance
Title:
What is the true purpose of repentance?
Desired Outcomes:
The purpose of this uGroup is to remind members that even though we do sin because of our sinful nature, that there is always grace for us by the blood of Jesus and that we should never stop pressing to become better and sanctified in God’s eyes.
Core Scriptures:
- Matthew 3:2
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
Welcome:
Any fun and welcoming Icebreaker that gets the members moving, on their feet, where all the members can participate in. If there are new members be careful not to create a space where they feel exposed or uncomfortable.
Word:
Introduce the message by asking the following questions:
- What is repentance?
- Here you can ask various members for their opinions to make the word interactive. Repentance is a decision of the mind that leads to a change of action and or purpose. Then ask members if their actions changed after they repented? Give members time to answer.
- Now read through Matthew 3:2 and explain that Jesus these were John the Baptists’ words while he was preaching in Judea and ask members what are their thoughts on this specific verse?
- The leader should also include in their word that it is our flesh and our carnal mind that keeps us in sin and it is that when we walk in the Spirit that our mind gets renewed and that we become more and more like Jesus -Romans 12:2.
- The leader should also include in their word that it is our flesh and our carnal mind that keeps us in sin and it is that when we walk in the Spirit that our mind gets renewed and that we become more and more like Jesus -Romans 12:2.
- What they think are the implications of repenting?
- Some of the implications may entail: a formal rejection of something e.g. sin, total submission to God, teachability and continued shape ability and lastly it will give you a clean and healthy heart.
- The leader should also mention that the Holy Spirit is the only one that convicts and should convicts us of sin (John 16:8) and is the conductor towards repentance (Romans 8:1).
- It is also important for the leader to remind members and visitors that no action/ sin that we might do can make God love us less (Romans 8:38-39).
- Repentance helps us transform and conform more to be like Christ. As children of God and disciples we should be responsive and obedient to God’s word.
- We should have the desire to become more holy and righteous. Jesus died for us to be in right standing with God- the leader can ask members if they are on good terms with God and if something is standing between them and God.
- Read through 2 Corinthians 12:9 and make it clear that no matter what sin you may struggle with- His grace is sufficient and enough and that His power is made strong in our weakness.
The leader should also remind members that Jesus died to give you and God a second chance. Only God can truly help a person change and become better.
The true purpose of repentance is that it gets us to a place where we realize that we should strive to be Christ-like and that we are not perfect and that we do still need God. Repentance leads us to change and helps us to stand with a clean and light heart before God.
Lastly, the leader can discuss how we repent with members.