Repent

Now let’s keep reading 1 John 2:1-6 to help us understand how our response to sin changes when we become Christians.

  • John says he wrote this so we won’t sin. How might knowing God’s forgiveness help us say no to sin?
  • According to verses 1 and 2, what’s true if we do sin?
  • Verses 3-5 are clear that people who know God obey him. How might you need to obey God in your life?
  • Verse 6 says that, as Christians, we’re meant to live like Jesus did. How does this make you feel?

 

None of us are going to imitate Jesus perfectly. Our sin will get in the way. That’s why it’s important to deal with our sin. We must get into the habit of confessing our sins and repenting of them (turning away from sin with a desire to please God instead). As we do that, our attitudes, priorities, and actions will begin to look more and more like those of Jesus.

What is repentance?
Urim’s experience

Course-Correcting

Repentance means to transform our perspective, resulting in a change of behaviour and direction. It involves turning away from sinful attitudes, desires, and actions to embrace the way of Jesus.

As you realise how your sin grieves God and does damage, you turn to him in remorse and ask for his help to change and live like Jesus instead.

"It was only when I became convinced that Jesus Christ died to pay for my sins that I was able to repent of my porn addiction. Repentance for me meant binning my old phone that I used solely to watch porn for hours on end. I used to think repentance was a daunting and costly decision. Maybe it is—but it’s worth it! Through my repentance, God freed me from my addiction."
Urim