The Very First words of Jesus’ ministry

Lesson 1 - Repentance – Matthew 4:17

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”


In this verse, Jesus is starting his public ministry, and the core message he proclaims is the call to repentance. "Repent" refers to turning away from sin, changing one's mindset and behavior, and seeking forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Jesus emphasizes that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, meaning that God's reign and authority are near and accessible to those who repent.

This verse underscores the importance of recognizing and acknowledging our need for spiritual transformation and reconciliation with God. It invites individuals to reflect on their actions, attitudes, and beliefs, and to turn away from a life that is contrary to God's will. Repentance is a foundational step in the journey of faith, paving the way for a deeper relationship with God and the reception of his grace and salvation.

Throughout the New Testament, the call to repentance remains a central theme in Jesus' teachings and the message of the early Christian church. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's love and the invitation to a life centered on righteousness and obedience to God's commands.

 ALL true disciples of Jesus start with repentance – It’s a second chance at life! 

 Definition of Repentance: 

 1: to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life

 2 
a: to feel regret or contrition

b: to change one's mind (turning from the flesh) 

 Source: Merriam-Webster

 There’s plenty of reasons to turn your life around. A life of sin only leads down to death. And there is different types of sin. Original sin, Personal Sin, and generational sin. 

 * * * * * What is Sin? * * * * * 

 Mark 7:20-23

“What comes out of a person is what defiles them. ²¹ For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, ²² adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. ²³ All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

 2 Timothy 2-4

People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—

 Galatians 5:19-21

The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

 Galatians 5:22-26

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. 

 1 CO 6:9-11

Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 

 Titus 3:1-8

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, ² to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.

³ At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. ⁸ This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

 Proverbs 10:16 


The wages of the righteous is life, but the earnings of the wicked are sin and death.

 Romans 6:23 


For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 Repentance is also a sign of Humility

And we Surrender to the …

King of Kings, Lord of Lords

We Acknowledge The Lord is Right, and We were Wrong… We thought we knew better. 

 Proverbs 22:4 


Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.

 Repentance – Acts 3:19-23

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped
out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you— even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 

 Repentance – Acts 3:19-23

For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’

Proverbs 24:16
for though the righteous fall seven (7) times,
they rise again

Our Belief’s and Attitudes is where we can start to change

Personal Reflection & Prayer

Prayer of repentance – 

Prayer:

Lord, We want to turn to You.  We Desire Change!

Lord, change us

from the inside. 

Our hearts, minds,

souls & Spirits. 

May we KNOW you in Spirit & Truth