We continue this week’s sermon series, The Gospel of Luke, Part III: A Journey through Galilee in Luke 13:1-9, with this passage where Jesus teaches that all tragedies in life remind us that we face an even greater tragedy of eternal separation from God if we do not repent of our sin and turn to Him.

Drew’s Main Points:

*All tragic events in this life point to our need for repentance. (Vs. 1-5)

*In the examples of the Galileans and the falling tower in Siloam, Jesus points out that tragedy is common to all and not a punishment for an individuals sin. Tragedy does not strike those who have “sinned” to a greater degree.  

*It is a common thought that a person’s sin is transactionally related to their suffering. We see this in such concepts as karma and legalism.

*To clarify, this is a different belief that you reap what you sow, that a persons sin will lead to suffering.  We all know that to be true.  In karma, the belief is that a person’s sufferings are punishment sent by God as a result of our sinful actions.

*Our God is a God of mercy, slow to anger and steadfast in His love for us.

*The people were bringing up the tragic death of the Galileans as a way to avoid talking about themselves – a diversionary tactic.  This allows them to focus on another’s sin and avoid taking responsibility for their own sin.

*Jesus’ heart in this passage is to warn and point people to the necessity of repentance that they may gain eternal life through the gift of salvation.

*True faith bears the fruit of repentance. (Vs. 6-9)

*In the parable of the fig tree, Jesus is pointing out that Israel (represented in scripture as a fig tree throughout the Old Testament) has been unrepentant and that God’s mercy will come to an end if they do not repent.

*We see the compassion of the vine keeper as he encourages the owner to give the tree one more year to see if it yields fruit.  What a picture of our compassionate and patient God who desires for all to come to know Him – and yet there will be a judgment and time will run out in each individual’s life.

*An authentic faith in Christ bears the fruit of repentance.  They acknowledge their sin patterns, fight against and wage war against sin and cling to Christ.

*What does repentance look like?

Repentance of Attrition – driven by fear of the consequences of sin.  It is a lesser form of repentance because it lacks true sorrow for sin and its offense against a holy God.  That being said, it can serve a useful purpose if it leads to the repentance of contrition.

Repentance of Contrition – seeing ones sin as an offense against a sovereign and holy God and acknowledging a desire to be reconciled to God and honor Him.

*Walking in genuine repentance restores fellowship and intimacy with God.

*Repentance gives assurance of salvation. The desire to put sin to death comes from a genuine relationship with Christ.

*If you don’t see the fruit of genuine repentance in your life it should serve as a warning.

*Beware of blame shifting.

*The mark of saving faith is our response to sin, not that we don’t sin.

The bad news is that we will continue to struggle with sin.  The good news is that Christ has paid the penalty for all of our sin.  We have the privilege of bringing our sin to God, repenting of it and walking in newness of life.  By Christ’s suffering and free gift of salvation, we can experience restoration through repentance on a continuing basis.

Additional Scripture:

Psalm 103:10, 145:8-9, Ephesians 2:4-5, Daniel 7:9-14, Matthew 10:28, 2nd Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 2:6, Matthew 3:8, Psalms 51:17, Ephesians 5:3-4, Psalm 103, Genesis 3:11-13, 2nd Peter 3:9, Isaiah 53:5-6, John 1:12-14

Questions for personal reflection:

*If someone were to observe your life, would they see evidence of a repentant heart and life transformed by the Gospel?

*What motivates repentance in your life?  Is it fear of consequences or a true understanding of the offensiveness of sin to a Holy God?

*Do confession and repentance play an ongoing part in your prayer life? If not, how can you take practical steps to include this practice?

*How does what Jesus has done motivate you to lead a life that bears the fruit of repentance?

Questions for Community Group Discussion:

*How do you avoid taking responsibility for your sin?  Blame shifting? Rationalizing your sin? Minimizing your own sin? Discuss as a group.

*Drew taught that repentance encompasses acknowledging our sin patterns, fighting against sin and clinging to Christ.  What patterns of sin are you currently seeing in your life? How can we, as a community, help each other in seeing our sin and supporting our fight against it?

*How are you currently clinging to Christ? Share with the group what has been most helpful and encouraging in your walk lately?

*End your time praying for each other’s struggles, desire for repentance and a deeper love and appreciation for what Jesus has done on your behalf.

Worship Set List

Ancient Gates; Come Ye Sinners; Holy Forever; Agnus Dei; Behold The Lamb