1 - Introduction - Living like a real Christian City - The World That Is | Page 13

Although there is some bitterness in any repentance, in the gospel there is
ultimately a sweetness. This creates a thoroughly new dynamic for personal
growth. The more we see our own flaws and sins, the more precious,
electrifying, andamazing God’s grace appears to us. On the other hand, the
more aware weare of God’s grace and our acceptance in Christ, the more able
we are to drop our denials and self-defences and admit the true dimensions of
our sin.
George Whitefield, the eighteenth-century Methodist preacher, wrote
onrepentance, “God give me a deep humility, a well-guided zeal, a burning
loveand a single eye, and then let men or devils do their worst!”

Sunday
John 3 v 16 – 18
Micah 6 v 8
Philippians 4 v 5 – 7
2 Peter 1 v 3 – 4
Gospel repentance involves deep humility (vs. pride)
Have you looked down on anyone? Have you been too stung by criticism? Have
you felt snubbed or ignored? Repent by considering the free grace of Jesus
until you sense (a) decreasing disdain, since you are a sinner too, and (b)
decreasing pain over criticism, since you value God’s love more than human
approval. Reflect on God’s grace until you experience a deep humility and a
grateful, restful joy.
Gospel repentance involves well-guided zeal (vs. anxiety)
Have you avoided people or tasks that you know you should face? Have you
been anxious and worried? Have you failed to be circumspect, or have you
been rash and impulsive? Repent by considering the free grace of Jesus until
there is (a) no cowardly avoidance of hard things, since Jesus faced evil for
you, and (b) no anxious or rash behaviour, since Jesus’ death proves that God
cares and watches over you. Reflect on God’s grace until you experience calm
thoughtfulness and strategic boldness.