I.INTRODUCTION--"God now commands all men everywhere to repent." Acts 17:30

A. Paul preached to men who were "ignorant" of the true God.
B. He taught them of the nature of God. Acts 17:24-29
C. Then he showed how God motivates men to repent. Acts 17:31
D. Yet some men are not moved to repent by the prospect of judgment. Acts 24:24-25
1. "Demons believe and tremble." James 2:19
2. Some say, "I'll get past this time of fear, and be OK."

II.LESSON-- Sermon books have few lessons on repentance, and many preachers seem reluctant to mention it.

A. Can I be moved to repent, to have some personal gain?
1. Matthew 3:1-2 "Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
a. Jesus also preached it! Matthew 4:17 (Am I impressed?)
b. Disciples often inquired about the kingdom.
c. Rulers (like Joseph of Arimathea) looked for it.
MOTIVATION? I can SHARE in the glorious reign of Christ!

BUT IF NOT MOVED, I show my indifference to one of the eternal purposes of God. Ephesians 3:8-11

2. Acts 2:38, 3:19 "For the remission of sins."
a. The prophets connected this with the Christ. Romans 11:25-27 (refers to Isaiah 59:20, and 27:9)
b. The central core of preaching Christ is "repentance and remission of sins in his name." Luke 24:46-47
MOTIVATION? To be JUSTIFIED from sin!
BUT IF NOT MOVED, I give no honor to the role of Jesus.
3. 1 Corinthians 5:1-8, 2 Corinthians 2:5-7, 7:8-12
a. Individuals need to repent, but so do churches.
b. (Churches and individuals in Asia were commanded to repent. Rev. 2:5, 16, 21, 22, 3:3, 19)
MOTIVATION? (for Churches) Recovery of good reputation.
(for individuals) Regain fellowship and be delivered from Satan.

BUT IF NOT MOVED? It shows that I care nothing for my reputation, and that I am indifferent to deliverence.

B. Motives that respond to God's character.
1. Romans 2:2-4 "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance."

MOTIVATION? God's willingness to show mercy and to save should "melt" the cold heart.

BUT IF NOT MOVED, I "despise the riches of His goodness."
2. Luke 13:3-5 "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

MOTIVATION? Fear of the wrath of God, whether physical calamity (as on the Jews in the text) or "last day" wrath. 2 Peter 3:3-12; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9


BUT IF NOT MOVED, I may show courage in risking condemnation, in view of the certainty of judgment (Acts 17:31), but my fearlessnesss may result from unbelief and ignorance!

3. Luke 15:3-7 "Leaves the 99...searches for one lost!"
MOTIVATION? Appreciate the concern of the shepherd!
BUT IF NOT MOVED, I am cold-hearted and unfeeling!

C. But if we are brought to repentance by these motives, we are...
1. Conformable and receptive to God's design!
2. Concerned for reputation and fellowship with God!
3. Cognizant of the value of Jesus' death!
4. Impressed by the riches of God's goodness!
5. Sensitive to the need to escape judgment.
6. Warm in heart toward the efforts of the shepherd!

III. APPEAL-- When Simon saw his condition in sin, he repented. Acts 8:20-24

A. God has limits in appealing to the sinner, beyond which He will not go. Luke 16:27-31
B. Haughty pride is a hindrance. Matthew 21:23-32