Four Steps of Repentance

Read 1 Samuel 12

1) Discover what sin(s) you have committed through:
* the Spirit speaking through the Word
- be consistent in reading/studying the Word
- make it a goal to consistently pray for the Lord
to reveal specific sins
* other people
- surround yourself with strong Christians who
aren't afraid to confront you
- keep yourself accountable

2) Confess the specific sin(s)
* Come clean with your sin so God's grace can move
you forward into repentance.
* Psalm 51

3) Receive forgiveness and joy from God
* Psalm 32

4) Turn away from the sin(s) -- change directions
* Don't just be sorry -- sorrow isn't enough
* Not just improvement of behavior (Luke 3:8)
* Not just changing direction and behavior, but
have a changed mind (Romans 12:2)

As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. (2 Corinthians 7:9-11)