Searching for what is ‘beneficial’ in life (Repentance towards God and Faith in Jesus Christ)

Text 1 Cor 10;23; Acts 20:17-21,

Introduction: To discover what is beneficial in life is a great blessing (Moses’ prayer Psalm 90:12; Solomons’ conclusion Ecc. 12:13-14). But human nature is such that, unless there is divine grace, we focus on things that are, interesting, negative, but not positive (e.g, Gen 3: Isaiah 1:9; Jer 29:4-9). May the Lord help us to search for good things in life and to hold on to them. In searching for what is beneficial, in this text (Acts 20:17-21), St Paul tells us what every human being must hear: repentance towards God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Repentance towards God

All humans have turned away from God-His perfect way of life (Isaiah 53:6), and God wants us back to himself (Acts 3:26; 2 Cor 5:18-21;1 Pet 3:18) to live an abundant life. Naomi went her own way in seeking greener pastures in the wrong place; repentance restored her (Ruth 1-4). David went his own way for pleasure and nearly destroyed his life through adultery. How should we repent? The 10 commandments are a guide back to God (Exodus 20).

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Why? Whoever believes in Him will have eternal life (John 6:40; Heb. 5:8-10); in Him there is life (John 1:4-5); His blood cleanses our sins (1 John 2:1-2); and He overcomes the devil (Rev. 12:11). How? Confess with your mouth and believe in your heart the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-13). Follow Jesus in life: his teachings and missions (e.g, Matt 28:19-20). Learn more about him (1 Cor 2:1-4; Phil 3:8-11).