Small Group Idea: Repentance

Chuck on July 20th, 2009

Telling whether someone is truly repentant can have difficulties.  Sometime words can be correct, but actions don’t follow.  Other times it’s in the words said that tell whether or not someone is truly repentant…in other words, there are times in which you don’t need to see actions/behaviors, because the words don’t even match up to a truly repentant person.

The video below could be a good discussion starter on this topic of understanding repentance – it just came out today.  Watch the video with your small group and ask some of the following questions.  If you don’t know, this is recording artist Chris Brown, who in February of this year beat up his girlfriend, Rihanna – also a recording artist:

Prior to watching the video:

  • What is repentance?
  • What are some ways in which we can tell whether or not someone is repentant?
  • Do you know of any passages in Scripture that speak about repentance?

 

After the video:

  • Based on his words, do you think he’s truly repentant?  Why or why not?
  • What specifically did he say that led you to think that way?
  • What is he NOT saying that led you to think that?
  • Does scripture speak to public confession like this when we repent?  If so, where?
  • What do you think the difference is between repentance and remorse?  

For your help, you can use this definition of remorse/sorrow: having a deep sense of guilt.  It speaks of someone who is sorrowful for what they have done, or have not done. 

Here is a definition of repentance:  Repentance is a change of mind to move away from sin and toward God.  It is a change of view, feeling, and purpose that respects God and comprehends sin from His perspective which will inevitably result in a change of the way we live life.

I would recommend you staying somewhat neutral in the discussion – as I have here.   Certainly find some passages that speak to true repentance and walk through them with your students.  Here are a couple verses to start with along with a question to begin discussion…

Luke 3:3 – What does this verse say repentance is for?

2 Corinthians 7:10 – what are the two types of sorrow mentioned in this verse?  What is the difference between them?

Related posts:

  1. Small Group Study: Judging
  2. churches that embrace college-age people
  3. Idea for college-prep
  4. Pride
  5. Everything Labeled “Emergent”

Share Discuss (2)

dave flaig at 4:13pm July 20

True repentance is evidenced by 4 “R’s” Regret, Remorse, Repair & Resolve to never do that again. These all come from David’s example in Psalm 51 where he was guilty of a MUCH greater list of crimes than Mr. Brown’s public fiasco. Chris’ “recital”… haha that an “R”…seemed to cover personal regret beyond getting caught or it being public. Remorse for his actions, repair…well this is a first step, but we have all faced the reality that talk is cheap. For Chris time and consistent further action will see how far repair is able to go. His words speak of resolve to never do this again and we will see if he treats women differently because of it. I hope he will. I would personally hate to have to post my apologies up online as I’m sure you would yours.

Good stuff Chuck! Small groups will love it.

Mark Snee at 10:13pm July 21

Thanks for the great idea! It’s a really cool practical way to discuss the topic of repentance. Thanks man! You’re smart… and you wear cool shoes!