WE NEED STRONG MEN WHO REPENT
WE NEED STRONG MEN WHO REPENT
Repentance. A word that makes people uncomfortable. A word that has become almost unwelcome in many churches today. But repentance is not optional—it is essential. From the beginning of Scripture to the end, God commands His people to repent. And as men, we are called to lead the way in repentance, both in our homes and in our churches. If we desire strong families and strong churches, it begins with us. It begins with our willingness to humble ourselves before God, confess our sins, and turn back to Him.
We cannot afford to ignore this call. God has placed the leadership of the home and the church on the shoulders of men. If we are to lead well, we must model what true repentance looks like—not just in word, but in action. Our families are watching. Our churches are watching. More importantly, God Himself is watching.
What is Repentance?
Repentance is often misunderstood. Many see it as simply feeling bad for their sins. But true repentance is far more than remorse—it is a complete change of direction and a change of mind and life.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for repentance means to turn or return. It is the image of a man walking down the wrong path, realizing his error, and turning back. In the New Testament, the Greek word metanoia means a change of mind. This is not just an intellectual shift but a transformation of heart and action. True repentance is both turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is rejecting the path of destruction and choosing the way of righteousness.
Repentance is a Command
Repentance is not an option—it is a command from God. Scripture makes this abundantly clear:
God called Israel to repent and return to Him.
John the Baptist’s message was a call to repentance.
Jesus Himself began His ministry with the words: “Repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)
Peter, on the day of Pentecost, proclaimed: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38)
This is not a suggestion. It is a divine imperative. To ignore repentance is to ignore God’s direct command.
Repentance is the Mark of a True Christian
Repentance is not just about salvation—it is the ongoing posture of the Christian life. It is not something we do once and then forget. Rather, it is a daily practice, a continual turning back to God in humility and faith. Martin Luther put it best when he said, “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent,’ he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”
Every day, we must examine our hearts. We must confess our sins. We must ask for God’s grace to change. We must turn away from anything that draws us away from Him. This is the life of a man who truly follows Christ.
The Fruit of Repentance
How do we know if our repentance is real? Scripture tells us that repentance bears fruit. John the Baptist warned the religious leaders of his day, “Bear fruits in keeping with repentance.” (Luke 3:8) True repentance is visible. It produces real, lasting change.
What does this fruit look like?
A deep hatred for sin
A growing desire for holiness
A transformed life
A greater love for God
A refusal to make excuses for sin
If these things are not evident in our lives, we must ask ourselves—have we truly repented? Or have we merely felt bad about our sin without ever turning away from it?
Men, We Must Lead in Repentance
Men, we set the tone for our families and churches. If we do not lead in repentance, who will? If we ignore our sin, what example are we setting for our wives, our children, and our brothers in Christ? Our families and churches will only be as strong as we are willing to be honest before God and walk in obedience to Him.
Repent before your wife. Do not let pride keep you from admitting when you have sinned. Show her what godliness looks like by confessing and turning away from sin.
Repent before your children. Teach them that sin is serious, but God is gracious. Let them see in you a man who truly walks with God.
Repent within the church. Be an example to your brothers in Christ. Do not hide your sin. Be the kind of man who humbles himself before God and others.
We cannot allow sin to take root in our hearts, our homes, or our churches. Sin that is left unchecked will destroy everything we love. If we are to be godly men, we must be repenting men.
A Call to Action
Brothers, the time for excuses is over. The time for delay is gone. God has commanded us to repent. Will we obey? Will we be the men God has called us to be?
If you do not know Christ, turn to Him today. Trust in His death and resurrection for your salvation. If you have been walking in sin, let today be the day you turn from it once and for all. No more rationalizing. No more justifying. Repent, and follow Christ wholeheartedly.
If you are a husband, lead your family in repentance. If you are a father, show your children what it means to be a godly man. If you are part of this church, commit yourself to being a man who sets an example of holiness and faithfulness.
We need strong men. We need men who fear God more than they fear the opinions of others. We need men who love Christ more than they love their sin. We need men who will rise up and lead with integrity, humility, and courage.
God, give us strong men—men who repent, men who obey, men who lead.
Let us be those men.
