Repent: The term translated “repent” is rooted in the OT (Lk. 11:32) word
‘sub’ – ‘to turn around’. The Greek term ‘metanoeo’ (µετανοεω) means “I repent/change”
that is a change of mind. Therefore, repentance involves a reorientation of
perspective, a fresh point of view.
“... It’s your life that must change not your
skin...” Luke 3:8 (msg)
“What should we do then?” (Lk.
3:7-14).
The parable of the tax collector who in the Temple cries out “God have
mercy on me, a sinner” (Lk. 18:9-14) demonstrates the repentant response,
though the term repentance is not used.
Turn: The Greek word is “epistrepho” (επιστρεφω). It is rarely used in the
Gospel (Lk. 1:17; 17:4; 22:32) but becomes prominent in Acts, where it pictures
the fundamental change of direction that
accompanies repentance (Acts 19:35;
11:21; 14:15; 15:19; 26:18-20; 28:27)
Faith: The Greek word “pistis” (πιστις) derivative of “pisteuo” (πιστευω)
meaning “I believe”. Luke expresses itself concretely; the faith of the
paralytic friends (Lk. 5:20), the faith of the centurion (Lk. 7:9), the faith
of the sinful woman who anoints Jesus (Lk. 7:47-50), the Samaritan leper and
the blind man also have faith the Jesus can restore them to wholeness (Lk.
17:19; 18:42).
“Faith believes and so it acts”
In Acts, those who responded were sometime called “believers” to show
the centrality of FAITH (Acts 5:14; 15:5). In a nut shell, faith is the
recognition and persuasion that God had something to offer through Jesus’ forgiveness
and the blessings of promise – which one must actively embrace. Such people
“call on the name of the Lord” Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:13)
The Blessings of the New Community
1.
Forgiveness
or release. Lk. 1:77; 3:3; 4:18; 24:47 & Acts 2:38
2.
Life. Lk.
10:25; 12:16, 21; 18:29-30
3.
Peace. Lk.
1:79; 2:14; 10:5-6; Acts 10:36
4.
The
kingdom. (Lk. 18:26-30) Those who are most obviously subjects of the Kingdom
and benefit from its presence are the disciples
5.
The Spirit.
Lk. 4:16-18; Acts 2:1-13; Joel 2:28-30
Conclusion
The new community are chosen to be the hope of the nation and also to
become distinct. The new experience of the spirit set it apart from the old
community. The spirit not only evidenced the presence of the ascended Lord but
enable the new community to live by the principles Jesus had laid down – a life
distinct from contemporary norms 0f piety and current cultural standard (Lk.
12:1; 14:1-14; 22:24-27)
“...watch yourselves carefully so you don’t get contaminated...” Luke
12:1 & 2
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